Credit: Inside the MagicA sad event unfolded on the evening of August 13, 2025, at Disneyland, after a guest was violently attacked and robbed after heading home from the theme parks.
Disneyland Guest Robbed, Punched Multiple Times After Leaving Theme Park
It’s a scene most Disneyland guests know well—leaving the park with tired feet, a bag of souvenirs in hand, and the warm glow of Sleeping Beauty Castle still fresh in memory. But what if your magical night ended not with fireworks, but with flashing police lights?
Theme parks are meant to be escapes from reality, yet the moments just outside their gates can be far less whimsical. Every major attraction draws in not only tourists but also opportunists—people looking for distracted, weary visitors. Safety experts have long warned about the “last mile” of any trip: the walk, bus ride, or drive home from an entertainment venue.
This week, one visitor’s experience served as a stark reminder that the journey back can be just as important to plan as the trip inside the park. What unfolded just blocks away from Disneyland has left locals urging guests to change their routes.
What Happened Near Disneyland
According to a public post made on August 13, 2025, a Japanese guest visiting was attacked while returning from Disneyland Resort in California. The incident occurred in what the victim described as the “black circle area” between Disney and Angel Stadium—a location they claimed had minimal pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
I was attacked at the black circle area on the way back to Disney from Angel Stadium. They told me to hand over my phone, and I pretended I didn’t understand English, but then I got punched in the face three times out of nowhere and ran away. I think a lot of people probably walk through that passage to get back, but that spot has little foot or car traffic, so I recommend running through it quickly! – @Rei_O112 on X (Translated using Grok)
エンゼルススタジアムからディズニー戻る道中の黒丸部分で襲われました。
スマホ出せって言われて英語わかんないってフリしてたらいきなり3発顔殴られて走って逃げました。
多分ここの通路歩いて帰る人多いと思うんですけどそこだけ人通り車通り少ないんで走って通り過ぎること推奨します！ pic.twitter.com/ZW9TZlKacj— 結城れい@カリフォルニアnow (@Rei_O112) August 14, 2025
The guest reported that an unknown assailant demanded their phone. Pretending not to understand English, they tried to defuse the situation but were punched in the face three times before managing to run away.
Police have not yet released an official statement, but the account has sparked concern among both tourists and locals who recognize the path as a common shortcut for visitors.
How to Stay Safe Leaving The House of Mouse
While Disneyland and the surrounding Anaheim area are generally considered safe, nighttime conditions can vary—especially in less-traveled corridors. Safety tips include:
-
Stick to well-lit main streets like Harbor Boulevard or Katella Avenue instead of isolated shortcuts.
-
Travel in groups and avoid walking alone after dark if possible.
-
Use rideshare services from designated pickup areas rather than walking extended distances.
-
Stay aware by keeping your phone tucked away and avoiding headphones until you reach your destination.
Regular parkgoers note that most trouble happens off Disney property, where security presence is thinner.
Hidden Local Tips for Avoiding Risk
-
Alternate Entrances & Exits: Harbor Boulevard is busier but safer than quieter side streets.
-
Late-Night Shuttle Options: Some nearby hotels and transit centers run shuttles until midnight.
-
Anaheim Police Patrol Areas: Some blocks near the resort have more frequent patrols—locals recommend routes past these zones.
Why This Matters to Disneyland Fans
For many guests, the magic of Disney isn’t just inside the park—it’s the entire trip. News of an attack on an international visitor shakes that image, particularly for first-time travelers. Safety concerns can impact tourism, guest satisfaction, and even the willingness of fans to explore Anaheim beyond the resort gates.
Social media reactions have been swift, with some urging city officials to increase police presence in known low-traffic areas. Others have shared their own stories of uncomfortable encounters near stadiums and parking lots after dark.
For now, guests are being reminded that “the magic” doesn’t follow you outside the park—and situational awareness remains your best defense.
If you or someone you know is visiting Disneyland soon, share these safety tips. Report suspicious activity immediately to Anaheim Police and consider mapping your route in advance.