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.