It was supposed to be a dream vacation at Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa offers visitors a taste of tranquility—lush greenery, calming lakes, and a picturesque escape just minutes from the thrills of the theme parks. But on April 2, that peaceful setting became the backdrop for a terrifying scene that left a young girl in tears and a man in handcuffs.
How did a trip meant to bring joy end in trauma—and what does it reveal about the hidden dangers in even the most magical places?
Disney World Arrest: A Frightening Encounter Behind Resort Walls
Authorities in Orange County, Florida, say the incident began when 36-year-old Patrick Young, a resident of St. Marys, Georgia, had been drinking during his family’s vacation. He and his girlfriend, with whom he’d been living for about a year, had traveled to Disney with her daughter.
According to the child’s statement to deputies, what started as play quickly became something far more sinister. “He grabbed me around my neck and started choking me with his forearm,” the girl recalled. “At first I thought he was joking, but then I started actually being unable to breathe.”
Witnessing her daughter’s face turn blue, the girl’s mother screamed at Young to stop. He allegedly held the girl in the chokehold for 10 to 15 seconds—an eternity for a struggling child. Once released, the child collapsed to the ground, gasping for air and crying.
“I dropped to the ground and started crying and gasping for air because I could not breathe at all,” the girl told law enforcement. “I moved away, and he tried to pull me back.”
A Disturbing Reaction: Verbal Outbursts and Denial
The aftermath only intensified the family’s distress.
Rather than apologize, Young reportedly became angry and began verbally lashing out at the girl’s mother and child. According to the arrest report, he accused them of being “liberal [expletive]s” and expressed confusion about why his actions were being questioned.
“When I told him [my daughter] couldn’t breathe and was crying, he said, ‘That sounds like a liberal [expletive],’” the mother stated. “He started yelling about literally anything and everything he could.”
The child confirmed this in her statement, explaining that her mother’s attempt to protect her only triggered more insults from Young, who once again used politically charged language to dismiss their reactions.
At that point, the mother told her daughters to grab their belongings. She then called 911.
Florida Authorities Respond
Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene shortly after. While there were no immediate signs of physical injury—no bruising or marks were visible—law enforcement noted the girl had been crying and appeared visibly shaken.
Young was interviewed and claimed the incident was a misunderstanding. He said he was merely “wrestling” with the girl and didn’t realize anything was wrong until his girlfriend reacted and called the police. Nonetheless, deputies determined there was probable cause to charge him.
He now faces two third-degree felony charges: child abuse and battery by strangulation. Young has pleaded not guilty.
When Fantasy Collides with Reality
Walt Disney World is globally celebrated as a haven for families, where fairy tales come to life and problems are left at the gate. But even within the bounds of “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” troubling realities sometimes pierce through the enchantment.
Incidents involving violence, public disturbances, and arrests have occurred at Disney properties in recent years—reminding us that even in a place built on fantasy, the real world doesn’t always stay away. This case in particular is haunting, involving not only an alleged act of violence but the breakdown of trust between a child and a guardian figure.
For the family involved, the trip was meant to be a bonding experience. Instead, it turned into a nightmare, ending with trauma, tears, and criminal charges.
Disney World Guests: Looking Ahead
As the case moves forward in court, many questions remain. Will there be justice for the child involved? And how will Disney continue to respond to the ongoing challenge of ensuring guest safety across its sprawling resorts?
One thing is clear: even in places built to deliver joy, the need for awareness, accountability, and protection never takes a vacation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or unsafe behavior, confidential help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.
