A Canadian man has been charged with battery in Florida after allegedly using his shoulder to strike a Disney World employee who prevented him and his family from boarding a ride that had already closed for the night.
Incident at Animal Kingdom
According to court documents from Orange County Circuit court, the 48-year-old resident of Palgrave, Ontario, entered a not guilty plea to a first-degree misdemeanor. The incident occurred on the evening of March 20 at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park near Orlando.
The park employee, whose name has been redacted, was in the process of closing an attraction when the man approached her to inquire about his family members who were outside the ride area. The worker explained that the ride was closed and that chains had been set up to block entry.
Family members jump chains
Despite the closure, three of the man's family members allegedly jumped over the chains and were escorted out by the employee. The accused followed them out, but shortly afterward, he and some family members again jumped the chains to enter the Lightning Lane queue. The same employee confronted them and instructed them to leave and discuss the matter outside.
According to the arresting officer from the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the man allegedly continued advancing and shoved the worker with his shoulder, claiming that she would not stop him. He then reportedly shoulder checked her a second time as she stood in front of him while he moved up the line. He only stopped when he reached an area with more staff and other guests present.
The employee reported the incident to security and management. When police arrived, the man largely corroborated the worker's account, adding that she had placed her hand on a rail to block his path as he moved forward against instructions, and that he walked into her while trying to pass.
Charges and legal proceedings
The employee expressed her desire to press charges and willingness to testify in court, leading to the man's arrest. He was subsequently released on a $2,000 bond and permitted to return to Canada.
A pre-trial conference originally scheduled for this Friday has been postponed until June 19. National Post has reached out to the man and his legal representative for comment.
The court documents do not specify which ride at Animal Kingdom the man was attempting to access. Animal Kingdom is Disney's largest venue, spanning over 500 acres, and features nine attractions with Lightning Lanes, according to Mouse Hacking, a website that tracks Disney World deals.
