During a meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Board of Supervisors discussed and unanimously approved a new benefits stipend policy for its employees and retirees, replacing the previous Walt Disney World Annual Pass benefit.
During today’s meeting, District Administrator Glen Gilzean Jr. revealed that instead of a Walt Disney World Annual Pass, district employees and retirees “in certain circumstances” will instead receive a $3,000 annual stipend. The stipend can be used to purchase an annual pass to Walt Disney World if desired.
Employees will receive the new stipend 90 days from their hire date, following the probationary period. The stipend will be issued annually, and is subject to tax withholdings and budget appropriations.
In the case of retirees, eligibility for the stipend is determined based on age and years of service, with variations in eligibility for spouses of deceased employees or retirees.
Gilzean said that the District is “doing everything possible” to enhance the annual pass program, and “this stipend is part of that process.”
This updated deal will last for two fiscal years from October 1, 2023, unless the board renews.
Employees and retirees of the CFTOD have historically received Walt Disney World Annual Passes, as well as passes for family and friends and sometimes other Disney benefits. After receiving a bill from Walt Disney World, the District released a press release in August calling the benefits a “scheme” and “handouts,” vowing to remove them. Later that day, a leaked email from District Administrator Glen Gilzean Jr. revealed the District had already ended the benefits with no warning. At the next CFTOD Board meeting, District firefighters spoke out against the decision, calling it a “low blow” against them.
Martin Garcia, Chairman of the Board, said canceling the program came down to three points: the policy only benefited Walt Disney World, it was inequitable to employees because larger families got more benefits, and the policy may endorse something “illegal,” that is a private company giving gifts to public employees.
