Lack of safety in Parks

[Eeyore's Gloomy Place]

This evening I attended fireworks at Epcot. I found a spot behind the fish house to watch. My daughter was too cold and she and the husband went back to the room. A few minutes into the show, I received a tap on my shoulder asking me to move so another adult could have a better view or the fireworks. I replied I had been there thirty to forty-five minutes before the show and turned back around. Then, the twenty- something woman just squeezed in between me and the next person and shoved me into the light pole. I did not react. She proceeded to push on me and try to provoke me but I did not respond. When the fireworks were over, she screamed at me that she hoped I enjoyed the fireworks. I had my phone in my hand and realizing I would not make it out of there without continued harassment, I hit the record button. At that point, she and her two friends/sisters grabbed my arms and broke my backpack as I was trying to escape into the crowd. I was begging for help and security or staff but the crowds were headed to the gate and to my knowledge, no one intervened. I was able to finally get away and provide a picture to the police and Disney security. They took my statement. I don’t know if they can or will do anything, but they were kind and sympathetic albeit not the least bit surprised by what had occurred.

I am sitting in my hotel bathroom in the wee hours physically sick and feeling completely unsafe and violated. I bend over backwards to try to help and not harm anyone and the fact that three young women would see a middle aged woman wearing orange bird ears and an eeyore backpack and decide to harm me is really sad. But what really bothers me is I was being ganged up on and no one to my knowledge tried to intervene. I won’t be surprised if pictures and video don’t show up soon on social media, though.

I begged my husband to pack up and just go home tonight, but he said he doesn’t want these ppl to win. I deal with a heavy load of depression and ptsd from childhood and this kind of terror unnerves me. I am so upset and disappointed that the one place I have been able to go to get sad things off of my mind no longer feels safe.

Does anyone know what Disney can or will do in situations like this? Would they keep this person and her group from being able to go to Disney property in the future?
Also, if anyone knows anyone at Loungefly who would allow me to pay for a replacement ear for my Eeyore bag, please let me know. My daughter saved her money to buy that bag for me and she is so upset these people tore the ear off. I keep telling her I love the bag because she gave it to me and I love her and I will keep on using it, but she is inconsolable. I ran back to Epcot when she saw it to ask if they would let me in with security to check (I know where it happened), but I could not get back in. Please everyone—please be careful. My days of going alone to Disney are now gone. I just don’t think it is safe anymore.

 

[SMF_mom23]

It is awful that happened to you and I cannot imagine what you're dealing with right now. If you're up to it, I would maybe try to follow up with security tomorrow. At the very least you'll know there are more eyes aware of who this person is and maybe they'll be able to ease your mind a bit. I don't have any insight into how this is handled by park security, but I sincerely hope they are able to find this woman and her 'friends' and ban them from the parks going forward.

*long, tight hug if you want it*

 

[DeeBee3]

I am sorry such a damper was put on your trip. No one should ever touch you. I am often shocked to see these videos where the park staff basically can't do anything but try to keep other guests out of the area. I think that's probably a protocol that they can't touch anyone unless it's police or security. It seems crazy that multiple people were physically harassing you in addition to verbal assault. People may be hesitant to help because they wonder if that group had any weapons - you just never know. That doesn't make the situation any better though. I would hope that if I was alone in a crowd and people were trying to hurt me, someone would step in at least with a strong voice to deter them.

I would definitely keep checking in with Disney security and management for your entire stay. Don't drop the situation. Let them know you have audio/video and you expect them to stay on top of this. There may be nothing they can do, but the recent publicity of these types of events should let them know that it's more than time for them to figure out a solution. It's unacceptable.

Unfortunately, I think it's also a sign of the decline of our society. Not to be dramatic, but it really is shocking how people talk and treat one another. I've always been shocked at how parents let their kids speak and also how the adults speak in front of children. I am almost 40 and I was shocked at this years ago! Maybe I'm just a prude. However, when people think it's acceptable to speak to one another with disrespect then they will carry that throughout their life. Just think how people drive these days! It's the same thing - constant road rage. The lockdowns and financial stress of covid have only exaggerated this behavior.

