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Credit: DisneyIt’s a well-known fact that Walt Disney did not want alcohol in his theme parks. He believed that it would invite “rowdy” visitors and potentially ruin the family-friendly atmosphere he was aiming for. And for the first few decades, his theme parks retained an alcohol-free environment, but that all changed when EPCOT opened in 1982.
Over the years, drinking at Disney has become a real point of contention among guests. Many guests think that Disney needs to be stricter with guests who drink around its resorts. Then there are a lot of guests who look forward to trying different adult beverages during their vacation, or do an unofficial challenge like drinking around the world at EPCOT.
Related: Guest Claims They Received “Nasty” Comments For Drinking at Disney
The biggest issue most people have with drinking at Disney is dealing with other guests who have had too much to drink and act out. There have been multiple reports of guests who have acted foolishly or violently at a Disney theme park after having too many alcoholic beverages, putting other guests and cast members at risk.
Some guests even reportedly put their own families at risk after drinking. And that was allegedly what happened last year at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
According to multiple outlets, a husband and wife were arrested at Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort. Police were called to the scene for reports of a battery and said that, when they arrived at the hotel room, Robert and Janine Pecha were both passed out on the bed.
Related: Drunk Disney Guest Loses Massive Lawsuit, Kicked Out of Elite Club
The police report further stated that officers identified that the couple was “heavily intoxicated,” noting that the couple had slurred speech, struggled to stand up, and that Janine nearly fell over in the bathroom. The couple told the police that they had only had a couple of drinks, but their young children, ages 3 and 5, told police that their parents had been drinking all day.
Mr. and Mrs. Pecha were arrested after the children told police that their father had hit their mother several times. The Pechas faced serious charges of third-degree child neglect, and Mr. Pecha was further charged with domestic battery.
Related: Drunk Disney World Guest Begs to Be Arrested, “F*** You, Take Me to Jail”
Angela Marriott, a lawyer for the Pechas, reached out and confirmed that the couple has been cleared of all charges and no wrongdoing was found.
On May 9, 2024, Judge Andrew Asher Bain of Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit signed notices declaring that the “case is not suitable for prosecution.” The notices also ordered that steps be taken to “clear the records and to release the subject’s bond, if any has been posted,” and to release the defendants if they were in custody.
Do you think Disney needs to crack down on drinking in its theme parks? Have you ever had an encounter with a drunk guest during your Disney vacation? Tell us your story in the comments!