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Credit: Photo edited by Inside The MagicThe Disney World governing district, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), has voted unanimously on $3,000 for Walt Disney World Resort annual passes.
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Disney World and Its Governing District
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, situated within the boundaries of Walt Disney World, falls under the purview of Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida. Since Governor DeSantis assumed responsibility for this district, there has been an ongoing interplay of interests and disagreements with Walt Disney World. This has resulted in legal disputes and, most recently, the discontinuation of Annual Pass privileges for specific district personnel.
The segment of Walt Disney World Resort (WDW) workforce affected by this policy encompasses firefighters, retirees, law enforcement officers, and various other categories of personnel. The decision to prohibit these individuals from acquiring Disney World annual passes was communicated to them via an email correspondence issued by CEO Glen Gilzean in the preceding month.
The district, CEO Glen Gilzean, and Florida Ron DeSantis are looking to reverse this matter and allow these employees/guests to visit WDW with an Annual Pass.
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Desantis Governing District Votes on $3,000 for Annual Passes
During the CFTOD board meeting yesterday evening, CEO Glen Gilzean unveiled his latest strategy for replacing the Walt Disney World Annual Pass benefit provided to district employees.
Under this plan, district employees will receive a stipend of $3,000, which may be utilized to procure Walt Disney World Annual Passes for themselves and their respective family members, should they wish to do so.
Gilzean emphasized, “District Leadership concluded that $3,000 accurately represents the true cost associated with obtaining an equivalent set of pass benefits comparable to those currently enjoyed by most of our employees.”
Notably, this stipulated amount of $3,000 marks an increase from the original proposal of $1,000, which had been discussed in a prior meeting. It is worth mentioning that Walt Disney World Annual Passes are available at varying price points, ranging from $400 to $1,400 per individual, depending on the selected pass tier.
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Employees will become eligible for the stipend ninety days following their hire date after completing the probationary period. This stipend will be disbursed annually and is subject to applicable tax withholdings and budget allocations. Retirees may also qualify for this benefit, contingent upon their age and length of service, with differing eligibility criteria relevant to surviving spouses of deceased employees or retirees.
It is important to note that unless the policy is reapproved, it is set to expire within two fiscal years, commencing from October 1, 2023.
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Walt Disney World Resort (WDW), located in Orlando, Florida, is a sprawling entertainment complex that offers a magical experience for visitors of all ages. It comprises four major theme parks, each with unique charm and attractions. The Magic Kingdom, with its iconic Cinderella Castle, is a timeless favorite and home to beloved attractions such as Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. EPCOT showcases technological innovation and cultural immersion, including the thrilling Test Track and the World Showcase, where visitors can explore diverse international pavilions.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an ode to the world of entertainment, featuring blockbuster attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the thrilling Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Animal Kingdom offers a blend of wildlife conservation and exciting adventures, with attractions like Expedition Everest and the immersive Pandora – The World of Avatar.
WDW boasts two incredible water parks for those seeking aquatic adventures: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, providing a refreshing escape from the Florida heat. Disney’s extensive range of onsite resorts, from the luxurious Grand Floridian Resort to the whimsical Art of Animation Resort, allows guests to immerse themselves in the Disney magic 24/7, making it a truly enchanting vacation destination.
Any Disney World park, including Disney Springs or a Disney Cruise Line, will bring alive that magic we all long to have. Your ticket will grant you access to things like Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom Park, the garden festival or Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs (formerly known as Downtown Disney), a water park, and more. Your Walt Disney World tickets will grant you access to a Disney park (or more) you choose as you leave your Disney resort to head over to the parks.