If it ever happens again, I would suggest moving if you are alone. If I was alone (as a petite female) or with my small kids, I would have moved just to avoid any issues. You usually get a vibe for how people will act - if they are aggressive or just being stupid teenagers goofing off. If you were still with your adult family, then I probably would have said something and proceeded to find a cast member/security immediately. Nasty/aggressive people are not going to respond to silence - they want to walk all over someone.

Sorry for the novel, let us know if you find out anything!

 

[Brett Wyman]

Tight crowds, like rope drop, park close and evening shows, seem to be where people are on their worst behavior these days at Disney. Sorry this happened to you but I would keep enjoying your visit and just do the best to avoid places were the crowds are too packed in.

 

[Wayland10]

That is atrocious and terrifying and I would want to leave and never come back. I’m so sorry this happened to you, and to your whole family by extension. If Disney can’t provide a reasonable expectation of physical safety for workers and guests they are failing their most basic duty.

 

[Meglen]

That video would be sent to someone higherup than the onsite security. This is a crime and they need to take it seriously. I am so sorry that this happened to you and that no one helped... It really makes me sad that the world is turning into this.

Disney should replace your bag. And if they don't take this issue seriously find a lawyer.

 

[Eeyore's Gloomy Place]

Thanks, everyone. My husband is headed to Epcot now and we will stay on top of this situation. I tried twice to chat in the account when it started last night to request help but both times, the chat was read with no response but an immediate automatic request for me to rate my chat conversation. I was calm and not in the least bit hateful when I replied to this person and I could tell by her escalating behavior that she was riled up, perhaps because I would not engage. I could not see behind me to know how many people she had with her or how I might get out before it ended.

There needs to be a way for us to notify a need of help on the app and get someone to our location in a health crisis or attack. I slept maybe three hours last night because I couldn’t shake the feeling of them pulling my arms and my bag. I am angry with myself that I was so terrified of losing my pass or being thrown out of the parks forever that I did not physically defend myself. I keep thinking of ppl with littles in the parks and what will they do when this happens to them? Society is truly going to hell in a hand basket.

 

[Anna131517]

Definitely report this to security. It’s a long shot but it’s possible they could use facial recognition to identify the people who did this since it is a criminal act to assault someone.

 

[Eeyore's Gloomy Place]

Although the officer last night said he could not do anything, we have been advised to reach out to local law enforcement today by staff and I will be doing that. We were also told if there is an incident of this nature, everyone should call 911 and it will go to their security dept. Cast members can’t really help and the chat feature on the app doesn’t work for emergencies.

 

[Wayland10]

That is very good to know. Thank you for sharing. Maybe someone else will avoid this sort of traumatic experience.

 

[Eeyore's Gloomy Place]

Also, there are theft rings who come to resorts to steal and they target loungeflies in particular, so as odd and random as my situation was, Disney officials do think it was part of a theft attempt. I will be filing assault and battery charges with the county this morning and even if wdw cannot identify her right now, if she tries to return to the parks she will hopefully be flagged.

 

[CML's mom]

I’m so sorry this happened to you. I hope they identify the people who did this. Thank you for sharing your story. Now I know to call 911 if I need help in WDW.

 

[DLgal]

Oh my gosh, how horrible! I'm so sorry this happened to you. I hope you can find a way to make the best of the rest of your vacation. Absolutely file a police report and press charges if you can.

Everyone, ALWAYS dial 911 if you feel like your life is being threatened. It will work no matter where you are in this country. Your call will be dispatched to the local law enforcement agency.

 

[LovesTimone]

I'm sorry that this happened to you...

As a local and AP holder, we see this often... I will say for the most part that I have seen Disney security handle things...

Unfortunately, there are bullies everywhere... the pack mentality.... plus this sense of entitlement....In Epcot with all the drinking around the world add's into this nasty type of behavior...

I strongly suggest that you go to the hotel desk and tell them what happened, and ask to speak with someone in management ... and keep going... There are camera systems all over the park... they should be able to find them, while it might not happen right away... keep checking...email Disney right away... the squeaky wheel gets the oil...

I'm sure your shaken up right now, and rightfully so... Please don't let the bullies win... put on your ears, and go get your Disney on...

