Menu

Disney Security Responds to Bomb Threat At Animal Kingdom Lodge

View from a balcony overlooking a grassy area with two giraffes. The landscape features trees and shrubs under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A multi-story building is visible in the background.
Credit: Disney

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a premier destination located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. This hotel is renowned for its unique features, which include a 74-acre savanna where guests can observe over 200 animals, including giraffes and zebras. The lodge’s architecture draws inspiration from African design, showcasing more than 380 pieces of African art in its public spaces.

Dining at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is another draw for visitors. The hotel hosts a variety of dining options, including the African-inspired buffet at Boma, the upscale Jiko, which offers diverse cuisine with an extensive South African wine selection, and the popular Sanaa, which is famous for its bread service. These offerings contribute significantly to the overall guest experience.

Sanaa bread and sauces

Credit: Disney

Related: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge vs. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Where Should You Stay?

On September 29, an alarming incident occurred at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge when a food delivery driver allegedly made a bomb threat. The individual, Tadeo Miguel Angel Bessacolmenares, 45, approached the hotel’s security guard at the front gate and stated he was there to “blow up the resort,” claiming his trunk was filled with explosives.

According to the arrest report, Bessacolmenares repeated this threat while giggling, which raised the immediate concerns of the security personnel.

[The security guard] said that after making these threats he [Bessacolmenares] said that he was a delivery driver and  there to deliver food. [Security guard] informed me that he told the driver he was not allowed to come on property until Disney’s senior leadership allowed it. [Security guard] stated that the driver attempted to leave until he saw that [security guard] took photos of his vehicle tag. [Security guard] said that the driver parked the vehicle and waited.

An ornate hotel lobby with African-inspired decor. Wooden columns and woven furniture fill the space, illuminated by warm lighting from lamps and hanging fixtures. Large windows provide an evening view, enhancing the luxurious ambiance.

Credit: Disney

Related: Why We Love Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

In response to the threat, Disney security promptly contacted local law enforcement. A K-9 unit was dispatched to assess the vehicle, and no explosives were found. Bessacolmenares was subsequently detained by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, who then initiated formal proceedings against him.

Bessacolmenares faces legal ramifications for the bomb threat incident. He has been charged with making a false bomb threat, classified as a second-degree felony. After his arrest, he was taken to Orange County Jail, where he is represented by the Public Defender’s Office.

Fire Pit Animal Kingdom Lodge

Credit: Disney

In addition to facing severe legal ramifications, Bessacolmenares received a permanent ban from all Disney properties. Should he try to enter Disney again, he will be arrested and put back in jail.

Do you think Mr. Bessacolmenares should be forced to serve jail time for the “joke” he made about blowing up Animal Kingdom Lodge? Let us know in the comments!

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!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.