Elderly Man Arrested, Banned From Disney World, After Assaulting Guest

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Walt Disney World Resort is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” and sometimes, it truly is. It is full of incredible rides and attractions, delicious dining options, memorable character meet and greets, and so much more. Unfortunately, sometimes, there are people who visit Disney and don’t care about making magic. They care about making someone else’s day a little worse.

Back in October 2023, police were called to Disney’s Magic Kingdom after a woman reported being assaulted by an elderly couple. According to the woman — identified in the police report as Mikal Guthrie — she was sitting on a curb waiting for the theme park parade to start. Guthrie told police that two elderly people told her they were saving the area for their family, and told her to move.

Festival of Fantasy Parade

Guthrie said that she refused to move, and that is when the couple allegedly began assaulting her.

Mikal stated Bruce began to kick her buttock region repeatedly and pushed her towards the end of the curb attempting to remove her from the area. Nancy also positioned herself behind Mikal and began to kick her and pull Mikal’s hair. 

Ms. Guthrie stated that she asked the couple to stop kicking her and pulling her hair. That is when a Disney cast member approached Ms. Guthrie and told her that she had been selected to be moved to a special parade viewing area.

Law enforcement also spoke to the cast member, who confirmed the incident, and provided police with a written statement.

Lauren [the cast member] was on mainstreet [sic] in Disney guiding guests to safe areas in preparation for the upcoming parade. Lauren observed an elderly male identified as Bruce yelling at and kicking Mikal telling Mikal to get out of the spot she was sitting in. Lauren then approached Mikal and told her she was randomly selected to go to a special viewing area of the parade to get Mikal out of the situation.

Magic Kingdom Festival of Fantasy Parade

The police officer spoke to the couple in question — identified as Bruce and Nancy Klaff. The Klaffs did confirm that they were holding the area for their family and that Ms. Guthrie sat in the spots they were saving. However, Mrs. Klaff claimed that it was Ms. Guthrie who assaulted her by kicking her. Bruce admitted that he tried to “nudge” Ms. Guthrie out of the spot.

Disney discrimination

It should be noted that Disney does have a guest courtesy policy that says spots cannot be saved. While the site specifically states no saving places in line, it is important to know that spots along parade routes can also not be saved. Many people will put down a blanket or a bag to mark the area they are sitting in. However, the police report does not indicate that the Klaffs put anything down to save a spot:

Please show common courtesy to fellow Guests and our Cast Members by not using profanity or engaging in unsafe, illegal, disruptive or offensive behavior, jumping lines or saving places in lines for others. For your safety and the safety of others, please refrain from running except in designated areas.

While Ms. Guthrie and the Disney World cast member provided law enforcement with sworn, written statements, both Mr. and Mrs. Klaff refused to provide statements.

Based on the information the officer was provided, he found probable cause to arrest Mr. Klaff on battery charges. The report states that he found probable cause that Nancy Klaff had committed battery as well, but did not say why she was not arrested.

maleficent dragon magic kingdom

In addition to being arrested, the arrest report states that the Klaffs were issued trespass notices. That means that they are not allowed on Disney property for a certain amount of time.

Further court documents state that Mr. Klaff has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Pre-trial motions are scheduled to begin on January 18.

Florida Resident Disney Thrills Ticket: 2-Day Ticket for $199 Plus Tax

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Beginning today, Florida residents can purchase a 2-Day Disney Thrills Ticket for just $199 plus tax. Or, choose a 3-day ticket for just $219 plus tax.

The Disney Thrills Ticket is valid for use from January 11 to March 15, 2024 with an advance park reservation. Reservations are limited and subject to availability of reservations allocated to this ticket as determined by Disney, and park capacity.

Adventures by Disney Announces New Holland and Belgium River Cruise with Two Tour Options Beginning in 2025

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Adventures by Disney continues its commitment to family travel with two new itineraries to Holland and Belgium. Beginning in 2025, families can embark on an enchanting river cruise and become immersed in Dutch culture, history and old-world charm, or join an exclusive spring departure to experience the legendary tulip season. 

Each Holland and Belgium River Cruise itinerary will delight guests with its historic landmarks and through hands-on activities for the entire family. Both the traditional tour and the tulip tour include iconic 18th century windmills, canal cruises through time-honored neighborhoods, art, architecture, and classic food and drink tastings, as well as city excursions, a pottery activity, visits to castles, biking through the countryside and more — all designed to take guests into the heart of the area’s storied history and modern-day influence.

The spring tulip sailing will also highlight Holland and Belgium’s world-renowned floral beauty and industry, including stops at breathtaking gardens and a tulip farm.

Each eight-day, seven-night voyage, in collaboration with AmaWaterways, will be led by Disney-trained Adventure Guides who take care of every detail and bring the destinations to life through masterful storytelling. Families will enjoy the convenience of unpacking once as the river cruise ship serves as the hotel for the entire trip. Meals and activities are provided and the selection — or on-your-own time — provides guests a customized adventure. Young travelers, or Junior Adventurers, can even choose to spend an evening together on an Adventure Guide-led activity.

Booking Information for 2025 Small Ship Adventures

Additional Small Ship Adventures returning in 2025 include the Danube, Seine and Rhine River Cruises and the Galapagos and Adriatic Expedition Cruises. Bookings open to the public on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, with early booking available for the following travelers: 

  • Jan. 16, 2024 – Adventure Insiders with 3+ previous Adventures
  • Jan. 17, 2024 – All Adventure Insiders
  • Jan. 18, 2024 – Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney Cruise Line Gold & Platinum Castaway Members, Golden Oak Residents
  • Jan. 19, 2024 – Bookings open for general public

Travelers interested in booking a 2025 Expedition or River Cruise can take advantage of an early booking offer when they book before April 15, 2024, with savings of $500 or more per person on select departures:

  • Save $750 per person on select Galápagos Islands & Adriatic Expedition Cruise departures
  • Save $500 per person on select Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise, Holland and Belgium, Danube, Rhine, or Seine River Cruise departures

 Click here for more details on the early booking offer.

Holland and Belgium: Two Countries Founded on Innovation, Art and Culinary Delights

Much of Holland and Belgium sit at or below sea-level, and for more than 700 years of necessity and innovation as a result of flooding, the landscapes have been sculpted and defined by windmills, canals, dikes and water stations to accommodate farming, commerce and residential life. Dutch artists have also influenced the visual arts for centuries.

Both itineraries begin and conclude in Amsterdam and include visiting sites and enjoying activities, such as:

  • Visiting the windmills at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to marvel at the 18th century structures which elegantly represent the origins of water management, industry and trade.
  • Touring charming cities and castles and biking along picturesque pathways. Bicycles are provided for the bike tour options.
  • Delighting in the past and present of Royal Delft and learning about the pottery and craftsmanship created since 1653. A hand-painted tile activity will give guests their own unique memento to take home.
  • Improving photography skills through a smart phone workshop.
  • Taking a canal cruise through picturesque neighborhoods and learning the stories behind the historic buildings.
  • Discovering the original residence and workshop of Plantin and Moretus publishing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the technique for how words and images were shared dating back to the 1500s. This visit will include a printing press demonstration and a hands-on activity.
  • Admiring the art of Peter Paul Rubens, breathtaking stained glass windows, sculptures and more at Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady, whose Gothic-architecture construction was first started in 1352 and whose belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Enjoying chocolate, cheese, waffles and beer tastings.

The Discovering Holland and Belgium Tour

On the traditional Holland and Belgium itinerary, guests will visit Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, Kinderdijk, Gouda and Bruges. Highlighted activities specific to this tour include:

  • Embarking on a Pilgrim walking tour in Rotterdam and learning the city’s connection and history to the “New World.”
  • Celebrating the magic of music at the Utrecht Museum Speelklok.
  • Admiring and strolling through the Castle de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands.
  • Learning about Brussels’ influence on comic books or their expertise in chocolate through a chocolate-making workshop.

