A long day of drinking at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel recently ended in a violent confrontation that required a law enforcement response. Newly released details from the police report reveal how a political disagreement between a couple at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel escalated into a physical fight in the middle of the afternoon, sending deputies to the EPCOT Resort area.
Disney’s Swan Hotel sits beside the Dolphin on Walt Disney World Resort property, but the two Deluxe Resorts are operated by Marriott rather than The Walt Disney Company. Both are considered “Good Neighbor Hotels” with many of the same perks as official Disney Resort hotels, including Early Entry and convenient transportation to the theme parks. Their location—steps from EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn—and price point make them a popular choice for guests seeking luxury accommodations at prices lower than those offered by Walt Disney World Resort.
According to scanner reports shared by the X (formerly Twitter) account @WDWActiveCrime, deputies responded to a report of battery at 5:34 p.m. on Saturday, November 8. The alert described the call as “Unwanted Touching or Striking Someone” in the EPCOT Resort area.
🚨 Police Alert 🚓 – 11/08/25 5:34 PM
🚨: Battery (Unwanted Touching or Striking Someone) at 📍 : EPCOT Resort Area
#WaltDisneyWorld #Disney
🚨 Police Alert 🚓 – 11/08/25 5:34 PM
🚨: Battery (Unwanted Touching or Striking Someone) at 📍 : EPCOT Resort Area#WaltDisneyWorld #Disney pic.twitter.com/mkCj5SVTDA— Walt Disney World: Active Calls (@WDWActiveCrime) November 8, 2025
Three days later, the same account obtained the police report, which documented what unfolded inside a private poolside cabana earlier that day.
🔃Update Arrest Swan Hotel (11/08)
From floaties to fisticuffs 💦👊 | A couple at the Swan Hotel turned their pool cabana into a political boxing ring after an alcohol-fueled argument.https://wdwactivecrime.com/articles/cabana-clash-at-disney-area-resort-leads-to-arrest-for-domestic-battery
🔃Update Arrest Swan Hotel (11/08)
From floaties to fisticuffs 💦👊 | A couple at the Swan Hotel turned their pool cabana into a political boxing ring after an alcohol-fueled argument.https://t.co/Kk5NPFSlEU https://t.co/8i5eIrdMZn pic.twitter.com/6rrchlX3Jd— Walt Disney World: Active Calls (@WDWActiveCrime) November 11, 2025
The report identifies the couple involved as Christopher Pendergrass and his girlfriend of four years, Vanessa. Both reportedly spent the entire day drinking in their cabana, beginning around 9:00 a.m. and continuing for roughly eight hours. Pendergrass estimated he consumed “eight to nine beers” over the course of the day. Vanessa told authorities that the pair began arguing over their opposing political views and the recent death of her father.
At some point during the argument, the dispute escalated into violence. Vanessa said Pendergrass punched her twice using a closed fist. She told deputies that she struck him back in self-defense, and he walked away from the cabana after the altercation. Vanessa also revealed that Pendergrass “had been physical with her in the past years ago,” though that incident had never been reported.
Deputies photographed visible redness and swelling on Vanessa’s face. She declined medical treatment and informed the officers that she did not wish to press charges against Pendergrass. Despite this, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office documented probable cause for an arrest under Florida Statute 784.03-15, Battery (Dating Violence).
The report does not indicate whether the sheriff’s office intends to pursue charges against Pendergrass. At the time of this article’s publication, no further announcements have been made.
Has another guest’s behavior ever impacted your Walt Disney World Resort vacation? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
