80-Year-Old Guest Arrested for ‘Exposing Sexual Organs’ at Disney World

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A close-up of someone's hands in handcuffs is on the left, hinting at a guest arrested incident. On the right, a family with a stroller and other visitors approach the entrance to a monorail at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, marked by a large colorful sign.

Credit: Inside The Magic

What began as a routine visit to Disney World’s Transportation and Ticket Center turned distressing for 80-year-old tourist Fernando Tadeo Bonnet after a medical emergency led to his arrest.

A Ferry boat taking guests from TTC to Magic Kingdom via a Disney transportation service.
Credit: Inside The Magic

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Elderly Tourist’s Arrest at Disney World After Medical Emergency Sparks Debate on Policy Enforcement

Disney World is known for upholding strict rules on dress codes and behavior, aimed at preserving a safe, family-friendly atmosphere. Although Disney staff are trained to exhibit understanding, they must also adhere to park policies. In Bonnet’s situation, the Cast Members who reported his actions likely felt compelled to follow these guidelines.

For guests, particularly those with medical needs, communicating urgent issues to Disney staff early can help prevent situations from escalating. Disney parks are equipped with resources like wheelchair rentals, accessible restrooms, and service animal accommodations, designed to assist those with accessibility needs.

A quick stop at Disney’s Guest Services can provide information on these amenities, potentially avoiding situations like Bonnet’s.

The case underscores how public exposure laws, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas, are strictly enforced to maintain public decency. Legal experts point out that even when exposure is unintentional, law enforcement must act within guidelines to uphold community standards.

Bonnet’s case highlights the complexities visitors with medical needs may face at large venues like Disney World, where quick access to restrooms isn’t always feasible. Here’s what occurred.

The Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) at Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Inside The Magic

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Arrested for ‘Exposing Sexual Organs’

The incident has raised questions about Disney’s enforcement of public exposure laws, even when mitigating health concerns are involved. While Disney guests expect a magical experience, public spaces, including Disney’s sprawling parks, are bound by strict laws that sometimes complicate matters for those with unexpected medical needs.

Around 7:15 p.m. last month, Bonnet, a visitor from Argentina, found himself in a challenging situation. Like many older adults, Bonnet suffers from severe urinary incontinence. On that day, he urgently sought a restroom, asking a Cast Member for directions.

But before reaching the facilities, he began losing control and, in an effort to avoid further attention, attempted to relieve himself discreetly in a nearby patch of bushes outside the Ticket and Transportation Center’s security office.

Several Cast Members witnessed the scene and reported their discomfort to Disney security. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s report, one Cast Member who observed the incident described feeling “both shocked and uncomfortable.”

Another Cast Member, who had been guiding Bonnet to a restroom, reported that Bonnet unzipped his pants before reaching the restroom, seemingly overwhelmed by the need for immediate relief.

The Express Monorail outside of Magic Kingdom
Credit: Inside the Magic

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Cast Member Security Guards Respond

A Disney security guard responded, instructing Bonnet in both English and Spanish to stop and head toward the nearest restroom. The arrest report indicated that Bonnet, who speaks Spanish, may have misunderstood the guard’s instructions, contributing to an already distressing situation. Bonnet’s attorney later argued that the language barrier might have compounded his confusion.

Law enforcement soon arrived, arresting Bonnet on a charge of public exposure, citing that he had exposed his sexual organs. Following his arrest, Bonnet was trespassed from Walt Disney World property, effectively ending his family vacation.

While Bonnet has since returned home, the ordeal has stirred conversation around the intersection of medical needs, language barriers, and legal enforcement, even at tourist destinations like Disney World.

Bonnet’s attorney, Alain Rivas, contended that his client’s actions were not malicious or indecent. “He certainly has not done anything wrong,” Rivas said. “This was very, very embarrassing. It was devastating to the family.”

Rivas noted that Bonnet’s age, health condition, and limited English proficiency contributed to the incident. Medical records confirm Bonnet’s issues with incontinence, which Rivas submitted as part of the defense, arguing that Bonnet’s exposure was due to an unavoidable medical emergency rather than indecent conduct.

EPCOT Line Monorail at Disney World
Credit: Disney

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Case Dismissed and a Ruined Vacation at Disney

Initially, prosecutors filed charges, with two out of the three Cast Members involved opting to pursue legal action.

However, on Thursday, the same day Rivas addressed WDW News Today (WDWNT), the state attorney’s office announced it would drop the charges, citing the lack of criminal intent and Bonnet’s unique circumstances. This decision ultimately spared Bonnet from further legal repercussions, though the incident left a lasting impact on his Disney experience.

Bonnet’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful communication and awareness of public boundaries, even amid health challenges.

While his charges were dropped, his vacation was ultimately overshadowed by a misunderstanding and medical urgency, demonstrating that even at Disney, certain rules must be observed. The Walt Disney Company keeps each Disney park safe and secure to ensure Disney fans have a magical experience.

What are your thoughts on this incident at Disney World? Sound off in the comments below and let Inside The Magic know!

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