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Charges Dropped Against Drunk Man Who Assaulted Disney Security

Arrested at EPCOT

On December 24, thousands of people entered The Most Magical Place on Earth to enjoy the holidays. Over at Magic Kingdom, there was a special parade, and at EPCOT, the International Festival of Holidays was in full swing. The holidays are a truly magical time to visit Walt Disney World Resort. While it seems that nothing bad can happen at such a special place, real-world issues can seep in. Sadly, that day, certain Guests saw something they would much rather forget — a drunk man screaming obscenities and assaulting security.

EPCOT Christmas/New Years

Credit: Disney

According to a report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota Horger visited EPCOT and ate at the popular Rose & Crown Restaurant in the U.K. Pavilion. Horger was shouting obscenities and scaring some of the Guests.

“His loud use of profanity, screaming and arguing with employees in the restaurant disrupted the patrons and business from normal operations. … Families had to veer out of his way, and at one point a grandmother had to grab her child and physically pull her away from his direction.”

A manager at the restaurant tried to intervene, but an apparently intoxicated Horger only got worse. He was asked to leave, but refused, and that is when Disney security was called.

RoseAndCrown

Credit: Disney Photo Snapper

According to the sheriff’s report, when security arrived to escort Horger off property, Horger got angry and assaulted them with a cardboard tube used for holding posters. After he hit the security guard, he asked them what they were going to do about it.

“We began escorting Horger to the front of the park, the entire time he was cursing, yelling at Deputy Sheriffs and Disney Employees. Guest had to move out his way since he was causing a scene in public disrupting families and Disney World. Horger was told several times by Disney Security he was being trespassed and had to leave and was not welcome back.”

EPCOT

Credit: Disney

Security tried to get Horger to leave Disney property in an Uber, but Horger refused. That is when Disney had no choice but to call in Orange County police officers, who arrested the drunk man. Horger was booked in the Orange County jail on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Battery.

However, just about one month after his arrest, Florida prosecutors have decided not to continue with the case and have dropped the charges.

“From the investigation which has been made, it is the opinion of the writer that this case is not suitable for prosecution.”

Tropical drinks

Credit: Disney

This is not the first time that a drunk patron has been arrested at Walt Disney World Resort, and, sadly, it won’t be the last. The amount of drinking that is allowed at the theme parks has long been a point of contention amongst Disney Guests. Many feel that Disney shouldn’t allow Guests to drink — Walt famously didn’t want alcohol in the Parks — and others feel that Disney should set strict limits, so Guests can’t get so drunk.

About Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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