Disney World Guest Dragged Out in Handcuffs After Refusing to Leave Disney Springs

Families visiting Walt Disney World often expect a magical experience filled with character meet-and-greets, thrilling rides, and fireworks. However, they may not anticipate moments that disrupt this fantasy, exposing the reality of Disney World. Incidents can vary from minor disturbances handled by cast members to serious situations requiring law enforcement involvement. Disney Springs, the shopping and dining district, blends family-friendly themes with adult-oriented venues serving alcohol. Among these, The Polite Pig, known for its bourbon selection and barbecue, attracts a diverse crowd, including locals and park guests. While it offers a chance to unwind, excessive drinking can lead to behavior that tarnishes the experience, reminding visitors that even in a magical setting, reality can intrude.

The December 7 Incident at Disney Springs

On the evening of December 7, 2025, what should have been a routine dining experience at The Polite Pig escalated into a situation requiring law enforcement intervention. Stephen DiGiovanna, a 61-year-old visitor from New Jersey, now faces a misdemeanor trespassing charge after allegedly refusing to leave the Disney Springs restaurant following a disruptive outburst.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, the incident began shortly before 9:00 PM when restaurant staff determined that DiGiovanna had consumed enough alcohol and made the decision to cut him off from further bar service. This is standard protocol at any responsible establishment serving alcohol. When servers and bartenders observe signs of intoxication that could lead to safety concerns or disruptive behavior, they’re trained and legally obligated to stop serving that guest.

DiGiovanna’s reaction to being cut off set the confrontation in motion. Rather than accepting the staff’s decision, he allegedly became upset when served water instead of alcohol. The situation quickly deteriorated as DiGiovanna reportedly began yelling and throwing objects, prompting staff to call for law enforcement assistance.

Disney Springs Law Enforcement Response

When Orange County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at The Polite Pig, they found DiGiovanna still seated at the bar with a plastic cup. The arrest report describes him as appearing highly intoxicated, with deputies noting slurred speech and a refusal to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation unfolding around him.

Deputies explained to DiGiovanna that The Polite Pig is private property and that the restaurant has the legal right to refuse service and ask patrons to leave. Despite this explanation and multiple requests from both restaurant staff and law enforcement to depart the premises, DiGiovanna allegedly continued arguing and refused to leave.

The report states that deputies asked DiGiovanna multiple times to exit the restaurant. He repeatedly refused, claiming he didn’t understand why he was being asked to leave despite the clear explanations provided. After several opportunities to leave peacefully and avoid legal consequences, DiGiovanna was placed in handcuffs and charged with trespassing after warning.

Court records show that DiGiovanna has pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge. His attorney has declined to comment on the ongoing case.

The Broader Context

While incidents like this contradict the carefully maintained image of Disney World as a place where problems don’t exist and everyone behaves appropriately, the reality is that arrests at the resort happen with some regularity. DiGiovanna joins dozens of visitors arrested annually at Walt Disney World for offenses ranging from public intoxication and battery on staff or law enforcement to excessive speeding and various other violations.

The presence of alcohol throughout Disney property, particularly at Disney Springs where bars and restaurants operate similarly to any entertainment district in a major city, inevitably creates situations where guests overindulge and make poor decisions. Cast members and security personnel are trained to handle these situations as discreetly as possible, but when guests refuse to cooperate or when behavior crosses certain lines, law enforcement involvement becomes necessary.

The Polite Pig’s Role

The Polite Pig occupies an interesting position in the Disney Springs dining landscape. Unlike many Disney-operated venues, it’s independently owned and shares management with The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park, a restaurant that’s built a strong reputation among food enthusiasts and bourbon collectors. The Disney Springs location attracts guests specifically interested in craft cocktails, whiskey tastings, and elevated barbecue in an atmosphere that’s more sophisticated than typical theme park dining.

This creates a clientele that includes serious spirits enthusiasts who appreciate the restaurant’s selection alongside families looking for casual dining. The combination works well most of the time, but it also means staff must navigate situations where adult guests drinking at the bar might not align with the family-friendly expectations other diners bring to Disney Springs.

Responsible Service Matters

The decision to cut off an intoxicated guest, while sometimes met with anger or resistance, reflects responsible alcohol service that protects both the guest and others around them. Continuing to serve someone showing signs of intoxication creates liability for the establishment and puts the guest at risk for further poor decisions, potential accidents, or health emergencies.

Restaurant staff making these calls face difficult situations. Guests who’ve been drinking often don’t recognize or acknowledge their own level of intoxication and may react defensively or aggressively when told they can’t have more alcohol. But establishments have both legal obligations and ethical responsibilities to stop service when appropriate, regardless of how guests respond.

Maintaining the Magic at Disney Springs

Incidents like the one at The Polite Pig remind visitors that Disney World, for all its immersive theming and magical atmosphere, operates under the same laws and expectations as anywhere else. Private property rights apply. Alcohol service regulations matter. Law enforcement responds when situations require intervention. The magic doesn’t create exemptions from consequences when behavior crosses legal or safety lines.