Mother and Daughter Reportedly Assaulted by Homeless Man Outside Disney Park

Panic has begun to spread after a recent terrifying incident was reported.

For the millions of fans who travel to Disneyland Resort in Southern California every year, this is truly a nightmare. For decades, both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have been known as wholesome, family-friendly venues where Guests of every age can be entertained without fear. Part of the reason why people choose Disney as their vacation location is because of the sense of security you have within the Resorts. For the most part, Disney does an excellent job of preventing crime on their property.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop horrific incidents from happening just outside the Park’s gates. A recent allegation from one Disney Guest and her family member has left many fans feeling more frightened than ever to visit the Disney Parks.

Disneyland Park Sleeping Beauty castle

In a shocking incident that sent waves of panic through the Disney community, a homeless man allegedly assaulted a mother and her child just outside of Disneyland Resort. The news of this distressing event quickly spread like wildfire, leaving visitors and locals alike in a state of shock and concern. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most magical places can be subjected to senseless acts of violence just outside.

According to the mother, the terrifying incident occurred just outside the Disney Resort grounds on Harbor Boulevard. This area is often frequented by Guests of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Families and individuals flock to Disneyland Resort expecting a carefree and whimsical experience, but unfortunately, this incident momentarily shattered that illusion for many. Public safety and security are paramount, and this incident highlights the need for heightened vigilance and ongoing efforts to maintain a safe environment.

The incident took place on October 25, 2023. According to the mother, she and her daughter were walking towards the Disneyland Park entrance when a man, whom they assumed to be homeless, assaulted them by throwing coffee at them. The mother shared,

“Assaulted on Harbor Blvd

Today my daughter and I were walking down Harbor Blvd towards the parks, when a man who I assume is homeless threw a full cup of coffee on us outside the McDonald’s by the Fairfield Inn. Thankfully this is all he did, and walked away while looking back at us. We did not interact with him in any way – it was totally at random. We suffered no physical injuries (thankfully it wasn’t hot) but it was definitely upsetting.

I live in a city with a significant homeless population and have never had an issue. I realize this was a totally random thing, and it certainly doesn’t reflect on Disney. But is the area around the parks typically pretty safe? I’ve never felt uncomfortable before, but I also haven’t been back in several years.”

Immediate chaos ensued as the news spread, fans scrambling to comprehend the gravity of the situation. On the Disneyland Reddit page, fans shared their condolences with the mother and child. User r/ashecatcher805 says,

“I’m sorry that happened to you, sounds shocking and unnerving. That said, I do think that was a random unfortunate thing. The area around the parks is well populated, relatively clean for a city, well lit, and heavily patrolled by police and security. I’ve never heard of it being unsafe, and I stay in hotels around that area a couple times a year when visiting.”

The incident serves as a poignant reminder that homelessness is a complex issue that transcends geographic boundaries and can impact even the most iconic destinations. While the motives behind the alleged assault remain unclear, it is crucial to approach this incident with empathy and without generalizing or stigmatizing the entire homeless community. It is important to remember that the actions of one individual do not define an entire group.

Disneyland tickets

This event is also a good reminder for Guests to never get too comfortable on and near Disney Resort property. Unfortunately, dangerous activity can happen anywhere, and it is crucial to remain as vigilant as possible to protect you and your loved ones from a criminal threat. No information or confirmation of the incident has come from Disney at this time. It is also unclear if the Anaheim Police Department or Disneyland security were informed of this crime.

Dangerous Chemical Reactions Leads to Evacuation of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

One of Disney World’s most popular resort hotels was placed under evacuation orders on Wednesday because of a potentially dangerous chemical reaction.

A brief chemical scare was reported by staff members at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on Wednesday morning, a spokesperson from the Reedy Creek Fire Department confirmed to FOX 35 News. According to the spokesperson, no cast members or guests were injured during the incident.

People magazine reported that guests staying at Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort were forced to evacuate the property on Wednesday morning following a call to the Reedy Creek Fire Department for assistance after a mixture of two chemicals in the kitchen of the resort hotel produced gasses that could have potentially posed health hazards to those in the area.

Details about the Disney World employee responsible for the improper combination of chemicals are not available, and there’s no evidence to suggest that the act was intended to create a danger for anyone else or that the act was malicious in any way. There has also been no word about the types of chemicals that were combined or why they were mixed in the first place.

Emergency vehicles from the Reedy Creek Fire Department were seen in the parking lot of the resort hotel, and guests reported that the Disney World Resort monorail bypassed its usual stop in front of the Polynesian Resort while firefighters responded to the call for emergency assistance.

