Credit: Joe Schlabotnik, FlickrA day at Walt Disney World is usually filled with attractions, entertainment, and family memories. But even at the Most Magical Place on Earth, emergency situations can unfold without warning. In two unrelated incidents earlier this year, Disney first responders were called to assist guests experiencing medical emergencies. Both situations ultimately escalated beyond medical care and resulted in felony arrests after deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office became involved.
The two cases happened weeks apart at different locations across Walt Disney World Resort. One unfolded inside EPCOT, while the other took place at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Although the circumstances were completely different, each incident ended with emergency personnel alleging they were physically assaulted while attempting to provide assistance.
Medical Emergency at EPCOT Leads to Arrest
The first incident took place on June 5 inside EPCOT’s China Pavilion.
According to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, emergency personnel responded after a woman suffered a medical emergency inside the park. As firefighters and EMTs began treating the patient, her son, 36-year-old Daniel Hughes of St. Augustine, reportedly became increasingly emotional while trying to remain by her side.
The report states that Hughes repeatedly attempted to move closer to his mother while emergency responders worked to assess her condition. An EMT told investigators that she instructed him to step aside so the medical team could safely begin treatment.
Instead, authorities allege Hughes pushed the EMT several times while attempting to reach his mother.
According to the report, the contact was forceful enough to move the EMT sideways, although she was not knocked down or injured. A battalion chief then stepped in, instructed Hughes to back away from the scene, and requested assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s report does not provide details about what medical emergency Hughes’ mother experienced, nor does it offer any update on her condition following the incident.
Hughes Gives His Version of Events
After being taken into custody, Hughes spoke with deputies and explained what happened from his perspective.
According to the arrest report, Hughes said he had just gotten off an attraction when he discovered his mother on the ground suffering a medical emergency. He claimed EMTs moved him away while trying to reach her and acknowledged making physical contact with one responder.
However, Hughes reportedly described the contact differently than investigators did. He told deputies he used the back of his fingers to lightly push the EMT aside because he wanted to stay next to his mother during the emergency.
The EMT involved chose to pursue criminal charges.
Hughes was arrested and charged with battery on an emergency medical care provider, a third-degree felony under Florida law. Court records show he later entered a plea of not guilty. His attorney declined to comment on the case.
Separate Incident Unfolds at Saratoga Springs Resort
Less than a month earlier, another emergency call had already brought Disney first responders to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
On May 10, firefighters and rescue personnel were dispatched to assist 44-year-old Effie Crilly of Bridgewater, New Jersey. According to the sheriff’s report, responders became concerned about her level of intoxication and wanted her transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Authorities say Crilly refused medical transport, prompting responders to request assistance from law enforcement.
When Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Derron Callwood arrived, he attempted to convince Crilly to cooperate with firefighters and accept treatment.
According to the arrest report, the deputy explained that emergency personnel wanted her evaluated at a hospital and asked whether she needed help getting onto a stretcher that had already been brought into the room.
Investigators say the situation quickly deteriorated.
Deputies Say Woman Became Physical
According to the sheriff’s report, Crilly responded with profanity before allegedly walking toward Deputy Callwood and forcefully pushing him in the chest with both hands.
The deputy immediately restrained her, placed her in handcuffs, and secured her to the waiting stretcher before firefighters transported her to Dr. Phillips Hospital.
After doctors medically cleared Crilly, deputies transported her to the Orange County Jail.
She was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, another third-degree felony under Florida law. Court records show she also entered a plea of not guilty. Her attorney declined to comment on the case.
Emergency Responders Face Difficult Situations
While millions of guests visit Walt Disney World each year without experiencing serious issues, the resort’s emergency response teams regularly handle everything from heat-related illnesses to medical emergencies that require immediate attention.
In many cases, those calls are resolved quietly without drawing public attention. However, these two incidents illustrate how rapidly medical situations can become more complicated when emotions run high or guests refuse assistance.
For first responders, creating enough space to safely assess and treat patients is often essential. Whether responding inside a crowded theme park or at one of Disney’s resort hotels, firefighters, EMTs, and deputies must balance providing medical care while also maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved.
Neither arrest report provides additional information about the medical conditions that originally prompted the emergency calls, and both criminal cases remain separate from the underlying medical incidents themselves.
Although these events occurred at different locations and under very different circumstances, they serve as reminders that even destinations built around vacations and entertainment can occasionally become the setting for serious emergencies requiring medical professionals and law enforcement to work together.
For the overwhelming majority of guests, a Walt Disney World vacation ends with photos, souvenirs, and happy memories. In these two cases, however, what began as medical emergencies concluded with felony charges, hospital visits, and criminal proceedings that will continue long after the vacations themselves came to an end.
