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Credit: DisneyDisney World proudly calls itself the Most Magical Place on Earth. It’s engineered to feel precise and polished—every parade timed, every firework choreographed, every smile intentional. But anyone who spent time in the parks during 2025 knows that magic doesn’t always unfold quietly. Crowds felt heavier, patience ran thinner, and unexpected moments kept breaking through the illusion. As the year comes to a close, here are 10 of the craziest Disney World stories of 2025—each real, each different, and each a reminder that even Disney isn’t immune to chaos.
1. March — A Bus Line Worth Choking Over at Yacht Club
March delivered one of the year’s most unsettling resort incidents at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. A disagreement over a bus line escalated when one guest allegedly grabbed another man by the neck during an argument about queue placement. Disney security intervened quickly, and law enforcement was called to the scene. The aggressor was arrested and issued a trespass warning barring him from Disney property. What shocked many was how something as routine as transportation turned violent in a space meant to feel calm and relaxed.
That uneasy tone would resurface again inside the parks just months later.
2. June — Fireworks Crowd Turns Violent
In late June, Magic Kingdom guests witnessed a frightening scene following the Happily Ever After fireworks. During post-show crowd flow near Cinderella Castle, a frustrated guest reportedly shoved a cast member to the ground after becoming angry about movement restrictions. The incident unfolded in front of families as they exited the area. Law enforcement responded, the cast member received medical attention, and the guest was arrested and banned from Walt Disney World. It was a stark reminder of how quickly crowd pressure can turn dangerous.
From the chaos of fireworks, the year moved into outright criminal behavior.
3. March — Cocaine Discovered at Magic Kingdom Security
Also in March, a guest attempting to enter Magic Kingdom was stopped at a security checkpoint near the bus loop after officers discovered cocaine concealed inside his wallet. Deputies confirmed the substance and arrested the individual on the spot. The guest was banned from Disney property following the incident. The story spread quickly online, mainly due to its surreal nature, but it was thoroughly documented by law enforcement.
Alcohol-related incidents weren’t far behind.
4. December — Drunken Outburst Disrupts Disney Springs Restaurant
December brought a highly publicized disturbance at Disney Springs when an intoxicated guest caused a scene inside a popular dining location after being cut off from alcohol service. Reports indicate the guest refused to leave and argued loudly with staff, prompting Cast Members to escalate the situation to security. Law enforcement ultimately arrested the guest for trespassing after the guest continued to refuse compliance. What should have been a festive holiday evening was abruptly disrupted for nearby diners.
As the year drew to a close, events took a far more serious turn.
5. December — “Person Down” Call Near EPCOT Turns Tragic
What began as a quiet December evening took a somber turn on December 11, 2025. Emergency dispatch records show a call went out around 9:24 p.m. for a “person down” near EPCOT’s exit area. Within roughly an hour, radio traffic escalated, with the situation later categorized as involving a deceased individual. Guests nearby reported confusion and concern as paramedics worked at the scene. No official statement detailing the circumstances has been released by Walt Disney World Resort or local authorities, leaving many unanswered questions.
Summer crowds would later bring more conflict.
6. July — Parade Spot Dispute Leads to Felony Charge
In July, a dispute over a viewing spot for a parade at Magic Kingdom escalated into a serious legal situation. An adult guest allegedly grabbed and shoved a teenage girl during an argument along the parade route. Deputies responded and arrested the woman, who was charged with felony child abuse. She pleaded not guilty, posted a $2,500 bond, and was instructed not to return to Disney property. The incident stunned families nearby and reignited discussions about how competitive parade viewing can push tensions too far.
Legal fallout followed later in the year.
7. October — Main Street, U.S.A. Train Track Lawsuit Surfaces
In October, a guest was injured after tripping over the embedded trolley tracks on Main Street, U.S.A., U.S.A., inside Magic Kingdom. While the incident itself occurred in October, details became public just this month, in December, when a lawsuit surfaced alleging the tracks posed a tripping hazard. The case drew attention because the tracks are a long-standing design feature of the park. Fans immediately began speculating about whether the lawsuit could eventually impact the future of Main Street itself.
Resort areas weren’t immune to turmoil either.
8. December — Violent Sisters Arrested at Contemporary Resort
Another disturbing incident occurred in December at Disney’s Contemporary Resort when a violent altercation between two sisters led to arrests. Reports indicate the argument escalated into physical violence inside the resort, alarming nearby guests. Disney security responded quickly, but local law enforcement ultimately took both women into custody on battery-related charges. The fact that it happened inside a deluxe resort known for its relaxed atmosphere made the incident especially jarring.
Inside the parks, safety rules continued to be ignored.
9. June — Guest Jumps Off Ride to Retrieve Phone
In June, a guest riding EPCOT’s Living with the Land made a dangerous decision after dropping a phone into the water. While the boats were still moving, the guest exited the ride to retrieve the device, triggering an immediate operational response. The entire moment was captured on TikTok and quickly spread across social media. Several commenters claimed the man and his wife were escorted out immediately after the incident, fueling frustration among viewers who felt a phone wasn’t worth the risk.
The year began—and ended—with sheer disbelief.
10. January — Man in Underwear Destroys EPCOT Kiosk
On New Year’s Day, a man reportedly stripped down to his underwear and caused significant damage to a merchandise kiosk along the walkway between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Witnesses reported that the incident occurred during the early morning hours and involved a refusal to leave the area. Security intervened, deputies arrested the man, and the story quickly spread online. It was an unforgettable way to start the year—and a preview of the chaos that followed.
Bonus Chaos — The Scuba Robbery
One of the most unbelievable crimes of 2025 unfolded at Disney Springs’ Paddlefish restaurant in mid-September. After the restaurant closed, a suspect wearing full scuba gear reportedly swam up to the waterfront location and entered while employees were counting cash. Surveillance footage showed the individual in a wetsuit and goggles as he took between $10,000 and $20,000. After the robbery, the suspect put on the scuba gear again and swam away into the surrounding waterways. No employees were physically harmed, but the bizarre getaway stunned investigators and guests alike.
Looking Ahead to 2026
After a year like 2025, it’s hard not to wonder what lies ahead. With crowds expected to remain high and new attractions on the horizon, Disney World will once again test patience and judgment. While these stories made headlines, they also underscore the significant impact that guest behavior has on the overall experience.
As 2026 approaches, being a good Disney citizen—respecting Cast Members, fellow guests, and basic rules—could go a long way toward making future trips more enjoyable and far less chaotic. Because the magic works best when everyone helps protect it.