Disney staff outraged after their perks are taken away

Walt Disney World employees are up in arms after the resort’s new leadership abruptly terminated decades of cherished workplace perks, inciting staff-wide fury. Triggered by governor-appointed administrators now overseeing Disney’s Florida kingdom, the cost-cutting move eliminates over 70,000 Disney employees’ long-enjoyed free theme park access and hefty resort discounts. Seen as the ultimate dream job perk, this free park entry privilege has formed an integral part of Disney’s worker benefits package since the resort opened in 1971.

Now, under pressure from Florida’s combative governor amid a politicized takeover of Disney’s district authority, these treasured park access passes have been reduced to a $400-$700 yearly stipend, leaving loyal staff feeling “insulted” by the beloved company many served their whole career. With tensions flaring across Disney’s properties, workers mobilize against the controversial cuts they say erode the “magic” of being on the inside—spurring turbulent times between Disney’s old and new guard.

The stipend will amount to $3,000 annually, approximately the equivalent value of the theme park passes. This was revealed by Glen Gilzean, the district administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, in a board meeting. The board unanimously endorsed the stipend.

The board members considered the employees' feedback, which included their opinions that the complimentary passes allowed them to make unforgettable memories with their families and demonstrated the outcomes of their efforts. Many employees voiced that the parks would be out of their reach financially without these free passes. "We heard you and have worked to respond accordingly," said board member Ron Peri.

The employees had enjoyed this perk for several decades when Disney had governance over the district. The district was seized by DeSantis and the Florida Legislature in retaliation to Disney's opposition last year to a state law that critics have termed "Don't Say Gay". This legislation forbids the inclusion of discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in primary education.

The organization, previously identified as the Reedy Creek Improvement District and now named the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, delivers essential municipal services, including mosquito control, drainage, and wastewater treatment.

The decision to eliminate the passes was defended by board members, who deemed the earlier board's provision of theme park season passes valued at $2.5 million, coupled with discounts on hotels, merchandise, food, and drinks sponsored by Disney, as unethical privileges and benefits. Board member Brian Aungst remarked, "The prior structure of this program could no longer be upheld from a legal standpoint."

DeSantis, who is campaigning for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, took over the governing district previously controlled by Disney allies. He accomplished this through laws enacted by the Florida Legislature, which was controlled by the Republican party. Additionally, he formed a new group of supervisors to oversee the provision of municipal services for the extensive theme parks and hotels.

In response to the restrictions placed on the new supervisors' authority over design and construction, Florida lawmakers passed legislation that annulled those agreements. This led to legal battles with Disney suing DeSantis in federal court for violating the company's free speech rights, and the district suing Disney in state court aiming to nullify the agreements.

The recent changes in the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District highlights the complex relationships between corporate entities, governmental bodies, and the benefits offered to employees. The decision to offer a stipend in lieu of previously enjoyed perks could be seen as an attempt to strike a balance amidst political and administrative tensions. Whether this approach will appease employees and critics alike remains to be seen.