Emergency personnel with the Reedy Creek Fire Department were initially called to the Walt Disney World Resort hotel to investigate the hotel kitchen staff’s reports of a possible chemical exposure following the improper mix of two chemicals.

Reedy Creek Fire Department

WESH Orlando Channel 2 reports that Eryka Washingon, spokeswoman for the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, formerly referred to as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, explained that an employee of the resort hotel was mixing chemicals in the kitchen area at the Polynesian Village Resort–an action that resulted in the production of gasses that were perceived as potentially dangerous to cast members and guests.

The kitchen was immediately evacuated as a precaution, and several employees underwent medical evaluations with first responders onsite. By 11:00 a.m., officials announced that the situation had been cleared.

The Reedy Creek Fire Department spokesperson confirmed that an employee at the resort hotel had mixed chemicals that should not have been combined, and the resulting reaction from that combination forced employees to evacuate the kitchen so that firefighters could assess the scene.

More details will be shared as they become available.

Disney World Drops Virtual Queue Program for Select Guests

Walt Disney World Resort has announced that it’s putting an end to a virtual queue program.

Walt Disney World Resort, located in Orlando, Florida, is renowned for providing visitors with unforgettable experiences. One of the strategies Disney has employed to enhance guest satisfaction and manage crowd flow is the introduction of the Virtual Queue System. This innovative solution allows park-goers to secure access to some of the most popular attractions, minimizing wait times and maximizing the magic of their Disney experience.

Disney World is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each Disney park includes different attractions, parades, character meet and greets, and much more.

With Disney World being such a popular tourist location, guests from all over the world come to experience the wonder of Disney and this can cause line queues to be long and areas to become crowded. One of the ways that guests can “beat the line” is by purchasing Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane.

Guests can purchase Genie + to help lower their wait time by going through the Lightning Lane entry. Genie + prices are no longer at a fixed rate but can vary from day to day. This means that guests may not have a clear idea of how much they need to budget in order to have the opportunity to bypass the standby queue. While this may not be a concern for some rides, Walt Disney World Resort has introduced numerous new attractions recently, making Genie+, and Lightning Lane a valuable resource, especially for families with limited time to explore the park.

Genie+ and Anger from Pixar Inside Out

Lightning Lane allows guests to purchase a certain attraction for a certain time. Guests use Lighting Lane for attractions such as TRON LightCycle/Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind due to the amount of guests wanting to experience this attraction.

Disney World’s Virtual Queue System is a high-tech, time-saving tool that’s designed to minimize the time guests spend waiting in line for some of the most popular attractions and shows in the park. It’s a part of Disney’s ongoing effort to enhance the overall guest experience and reduce the stress associated with waiting in long queues.

So far, Disney’s newest attractions use the virtual queue system, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and TRON Lightcycle / Run, which allows guests to get a boarding pass number that tells them when it is their time to join the line. The virtual queue lines are to help the lines not get backed up and allow more guests to know when it is their turn.

cosmic rewind entrance (left), TRON lightcycle run attraction (right)

It has now been reported that TRON Lightcycle / Run will have massive changes soon. TRON Lightcycle/Run will soon discontinue its virtual queue system in early 2024. This change is part of the newly introduced ticketed events at Walt Disney World. Disney is reintroducing its After Hours event, available at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney Guests may get excited for the news of the Virtual Queue system for TRON Lightcycle/Run being phased out in the near future due to no longer hoping to get a boarding pass. However, for the time being, guests will still need to use the MyDisneyExperience app to secure their reservations or to purchase a Lighting Lane. Please keep in mind that this does not affect regular hours, in which TRON Lightcycle / Run will still operate with a virtual queue, at least for now.

After hours hollywood studios

These After Hour Events are available for purchase with a separate park ticket, which allows guests to come into the parks after it has closed to the public. These events are created for fewer guests to be inside the parks which allows guests to experience more attractions and less wait times.

The Disney After Hours event is scheduled between January 11 and April 8, 2024. Disney may add dates, and prices may change. Below are the event dates and prices:

  • Thursday, January 11 – $155 for all guests, with a discounted price of $125 for Passholders/DVC members
  • Monday, January 15 – $165 for all guests, with a discounted price of $135 for Passholders/DVC members.
  • Monday, January 22 – $165 for all guests, with a discounted price of $135 for Passholders/DVC members.
  • Thursday, February 1 – $165 for all guests, with a discounted price of $135 for Passholders/DVC members.
  • Monday, February 5 – $165 for all guests, with a discounted price of $135 for Passholders/DVC members.
  • Monday, February 12 – $175 for all guests, with a discounted price of $145 for Passholders/DVC members.
  • Thursday, February 29 – $175 for all guests, with a discounted price of $145 for Passholders/DVC members.
  • Monday, March 4 – $175 for all guests, with a discounted price of $145 for Passholders/DVC members.
  • Monday, March 18 – $175 for all guests, with a discounted price of $145 for Passholders/DVC members.
  • Monday, April 8 – $175 for all guests, with a discounted price of $145 for Passholders/DVC members.

Are you excited for the changes coming to TRON Lightcycle/Run?

Disney Cruise Line Offers Even More Fun in the Sun in the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico in Early 2025

In early 2025, Disney Cruise Line will feature new and fan-favorite itineraries, bringing guests more options for fun in the sun from four home ports in the United States. From voyages that stop at one or both of Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations in The Bahamas, to the Disney Treasure’s inaugural season of seven-night voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, to a tropical sailing to Hawaii or the South Pacific aboard the Disney Wonder, early 2025 will provide a myriad of adventures aboard Disney Cruise Line’s six ships.

Bookings open to the public on Nov. 6, 2023. Clients that are Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club and select other affinity groups may take advantage of the following extended early booking windows:

  • Pearl Castaway Club Members: Monday, Oct. 30, 2023
  • Platinum Castaway Club Members, Golden Oak and Club 33 Members: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023
  • Gold Castaway Club Members: Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023
  • Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club and Adventure Insiders: Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023
  • Bookings open to all Guests: Monday, Nov. 6, 2023

Delight in Disney’s Island Destinations

In early 2025, the Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Dream and Disney Magic will all offer an assortment of three- to five-night getaways from Florida to Disney Cruise Line’s Bahamian destinations – the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and the beloved Disney Castaway Cay. The Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish will set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, while the Disney Dream and Disney Magic will voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Aboard all four ships, guests will have the opportunity to experience one of the Disney island destinations, with each ship also offering at least one special itinerary that will sail to both Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay.

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney’s celebration of The Bahamas and its newest, one-of-a-kind island retreat located on the island of Eleuthera, will welcome families with breathtaking natural beauty combined with the magic of Bahamian storytelling and artistry. Purposefully designed to be a unique fusion of Bahamian culture and Disney experiences, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will feature Bahamian art and music paired with signature Disney entertainment, sweeping architecture inspired by Bahamian natural wonders brought to life by Disney Imagineers and opportunities to explore Eleuthera through unique port adventures.

Meanwhile Disney Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in The Bahamas, will continue to provide guests of all ages with relaxation and adventure amidst its turquoise waters and lush landscapes. The whimsical tropical hideaway provides a hassle-free experience for a fun and relaxing beach day coupled with a picture-perfect setting with distinctly Disney touches.

The Disney Treasure’s Inaugural Season

Following its maiden voyage on Dec. 21, 2024, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure, will embark on an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral. Eastern Caribbean sailings will take families to the beautiful island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, Disney Castaway Cay and either San Juan, Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas, while Western Caribbean sailings will bring families to destinations such as Falmouth in Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. The week-long voyages will offer at least two days at sea, giving families more time to enjoy the unique spaces, immersive dining and world-class entertainment onboard the Disney Treasure.

Pacific Voyages Aboard the Disney Wonder

The Disney Wonder will conclude its second season in Australia and New Zealand in early 2025 with a special 15-night South Pacific cruise from Sydney, Australia, to Honolulu, Hawaii. Its return to North America will feature two more special sailings: a nine-night Hawaiian Island cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver, Canada in late February, followed by a five-night cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, California, in early March. From San Diego, the Disney Wonder will take guests on three- to seven-night adventures to the Mexican Riviera or the Baja Peninsula.

Adventures from Texas on the Disney Magic

Before homeporting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Disney Magic will also offer the opportunity to visit Mexico on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. For the first three months of 2025, the Disney Magic will sail to Progreso and Cozumel in Mexico and Grand Cayman from Galveston, Texas. In April, the ship will set sail on a special seven-night cruise from the Lone Star State to San Juan, Puerto Rico that will stop at both of Disney’s island destinations, before returning to the Sunshine State  for a series of three- to four-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale, followed by four- and five-night sailings from Port Canaveral to Nassau and at least one of Disney’s island destinations in The Bahamas.

For more details, including itinerary and booking information, click here

Disney Skyliner to Close for Routine Maintenance in January

To help our Guests prepare for their visits early next year, we’re sharing that Disney Skyliner will be closed for routine maintenance in January 2024. Please see more information below:

  • Jan. 16-21
    • The line between Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be closed.
    • The line between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closed.
  • Jan. 16-27
    • The line between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort and International Gateway at EPCOT will be closed.

Bus transportation will be available at all Disney Skyliner Resorts throughout the planned closure so Guests can reach their desired destinations across Walt Disney World.