Magic Kingdom Park

Woman Kicked Out of Disney After Altercation With Law Enforcement in Magic Kingdom

A woman was arrested and kicked out of Walt Disney World following her unlawful actions.

Fireworks in the daytime behind Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom at Disney World
Credit: Disney

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A disturbance unfolded at Disney World when a guest was ejected for refusing to vacate a prohibited area during the park’s Halloween festivities. The incident took place at Magic Kingdom, specifically in front of Casey’s Corner, a popular spot known for hot dogs and fries. As the park prepared for its nighttime fireworks display, no designated viewing area was available where the 59-year-old guest, Dora Elena Alarcon Torres, was standing.

Disney cast members approached Torres, politely asking her to move to allow others an unobstructed view of the fireworks.

As the situation escalated, off-duty sheriff’s deputy Kaylee Koffinas intervened, aiming to mediate the situation. Her attempts to persuade Torres to relocate were met with resistance. Torres continued to refuse to comply, maintaining her position despite the deputy’s instructions. The tension escalated when Torres reportedly poked the deputy with her finger and subsequently slapped her arm.

Koffinas attempted to handcuff Torres, who actively resisted by hiding her right arm and refusing to cooperate. This resistance resulted in an injury to the deputy’s hand during the struggle. Following this altercation, Torres was ultimately trespassed from the park and escorted out, marking a rather unfortunate end to what should have been a festive evening for the guests attending the Halloween celebration.

A vibrant cluster of colorful balloons, featuring various Disney characters, is in the foreground against the backdrop of a grand castle with blue spires. The setting appears to be a lively amusement park on a bright, sunny day.
Credit: Disney

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Legal Proceedings and Charges

Following her ejection from the park, Torres faced charges including battery against a law enforcement officer. The legal entanglements began as she pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Her attorney, Jose Rivas, made a statement focusing on the legal principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He emphasized the complexities surrounding arrests, which can occur on probable cause—a standard much lower than what is required for criminal conviction.

As the situation developed, an upcoming trial date of March 10 loomed on the horizon, suggesting that the legal implications of that night were far from resolved. The case not only highlights the personal consequences for Torres but also raises questions about the enforcement of rules and the conduct of guests in recreational spaces.

Interestingly, Torres was not alone in attracting unwelcome attention for her behavior at Disney. Just prior to her incident, another guest was charged after a similar altercation at EPCOT. This guest had entered an off-limits area and reacted erratically when confronted by law enforcement after park hours. This behavior mirrored Torres’s in that both individuals exhibited resistance and disregard for rules set forth by Disney cast members.

These incidents, occurring in close succession, shine a light on the pressures and challenges that staff at these crowded parks face, particularly during peak times like holidays and special events. Managing large crowds presents an array of difficulties, and the actions of a few can impact the overall experience for many.

The ramifications of such altercations reach beyond just the individuals involved. They can affect park operations and the experience of other guests, underscoring the need for both compliance with park rules and the effective management of law enforcement in public venues. As guests return to enjoy the magic of Disney, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting the space and the rules that ensure everyone’s enjoyment.

Luke Dammann

When at Disney world, Luke will probably be found eating with his favorite animatronic, Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When not at Disney World, Luke will probably be found defending Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe to people who claim "there are better restaurants"

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