Guests Attack and Break Nose of Cast Member After Being Refused Ride Entrance

An excerpt from the 1995 book Mouse Tales: A Behind-The-Ears Look at Disneyland has resurfaced online, prompting discussion about the sometimes dark side of Disney’s otherwise magical reputation. The passage, originally written by former Disney cast member David Koenig, recounts a disturbing incident at a private event held for a group of inner-city children.

The incident, which takes place at the Haunted Mansion attraction in Disneyland Park, has shocked many readers due to its violent and unsettling nature. According to Koenig’s account, the altercation occurred when a young hostess, who was working at the Haunted Mansion during the event, was assaulted by a group of eight girls after a ticketing dispute.

The Violent Incident Revisited

In the passage, Koenig describes how eight girls approached the hostess, handing her only two tickets instead of the required number. When the hostess explained that more tickets were needed for entry, the girls reportedly became irate and turned violent. “They beat her up, pulled out some hair, and broke her nose,” Koenig writes.

What followed, according to Koenig, was a chaotic scene where Disney cast members chased the girls halfway across the park before eventually apprehending them. The passage is brief but vivid, painting a picture of the aggressive behavior that led to the assault. The full story shares:

“During a private party for a group of inner city kids, eight girls handed the young Haunted Mansion hostess only two tickets. When she said she needed more tickets, the girls turned on her. They beat her up, pulled out some hair and broker her nose. Co-workers chased the girls halfway across the park before they caught them.”

While Koenig’s book, which focuses on behind-the-scenes stories from the Disney parks, is known for recounting some of the less-than-glamorous aspects of Disney’s operations, this particular excerpt has triggered intense reactions from fans and former Disney employees alike.

Turns out guests have always been terrible to deal with (from the book Mouse Tails)
byu/ivbenherethewholtime inDisneyland

Fan Reactions: Shock and Disbelief

As the excerpt began circulating online again, fans of both Disney and Mouse Tales have expressed a range of emotions—from disbelief to outrage. Many are shocked by the violent nature of the incident, especially considering the wholesome image that Disney has cultivated over decades.

For some, the idea that children—particularly those invited to a private event—would behave in such an extreme manner is hard to reconcile with the family-friendly ethos Disney is known for.

Others, however, point out that incidents like these, while rare, are not entirely unheard of in large public venues. Disney parks, which host millions of visitors each year, deal with thousands of interactions, some of which can escalate unexpectedly.