A last-minute attempt to steal a prime parade spot at the Magic Kingdom backfired spectacularly, and the guests responsible ended up watching the rest of the night from outside the original Central Florida Disney park.
Two Hours of Waiting, One Group of Latecomers
Earlier this month, a family arrived at their chosen spot along Main Street, U.S.A., nearly two hours before Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away was scheduled to begin, doing exactly what experienced parade-watchers know to do to guarantee a good view. Then, with showtime approaching, another group arrived and attempted to position themselves directly in front of the family that had been sitting there for the better part of two hours.
What happened next was captured on video by Instagram user @agentepooh, whose footage shows Walt Disney World Resort security cast members and area managers standing in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. — close enough to the parade route that the Disney Starlight procession itself nearly had to stop. The caption, written in Spanish, described the confrontation that had brought them there and the unwritten code of Magic Kingdom etiquette that had been violated.
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After weighing in on the dispute, Walt Disney World Resort security sided with the family that had staked out the spot early. The group that had attempted to muscle their way into the spot didn't accept that decision quietly. The argument dragged on long enough that the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade came within moments of being cut off entirely before the situation was brought under control. The offending guests were eventually removed from Magic Kingdom Park.
Whether the individuals involved received a temporary suspension or a permanent ban from Walt Disney World Resort hasn't been confirmed. The resort rarely speaks publicly about incidents like this one.
A Reminder for Other Guests
The incident is a useful reminder that Walt Disney World Resort cast members have both the authority and the willingness to intervene in guest disputes. Anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation should skip the confrontation and find the nearest Disney cast member instead. Security is stationed throughout Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney Springs, and can escalate to law enforcement when necessary.
What is the wildest thing you've witnessed at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
