
Walt Disney World Resort may be known for its enchanting experiences and family-friendly attractions, but it isn’t immune to real-world legal troubles – even at the Magic Kingdom.
Over the years, multiple visitors have found themselves in hot water for breaking the law while at the Florida theme park resort, with some incidents drawing particular attention for their severity or unusual circumstances. The latest case involves a woman facing serious drug charges after being stopped at a security checkpoint.
Cocaine Discovery as Guest Heads to Magic Kingdom
According to a report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, 24-year-old Aya Zabib was arrested on December 9 after Disney security discovered a suspicious substance in her bag during a routine screening.
Zabib was heading to Magic Kingdom via the Transportation and Ticket Center (from which guests can catch either the monorail or ferry to the theme park) when she set off the metal detectors, prompting a security cast member to inspect her belongings.
The search revealed a small brown vial containing white powder. When questioned, Zabib allegedly snatched the vial, apologized, and admitted that it was cocaine, claiming she had forgotten it was in her bag after attending Electric Daisy Carnival, an electronic music festival in Orlando, and that she had not intentionally brought them to Disney World.
Further investigation by authorities confirmed that the vial contained 6.6 grams of cocaine. Complicating matters, a second vial was later discovered in her jeans pocket, containing an additional 7.2 grams of the drug.
Following the discovery, Zabib was trespassed from Walt Disney World Resort, preventing her from returning to any of the company’s Florida properties. She has since been charged with possession of cocaine, a third-degree felony, and has pled not guilty.
A History of Unruly Guest Behavior at Disney
This incident is just one of many cases involving guest misconduct at Disney parks. In October 2024, another woman was arrested at EPCOT after attempting to access a restricted area during the park’s Halloween celebrations.
The situation escalated when she reportedly bit a responding deputy. Interestingly, it was later revealed that the deputy involved had been placed on the Brady List, which records law enforcement officers with credibility concerns that may impact their ability to testify in court.
Earlier that year, another woman was removed from Magic Kingdom for refusing to comply with cast member instructions. The situation escalated into an altercation with an off-duty sheriff’s deputy, leading to charges of battery against a law enforcement officer.
Drug-Related Incidents at Disney
While Disney maintains strict policies against drug use, instances of guests bringing illicit substances into the parks have surfaced over the years.
In 2023, a Reddit user recounted an experience where Haunted Mansion was temporarily halted after riders were allegedly caught smoking marijuana. In 2024, an Instagram user described their group taking psychedelics before riding Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom.
Beyond Florida, drug-related incidents have occurred at other Disney parks worldwide. Disneyland Paris made headlines in 2022 when a man under the influence of LSD fell into a body of water in Adventureland. His disappearance triggered a large-scale search operation involving firefighters, divers, sniffer dogs, and even a military helicopter. He was eventually found naked by a motorist more than a mile away from the park.
Disney’s Zero-Tolerance Approach
Despite its lighthearted atmosphere, Disney (unsurprisingly) takes violations of the law very seriously.
Security checkpoints and surveillance help deter illegal activity, and law enforcement is swiftly called in when needed. Guests caught engaging in unlawful behavior face permanent bans, arrests, and criminal charges. Whether it’s drugs, disorderly conduct, or trespassing, Disney ensures that the “Most Magical Place on Earth” remains a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Have you ever spotted a guest breaking the law at Disney?