2
Credit: Orange County JailA woman has been arrested following an altercation during a parade in Walt Disney World.
Related: Alpha Unit Called After Emergency Accident at Magic Kingdom Parade
A Colombian woman was arrested for allegedly pushing a teenager during a recent trip to Walt Disney World. According to a new report, 51-year-old Martha Lucia Zapata Echeverrí was taken into custody on one charge of child abuse after putting her hands on a 17-year-old.
According to records, Echeverrí was visiting the U.S. on a tourist visa and took a trip to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” to celebrate her daughter’s 15th birthday. Echeverrí was reportedly trying to make space and get a better view of Magic Kingdom’s daily parade.
Related: Nostalgia Decor Finally Returns to Disney Springs’ World of Disney Store
The teenager asked Echeverrí not to touch her. Echeverrí then grabbed her by the arm, pulling her aside. Echeverrí claimed she was trying to get to her daughter at the front of the crowd to view the parade, saying the victim is the one who pushed her. Echeverrí said the victim was in “her spot.”
The affidavit states the victim was left with a minor scrape and bruise. There were no witnesses or security footage of the incident.
Echeverrí pleaded not guilty. She was able to post bond and is in the process of being released from jail. Her attorney, Bryan Farinas, says the incident has been mischaracterized.
“Based on the information that we have reviewed, Ms. Zapata Echeverrí was confronted and physically pushed by the alleged victim,” said the attorney. “We are confident that once all the facts have been fully evaluated, it will be clear that there was no criminal intent and no abusive conduct by Ms. Zapata Echeverrí.”
Magic Kingdom has dozens of rides and attractions for guests to enjoy, ranging from classic dark rides like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean to iconic roller coasters such as Space Mountain and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Magic Kingdom is also home to a number of live shows and parades, giving guests even more options to choose from.
However, parades can and have been a tricky thing in Disney World, as there’s only so much space for guests to use. Lots of visitors line up far before the show starts to ensure they get the best viewing spot. Tensions can and do run high. As a result, several other arrests have been made before, during, or after Magic Kingdom parades.
In 2023, a man was arrested on a felony charge after reportedly putting his hands on security personnel in Magic Kingdom in an attempt to keep their spot on Main Street U.S.A.
More recently, a man visiting the Magic Kingdom was arrested on cocaine possession charges.
Stay tuned here at Inside the Magic for all Disney World news and updates.