Guest Jumps Fence, Goes for a Swim at EPCOT

A recent viral TikTok video shows a Walt Disney World Resort guest swimming in a decorative pool located in the Canada World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT. The Disney Park guest, who appeared to be wearing sensory-friendly headphones, climbed or jumped over a tall fence to access the restricted waterway.

The incident follows numerous others in which guests have climbed into no-swimming zones throughout Walt Disney World Resort – particularly at EPCOT.

Even after the splash-filled, family-friendly walkthrough attraction Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, opened in the World Nature area, guests have often been found cooling off their feet (or their kids) in decorative fountains throughout the park. In October 2023, a man was trespassed from Walt Disney World Resort after leaping off a bridge in the Italy Pavilion into the World Showcase Lagoon after an alleged $6,000 bet.

The Italy World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT during the day. — Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the Magic

Over the weekend, TikTok user @bentonharborbutcher shared a video of a Disney Park guest swimming in a decorative pool in the Canada World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT. In the clip, the Walt Disney World Resort guest, who appears to be wearing sensory-friendly headphones, leaps into the water from a dock and swims around as other visitors watch.

@bentonharborbutcher Was at the Canadian part of Epcot and saw this random chance encounter#autism #water #swimming ♬ original sound – ✝️TheBentonHarborButcher🇺🇸🤍

Spectators watching suggest that the young guest may have special needs due to the noise-canceling headphones he’s wearing, but that has not been officially confirmed.

The video amassed over six million views and nearly 400,000 likes. It sparked a heated debate in the comments about parenting and whether the young guest should face consequences from Walt Disney World Resort.

“Where tf are his parents or his caretaker for one?” @starl0v3r_max asked. “And for two, special needs or not. Thats a bannable thing.”

Canadian flags in the world showcase at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort as Canadians celebrated the 150th birthday of the country — Credit: Disney Dining

“I have a 7 yr old who is severely autistic, this would never happen on my watch,” said @mandak1319. “Just no. There are so many preventative measures we have available. This is pure negligence!”

Still, others said that the parents may have tried their best to prevent this incident.

“I have a 21 year old autistic son. You have no idea how hard it is to watch someone 24/7 every single second,” @appleuser3962784 commented. “They are aware you are watching and the split second you take your eyes off they will break away.”

A picturesque scene of a cultural exhibit with totem poles and wooden structures showcasing native art and architecture unfolds in Forgotten Park. In the background, a castle-like building rises, and the area is surrounded by greenery and clear blue skies. — Credit: Disney

“Do you seriously think this special needs kid deserves to be banned from the parks completely because he [wandered] off?” said @gn420. “Do you seriously think that is something Disney should do? Like really.”

It’s unclear whether Walt Disney World Resort imposed any consequences on this guest and his family.

Has another guest’s behavior impacted your visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments.