Child Reportedly Whipped by Parent in Front of Disney Security

WARNING: The following article mentions and/or discusses topics that may be distressing for certain audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. 

Sometimes, a Disney vacation feels more like an exercise program.

You walk mile after mile, and, by the end of the day, you are absolutely wiped and excited to crawl into your bed. Add to that, long lines, big crowds, and warm temperatures, and that can equate to some very short tempers.

Seeing fights or children melting down has pretty much become a part of the Disney experience. However, one Guest’s actions while visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Walt Disney World Resort crossed the short temper line and had to be taken care of by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a new, heavily redacted, report that was just released from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, last December, an adult was seen striking a child in the face with a dog leash. Neither the identity of the child nor the adult was released, but the incident was seen by a member of Walt Disney World security.

The officer reported the incident and spoke to the police.

“The adult male wearing a white shirt, tan pants, and tan shoes struck the juvenile male, wearing all blue, with the free end of a red dog leash. Said action occurred after the adult had a misstep while the juvenile crossed in front of him. This action occurred after the adult recovered from the misstep and appeared to be a deliberate action, as he intentionally struck the child across the face with the leash.”

The unknown male disputes Disney security’s version of events. According to the man, he did not hit the child on purpose. He did not see the child step in front of him and his service dog. Hitting the child in the face was, according to the man, an accident. The report indicates that the child was crying and had a small red mark under his eye.

The man said that he has a “fake knee,” which buckled. Then he saw a “flash.” He said that he has a habit of swinging the leash around. While swinging the leash, it struck the child.

The sheriff’s deputy who took the report said that they were unable to determine if a crime had occurred. The Florida Department of Children & Families was contacted. They documented the incident and took a photograph of the child’s injuries.

Because it could not be determined if there was a crime, no one was arrested and no charges were filed.

This is not the first time in recent history that disturbing parental behavior has been reported at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In March 2023, a woman was filmed dragging her young child on the ground by a leash. The child attempted to stand up, but he couldn’t get his balance as the woman continued to drag him through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.