For adult travelers, Adventures by Disney will offer this tour for one adult-exclusive departure.

Embark on the Tulip Tour

Holland’s lowlands and climate give this region the ideal conditions for tulips. The tulip sailing will be offered once in April, to capture the splendor of the blooming season. Tulips are not only a flower to behold, they have also served as inspiration for Dutch master artists, and during tulip-mania in the 1600s, the bulb was used as an economic exchange.

On this itinerary, guests will visit Amsterdam, Hoorn, Middelburg, Ghent, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk and Schoonhoven. Highlighted activities specific to this tour include:

  • Marveling at Keukenhof’s brilliant display of 7 million spring-flowering bulbs and garden art throughout its 79 acres.
  • Visiting Hoorn and its expansive rows of tulips in every color, as well as touring a tulip farm to learn about how they are grown and bulbs are harvested.
  • Exploring the Floralia Flower Show and its more than 1 million tulip bulbs at the Castle of Grand Bigard, including a bonus hands-on Belgian chocolate-making activity.
  • Painting an ornamental clog in a traditional design to take home.

Teenager Arrested After Attempting to Bring Gun Onto Disney Property

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

A shocking story has come out about one 18-year-old who made a potentially devastating mistake.

The Disney Parks worldwide are known for being magical and wholesome places for guests of all ages to enjoy. However, not all guests understand what it means to contribute to that kind of environment. Nearly every week, a report of bad guest behavior shocks and disappoints Disney fans around the world.

Just yesterday, fans were shocked and horrified to hear that one teenage guest had been arrested after security discovered a gun on him. Now, the latest news from a police source has revealed more information on this confusing situation.

Frontierland Disneyland Paris

On Tuesday, January 9, it was reported by French media news source 22 Minutes that a male was arrested near a Disneyland Paris Resort entrance after he attempted to bring a gun onto theme park property. The man was walking through Disney Village when he decided to take a bus to the park’s entrance. Disneyland Paris Resort policy requires a security search when entering their buses. At this routine security screening checkpoint, the weapon was found by park security and arrested by French police.

However, the story gets quite a bit more complicated. It was revealed today that the gun in question was not actually a real gun but instead a fake one. According to a prosecutor on the case, “According to the prosecutor, it is a so-called alarm pistol and blank ammunition, i.e. a weapon classified in category D.” The suspect allegedly had the fake weapon on him for his own personal protection.

While the exact motives behind the man’s actions are yet to be determined, the authorities have indicated that their investigation includes various lines of inquiry. This bizarre situation is certainly not something that Disney security sees every day.

It is imperative to note that Disneyland Paris, being a renowned landmark and a symbol of joy and enchantment, is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its visitors. Their stringent security measures and constant vigilance play a vital role in upholding the magic of the park, making incidents such as this one all the more noteworthy. Handguns are never allowed, regardless of if they are real or not!

Guests Amazed As International Hero Takes Down Bad Guys at Disney Park

The man’s arrest outside Disneyland Paris has raised concerns and prompted discussions on the overall state of security in public spaces. In a world where threats and risks persist, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining the safety of individuals and maintaining the sanctity of public spaces. Disney Resorts are always gun-free spaces for guests, and it is imperative that guests continue to comply with these rules.

Beloved Disney World Park Service Finally Returns

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

It’s a new year at Walt Disney World, and 2024 is bringing the magic back full circle with the return of favored Disney experiences that have been missing since the days of COVID-19. With the promised return of the Disney Dining Plan and the exile of the park pass reservation system (for some), the first domino to fall in getting back to the days of old has happened, hopefully acting as a catalyst to that magical park experience from before the pandemic. Welcome back all day Park Hopper; we missed you!

The Disney World Park Hopper is the perfect ticket option for guests who want to make the most of their Walt Disney World Resort visit. With the Park Hopper ticket, you have the freedom to visit multiple parks in one day, allowing you to experience the magic of each unique park.

This ticket gives you access to all four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can start your magic morning exploring the enchanting fairy tales and iconic attractions at Magic Kingdom, then venture to the futuristic world of EPCOT in the afternoon for thrilling rides and international cuisine. In the evening, you can catch a spectacular live show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and end your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where you can encounter exotic animals and embark on thrilling adventures.

The best part, you can now do so without a theme park reservation. That means no more checking into Magic Kingdom so that you can park-hop over to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Although the theme park reservation system served its purpose in helping Disney maintain crowd levels at the peak of the pandemic, its inclusion has done little to avoid confusion and frustration for those visiting Disney World.

But we digress, back to the all day Park Hopper at Disney World. One of the biggest advantages of the Park Hopper ticket is the flexibility it offers. If you find yourself wanting to spend more time in a particular park, you can easily hop back to that park later in the day. This is especially beneficial during busy times when you may want to avoid overcrowded areas or when you have a dining reservation in a specific park.

EPCOT World Celebration Gardens

To maximize your Park Hopper experience, it’s a good idea to plan your day strategically. Start early and take advantage of the extra magic hours, when one of the parks opens early or stays open late exclusively for Disney Resort hotel guests. This allows you to enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times.

It’s also important to note that the Park Hopper ticket does not include access to the water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. If you wish to visit the water parks, you can consider upgrading to the Park Hopper Plus option, which includes admission to the theme parks and water parks.

As Disney World had allowed park hopping after 2 PM, assuming there was availability at the desired park, this may not seem like good news to some. As park hopping remains a time-honored tradition for many who like to spend their mornings rope-dropping fancy rides at Hollywood Studios, bouncing over to EPCOT for lunch, and finishing their day with “Happily Ever After,” Park Hopper access is a welcome return to what many miss about Walt Disney World.

Although it feels like we’re finally getting back to the Disney World that we all remember and love, it’s important to understand that there are still some limitations, especially for those who have an Annual Pass. Unless the day you’re visiting is considered a “good-to-go” day within the My Disney Experience app, Disney World’s APs will still be held to the rules of old.

This means that if you have a Disney World Annual Pass, you will still be responsible for a park reservation, and you won’t have Park Hopper access until after 2 PM, but only on days that aren’t considered “good-to-go.” Disney World’s website officially holds the following information:

“In 2024, resolve to be more spontaneous with “good-to-go” days for Annual Passholders! As Passholders prepare for their visits next year, we wanted to share more about how good-to-go days will work:

  • On good-to-go days, Annual Passholders may enter the theme parks without needing a reservation (blockout dates will continue to apply like they do today).
  • The theme park reservation calendar, Annual Passholder admissions calendar, and My Disney Experience app will show days that are good to go. The first good-to-go days will be added to the calendars starting Jan. 11, 2024.
  • Good-to-go days will be added periodically and may be released days or weeks in advance.

These are exciting times indeed at Walt Disney World, as your day ticket just unlocked a ton more magic during your next trip. Bringing back nostalgic feelings is a part of Disney; with that, many are celebrating the return of the Park Hopper option by reminiscing the old days. Scott Gustin on X, formerly Twitter, posted a hilarious call back to the old-school Park Hopper commercials, which feature an actual mascot enjoying rides and experiences at Disney World.

With the upcoming return of the Disney Dining Plan and good-to-go days being released starting January 11, 2024, it’s starting to feel like the less complicated version of Park Hopping at Walt Disney World is returning, and that’s good news!

In conclusion, the Disney World Park Hopper ticket is a fantastic option for guests who want to explore multiple parks in one day and make the most of their visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. With its flexibility and variety of experiences, the Park Hopper ticket ensures that you have a truly magical and unforgettable day at Disney World.