A visit to EPCOT ended in handcuffs and a permanent ban for one Walt Disney World Resort guest on Tuesday after he physically attacked a Disney cast member during a Mirabel meet-and-greet.
What Happened at EPCOT
Orange County Sheriff's deputies were called to EPCOT at 3:14 p.m. on April 21 following a battery report near CommuniCore Hall. A Disney Character Attendant was managing the line for a meet-and-greet with Mirabel from Encanto (2021) when a family attempted to bypass the queue and approach the character before she had finished with the guests she was already greeting.
The cast member intervened repeatedly, redirecting both the family and their child, who made multiple attempts to run toward the character performer. When the attendant also informed the family that Mirabel was posing for photos only and not signing autographs, the child's mother escalated the confrontation, shoving an autograph book in the cast member's face.
The situation turned physical when the child's father, identified in the police report as Diego Rodriguez, stepped in. According to the Character Attendant, Rodriguez grabbed her right arm, shook her, and began yelling. He then attempted to lunge at her before others intervened.
Multiple witnesses, including other park guests and the cast member portraying Mirabel, corroborated the account. One bystander recalled Rodriguez shouting, “Why everyone can take a picture but us?”
Arrested and Permanently Banned
Walt Disney World Resort security moved quickly, escorting Rodriguez and his family out of the area and to the security office at EPCOT. Orange County Sheriff's deputies met them there and placed Rodriguez under arrest for battery.
He was transported to the Orange County Jail for processing. Walt Disney World Resort issued Rodriguez a lifetime trespass notice, permanently banning him from the property.
What's the wildest thing you've witnessed at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort? Tell Disney Fanatic about your experience in the comments!