 

[Eeyore's Gloomy Place]

Update and information about what to do if you are the victim or see someone else being victimized in the park....

If you are the victim or you see someone being victimized by others on WDW property, call 911; the police department and Disney security will be notified immediately. Press charges if you are the victim.

My husband went to Epcot on Monday morning, where he met with the police officer at the back gate as well as with Disney security. He was given my case number assigned Sunday evening (the head of security was notified Sunday night when I reported the event to security officers). My husband was allowed inside of Epcot for thirty minutes to look for the Eeyore ear that was ripped from my bag (not found, which was not a surprise). My husband was heavily encouraged by the officer and security staff to press charges. They explained that in the state of Florida, verbal intimidation is assault and battery is when someone uses physical force, so I should press charges.

We were scheduled to go to MK for our final vacation day. Once we got inside, I walked up to a security guard, explained what had happened, and asked to speak with a police officer. He notified his supervisor, who took me to the security office where I spent about an hour telling the officers what happened (they were wearing body cams and recording) and then I wrote out my statement. I provided the picture I have of the main instigator and he filed the paperwork. He said that once I signed to file, the case would be turned over to the police department and Disney would no longer be involved on the case, although the security office staff advised my husband earlier that they would work alongside the police department, so I'm not really certain what role Disney will play in this now. There is a listing on the form for property damage, as well. Finally, the officer let me know that due to Marsy's Law in Florida, victims can have their names, addresses, and identifiers redacted from the report before it becomes public if that is something that might deter anyone from filing. Even if this young woman and her sisters are not found, her picture is on file with both Disney and the local police department at this point. I highly doubt this was the first altercation these people have been involved in and it won't be the last. I hope filing will help her next victim.

The police officer in the back of Epcot who was called over by Security after I was attacked just told me no one stole from me so he would just leave everything to Disney staff to handle. We learned yesterday that he was wrong and likely just didn't want to deal with the paperwork. All of the other police officers and WDW security staff members we met with at both Epcot and the Magic Kingdom were professional, kind, compassionate, and angry about what happened. I cannot imagine going in to work every day knowing I would spend the day dealing with people behaving badly, but these folks deal with it daily. We did learn theft is a problem on property and Loungefly backpacks are targeted, although my situation appears to have been unruly behavior.

After meeting with the officers and spending a few hours still unnerved at Magic Kingdom, I prayed to ask God to show me a little magic to calm my nerves and help me put on a happy face for my daughter. The magic came in the form of a woman on the back of my space mountain car whose excitement and cackling laugh all of the way through was so funny and heartwarming that it settled my nerves. Thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement, as well. it is nice to know there are good people in the world.

 

[DLgal]

Update and information about what to do if you are the victim or see someone else being victimized in the park....

If you are the victim or you see someone being victimized by others on WDW property, call 911; the police department and Disney security will be notified immediately. Press charges if you are the victim.

My husband went to Epcot on Monday morning, where he met with the police officer at the back gate as well as with Disney security. He was given my case number assigned Sunday evening (the head of security was notified Sunday night when I reported the event to security officers). My husband was allowed inside of Epcot for thirty minutes to look for the Eeyore ear that was ripped from my bag (not found, which was not a surprise). My husband was heavily encouraged by the officer and security staff to press charges. They explained that in the state of Florida, verbal intimidation is assault and battery is when someone uses physical force, so I should press charges.

We were scheduled to go to MK for our final vacation day. Once we got inside, I walked up to a security guard, explained what had happened, and asked to speak with a police officer. He notified his supervisor, who took me to the security office where I spent about an hour telling the officers what happened (they were wearing body cams and recording) and then I wrote out my statement. I provided the picture I have of the main instigator and he filed the paperwork. He said that once I signed to file, the case would be turned over to the police department and Disney would no longer be involved on the case, although the security office staff advised my husband earlier that they would work alongside the police department, so I'm not really certain what role Disney will play in this now. There is a listing on the form for property damage, as well. Finally, the officer let me know that due to Marsy's Law in Florida, victims can have their names, addresses, and identifiers redacted from the report before it becomes public if that is something that might deter anyone from filing. Even if this young woman and her sisters are not found, her picture is on file with both Disney and the local police department at this point. I highly doubt this was the first altercation these people have been involved in and it won't be the last. I hope filing will help her next victim.

