The feud between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney World escalated beyond mere words.
As DeSantis and seven others prepared for the first Republican debate for the 2024 national election, he had more worries back home in Florida.
His handpicked board of supporters, known as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), to replace the Reedy Creek Improvement District to oversee the entertainment giant is apparently miffed that it received a $2.5 million bill from Disney to pay for the benefits for its theme park employees.
In a statement, the CFTOD said: "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."
In other words, they are not paying for the perks.
Benefits and discounted access to the parks are a perk of a job for theme park employees at Disney World, Universal, Sea World, and more.
The feud between the governor and the theme park began last year when Disney publicly objected to one of DeSantis’ policies. The governor accused the company of being “woke,” and decided to strip Disney of its autonomy to create its own fire department and bond structure, among other things.
He also created CFTOD.
Walt Disney World shot back with a 50-year-old document in which it claimed that its self-governance would not end until the British monarchy ended.
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