Florida Man Pleas No Contest to Trespassing Charges for Camping on Discovery Island at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Via wdwnt.com

The chapter has closed on the trespassing case against Richard J. McGuire. According to ClickOrlando.com, the Florida man plead no contest to the charge of trespass on property other than structure or conveyance. The plea was filed on September 30.

Police arrested McGuire in April for trespassing on Walt Disney World property. Camping on Discovery Island and using abandoned buildings for shelter, he recorded his camping adventure for YouTube. At the time, McGuire called the island his “tropical paradise.” Paradise crumbled for him as law enforcement took him into custody.

As a result of the plea deal, McGuire must pay a $100 fine along with court fees and prosecution costs. Because the adjudication of McQuire’s case has been withheld, it will not appear on his criminal record. Additionally, he is banned for life from Walt Disney World.

The public record shows the case has been closed.

Footage Released of Manhunt for Discovery Island Trespasser at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

After being arrested for camping on the former site of Discovery Island back in April, a Florida man has been formally charged for trespassing on Walt Disney World property. Now, WKMG News 6 has released video of the manhunt as Disney Security and members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office trekked through the abandoned land in search for the trespasser.

According to ClickOrlando.com, Richard J. McGuire was formally charged with trespass on property other than structure or conveyance in July. Investigators claimed deputies searched for McGuire on the ground, by helicopter, and by boat before finding him.

Discovery Island first opened in 1974, but closed permanently in 1999. McGuire called the island a “tropical paradise” and claimed to be unaware that the property was closed. He has since been banned from Walt Disney World Resort.

Florida Man Formally Charged with Trespassing Following Discovery Island Camping Incident at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

After being arrested for camping on the former site of Walt Disney World’s Discovery Island back in April, a Florida man has been formally charged by Florida State Attorney Aramis Ayala.

According to ClickOrlando.com, Richard J. McGuire was formally charged with trespass on property other than structure or conveyance. In April, McGuire was found by Walt Disney World security on the site of the former nature-themed attraction, which was open from 1974 to 1999. Orange County deputies were dispatched to the site.

Investigators claimed deputies searched for McGuire on the ground, and by helicopter and boat before finding him. Court records reveal that McGuire told investigators he was sleeping in one of the abandoned buildings on the island which he called a “tropical paradise,” claiming to be unaware that the property was closed.

McGuire was ordered to not return to any Walt Disney World property.

Man Arrested After Camping On Walt Disney World’s Discovery Island

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

With the current park closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no secret that Disney fans are missing Walt Disney World dearly! Unfortunately, one man decided to take advantage of the closures, and camped out on Discovery Island.

According to USA TODAY, a man named Richard McGuire, 42, from Mobile, Alabama was arrested on Thursday, April 30 after camping on Walt Disney World’s Discovery Island, according to an arrest report acquired by USA TODAY. McGuire has been banned from all Disney properties and charged with a misdemeanor for trespassing.

Discovery Island is located in Walt Disney World’s Bay Lake. It was closed to the public in 1999. The island property remains closed to the public today with “no trespassing” and “private property” signs posted.

According to the Orange County arrest report, officers conducted a search by foot, boat and helicopter and eventually found McGuire. He had been sleeping in one of the island’s buildings and referred to the property as a “tropical paradise.” Robert Ricks, Orange County Police Officer wrote, “Richard stated that he had made entry to the island to go camping on Monday or Tuesday and had planned on staying on the island for approximately one week.”

Timon and Rafiki Meet & Greet Now At Discovery Island CHaracter Landing

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

The Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party may have ended its limited-time run, but Timon and Rafiki are still keeping the party going at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. No longer occupied with dance moves, they’ve moved on over to Discovery Island’s Character Landing, where they are meeting and greeting guests for a special photo op.

Once there, you can find Rafiki and Timon monkeying around. A special Lion King backdrop featuring Simba and some hanging gourds, framed by bamboo and rock is available for photos.

Always check the park times guide to know when Timon and Rafiki will be meeting guests. Despite the many Entertainment cuts taking place across Walt Disney World and even close by at Donald’s Dino-Bash in Dinoland, we’re glad character meets are still alive and well.

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