Walt Disney World Resort is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” while Disneyland Resort is called “The Happiest Place on Earth.” These iconic titles evoke feelings of joy, nostalgia, and treasured memories, making it hard to imagine anything going wrong in such magical settings.
Unfortunately, there are always a few individuals whose actions disrupt the magic — not just for themselves, but for those around them.
To maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all, Disney enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy against violence or threatening behavior. Cast Members won’t hesitate to involve Disney security or law enforcement when necessary.
Related: Guest Arrested After Allegedly Using Stroller to Assault Disney World Cast Member
As a result, some guests find themselves escorted away in handcuffs rather than ending their day at a Disney hotel.
Let’s take a look back at some of the craziest arrests we saw at Disney in 2024.
Drunken Officer’s Wild Night at EPCOT
Police officers are often held to a higher standard of behavior, especially during a Disney vacation. Unfortunately, one officer fell short of that expectation and ended up in handcuffs himself.
In late January, Duane Danforth, a police detective from Brookline, Massachusetts, attempted to gain access to a private event at EPCOT. Disney security informed him that the area was restricted and directed him to use an alternate route. Ignoring their instructions, Danforth reportedly began removing the barrier ropes.
Related: Disney Guests Want EPCOT Drinking Culture to End
After being warned again that he could not enter, Danforth allegedly escalated the situation by threatening to kill the security guard and forcing his way into the event. When later confronted by a responding officer, he reportedly resisted by pushing the officer.
Danforth was subsequently arrested and suspended from his position with the Brookline Police Department.
Mother’s Arrest Sparks Viral Outrage
Jessenia Diaz’s arrest at Disney California Adventure became one of the year’s most talked-about incidents. A viral video showed Diaz in handcuffs as her young daughters sobbed and clung to her, prompting public backlash.
@william_martinez4 This aint right 😤😓#disney
Many commenters were outraged, criticizing Disneyland Security and local police for what they saw as harsh treatment of two innocent children. They expressed disbelief that Disney would “destroy the magic” in such a way.
However, the narrative shifted when details about the woman’s arrest came to light. Local news reports revealed that the woman had paid for her own park admission but appeared to have skipped paying for her two children. When Disney cast members and local authorities questioned her about the children’s ages—since only kids under 3 enter for free—she refused to cooperate.
To complicate matters further, it was reportedly the fourth time in just a few months that Jessenia Diaz had attempted to bypass paying for her children’s admission.
Drunk Duo’s Stanchion Chaos at EPCOT
Drinking Around the World at EPCOT has grown increasingly popular over the years, solidifying the park as a go-to destination for those looking to enjoy a variety of adult beverages. Unfortunately, it has also become a hotspot for some guests who fail to drink responsibly and forget how to behave.
Related: The BEST Choices For Drinking Around the World at EPCOT!
This summer, a shocking video circulated widely in Disney circles, capturing two shirtless men outside Space 220, the restaurant near Mission: SPACE. In the video, one of the men could be seen holding a stanchion he had ripped from the ground.
According to the woman who filmed the incident, the man began swinging the pole at other guests and even punched a Cast Member. Reportedly, the assault occurred after the Cast Member informed the group they would need to wait for a manager to assist them at the restaurant. Witnesses noted that the man appeared to be intoxicated while operating an ECV scooter.
@alexis.ringel Replying to @alexis.ringel #disneyepcot
The police report revealed that one of the men not only attacked, but also threatened multiple Disney Cast Members. Both individuals were arrested and taken to the Orange County Booking and Release Center, where they were charged with assault and battery before being released on bond.
Guest Begs to Be Arrested at Disney Springs
You might be asking yourself, “Who actually asks to be arrested, especially during a Disney vacation?” Surprisingly, that’s exactly what happened at Disney Springs this past September.
According to the police report, multiple guests complained about a heavily intoxicated woman causing a scene, even falling into a planter because she was too drunk to stand. When officers arrived, they noted that the woman smelled strongly of alcohol, had glassy eyes, was unsteady on her feet, and slurred her speech.
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But the most shocking part of the incident was yet to come.
The woman, later identified as Marta Kaiser, had sustained a cut at some point and became combative when police and paramedics tried to assist her. The situation escalated further when she shouted, “F** you, take me to jail. I want to go to jail.”* The officers complied, and Ms. Kaiser concluded her Disney evening in police custody.
Disney Springs Drunken Drama
Disney Springs has a reputation for being the setting of unusual arrests, and this incident certainly fits the bill.
In August, Orange County Deputy Christopher Morelli was seated in his marked patrol car at Disney Springs when Nicole Handboy unexpectedly struck the vehicle with her purse. When the deputy questioned her actions, Ms. Handboy ignored him and attempted to flee.
Deputy Morelli quickly apprehended her and noted that she appeared to be intoxicated. Once in custody, Ms. Handboy revealed the reasoning behind her bizarre behavior.
She admitted she had argued with her boyfriend, who had left Disney Springs without her. Seeking revenge, she decided to get herself arrested, believing her boyfriend would then have to bail her out of jail. Unfortunately for Ms. Handboy, court records show that her boyfriend did not come to her rescue. Instead, she pleaded no contest to the charges and ended up paying the fine herself.
As mentioned earlier, Disney enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for this kind of unacceptable behavior in its parks. Many of these individuals were not only arrested, but are also likely permanently banned from visiting any Disney property.
With 2025 quickly approaching, let’s hope it brings more Disney magic and far fewer incidents leading to arrests.
Have you ever witnessed someone being arrested at Disney? What happened? Feel free to share your story in the comments below!