The police officer in the back of Epcot who was called over by Security after I was attacked just told me no one stole from me so he would just leave everything to Disney staff to handle. We learned yesterday that he was wrong and likely just didn't want to deal with the paperwork. All of the other police officers and WDW security staff members we met with at both Epcot and the Magic Kingdom were professional, kind, compassionate, and angry about what happened. I cannot imagine going in to work every day knowing I would spend the day dealing with people behaving badly, but these folks deal with it daily. We did learn theft is a problem on property and Loungefly backpacks are targeted, although my situation appears to have been unruly behavior.

After meeting with the officers and spending a few hours still unnerved at Magic Kingdom, I prayed to ask God to show me a little magic to calm my nerves and help me put on a happy face for my daughter. The magic came in the form of a woman on the back of my space mountain car whose excitement and cackling laugh all of the way through was so funny and heartwarming that it settled my nerves. Thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement, as well. it is nice to know there are good people in the world.

It must feel SO good to have done all that and at least now you know you did your part and hopefully these horrible women will be found and held accountable. Glad you were able to end your day on a high note.

 

[brevebelle]

I have no advice for you - it really sounds like you're being proactive, and everyone else in the thread has given great feedback - but I just wanted to tell you, I am so sorry for what you had to go through. Just recently, my DH and I were talking about the amount of incidents we've read about online like yours, with all kinds of scenarios playing out in the parks. It's insane how some people act. In 2016, we had an incident with a man and woman who shoved our 4 year old out of their way to see the parade. Even 6 years later, I see red when I think about how they ruined that core memory for him by being garbage bag human beings. Hopefully the people responsible for what happened to you are dealt with, and you get some peace on this matter. Please don't let these jerks take your joy away. <3

 

[Eeyore's Gloomy Place]

I have no advice for you - it really sounds like you're being proactive, and everyone else in the thread has given great feedback - but I just wanted to tell you, I am so sorry for what you had to go through. Just recently, my DH and I were talking about the amount of incidents we've read about online like yours, with all kinds of scenarios playing out in the parks. It's insane how some people act. In 2016, we had an incident with a man and woman who shoved our 4 year old out of their way to see the parade. Even 6 years later, I see red when I think about how they ruined that core memory for him by being garbage bag human beings. Hopefully the people responsible for what happened to you are dealt with, and you get some peace on this matter. Please don't let these jerks take your joy away. <3

Brevebelle, I cannot imagine someone laying hands on my kids at WDW. I am so sorry for your child and for your whole family to have experienced that. Anyone who commits assault and battery on a child (or adult) needs to spend time in the general population of a prison. I hope that memory will fade a bit for all of you in time.

I don't expect to see any sort of justice for my situation; I filed for these thugs' next victims and for the families who are defenseless. Disney is supposed to be a carefree, safe, and happy place for families. There are many hurting people seeking respite from some pretty sad memories, stress, and illness inside those gates every day and the last thing those folks need is for their Happy Place to add to it. I hope the company realizes measures need to be taken to provide more protection for the cast members and people who visit from unruly and entitled guests.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

You did the right thing getting security and the police involved.

I'm really sorry that happened to you, I don't think your age had much to do with it as people who do that sort of stuff just don't seem to care. You're in their way period sad as that is.

One thing I will say and have said is while phone videos can help and sometimes are truly invaluable they can also provoke people. Some of the most "fly off the handle" behavior gets started when a cell phone comes out. It's simply no excuse for the behavior but it can poke the bear.

Also please understand that while Disney does provide quite a lot in terms of security personnel a lot of people go to Disney not thinking theft can happen or that bad things can happen to them. It's not Disney per se that can prevent guest behavior like you witnessed and experienced, they can and should though take swift, prompt action if identification occurs such as a ban of going into the parks/trespass them. You might feel safer at Disney than at other places but that does not make Disney a place where nothing bad happens.

Again I'm really sorry this happened I can't imagine how I would have felt if I were you