DeSantis-Appointed Board Busts Disney's Taxpayer-Paid Employee Perks SchemeBy Neil W. McCabe
August 22, 2023
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board, the municipal-like entity that encompasses the Disney World amusement park and resort, created on February 27 by Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace the Reedy Creek Improvement District, announced Monday it has uncovered a self-dealing practice by the old district worth some $2.5 million in 2022.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District also submitted a referral to the Florida Inspector General, detailing millions of dollars worth of perks and benefits that the former Disney-controlled Reedy Creek Improvement District funneled back to Disney by billing Florida for the perks enjoyed by RDIC employees.
For decades, the former Disney-run RCID used taxpayer funds to provide season passes and amusement experiences to its employees and their family members, cover the cost of discounts on hotels, merchandise, food, and beverages, and give its own board members VIP Main Entrance passes.
The CFTOB release said that in 2022 the perks scheme cost Florida taxpayers more than $2.5 million.
In addition to constituting unethical benefits and perks, the scheme raises significant questions regarding self-dealing as the board members were only permitted a maximum of $100 per month in compensation per the Reedy Creek Improvement District Act.
The most recent invoice Disney sent to CFTOD included a charge for “Q1 FY22 Tickets” for nearly $500,000, the release said.
Other items invoiced from Disney CFTOD include $16,837.39 for merchandise discounts, $4,969.52 for food and beverage discounts, and $3,764.48 for water park discounts. CFTOD was also billed for employee hotel rooms at the Disney Yacht Club Resort, Disney Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney Coronado Springs Resort.
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Source:
https://redstate.com/mccabe/2023/08/22/disneys-25-million-taxpayer-paid-perks-scheme-sent-to-ig-n2162882
