Employees of Walt Disney World’s governing district are criticizing new board members appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis for a decision to eliminate free passes and discounts to the theme park resort for 400 of its district workers.
FILE - The Cinderella Castle is seen at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, July 14, 2023, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The new administrator of Walt Disney Worlds governing district cant continue to work in his new job and be chair of Floridas ethics commission at the same time, according to a legal opinion issued Thursday, Aug. 17.
During a monthly board meeting, several current and former district firefighters spoke emotionally about how the free passes to Disney parks were a benefit for them and their families that played a major role in their decision to work for the 56-year-old district, which provides municipal services like mosquito control, drainage, wastewater treatment, planning and“The removal of this benefit takes away, for some, their entire reason for working here,” said firefighter Pete Simon.
The five members of the district’s board were appointed by DeSantis earlier this year after his takeover of the district in retaliation for Disney’s opposition to aFirefighter Aaron Clark, whose father was also a district firefighter, choked up as he recounted how growing up his dad took him to the parks using the passes and how he now does the same thing with his three daughters.
"My family had many memories at the park, spending time together, memories that can never be taken away," Ricky Clark said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Free Disney World passes is latest front in war between Disney and DeSantis appointeesGov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees to a board that oversees Disney World’s governing district have launched a battle against the company on a new front — free passes and discounts for employees.
Read more »
Free Disney World passes is latest front in war between Disney and DeSantis appointeesGov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees to a board that oversees Disney World’s governing district have launched a battle against the company on a new front — free passes and discounts for employees.
Read more »
Free Disney World passes is latest front in war between Disney and DeSantis appointeesGov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees to a board that oversees Disney World’s governing district have launched a battle against the company on a new front — free passes and discounts for employees.
Read more »
Free Disney World passes is latest front in war between Disney, DeSantis appointeesAlready involved in two lawsuits with Disney, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees to a board that oversees Disney World’s governing district on Monday launched a battle against the company on a new front - free passes and discounts for district employees.
Read more »
DeSantis asks Florida IG to probe former Disney-appointed board for dropping $2M on perksA board appointed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to oversee the special tax district for Walt Disney World is asking the state’s inspector general to probe whether officials on the former board took …
Read more »
DeSantis' appointees attack Disney over local employee perks and discountsAllies of Ron DeSantis have fired another shot at the Walt Disney Company amid the Florida governor’s long-standing rivalry with the media company.
Read more »