A tourist who visited a Disney resort in Florida has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that a bed bug infestation caused him significant pain and suffering. David Besse initiated legal action on March 31 in Florida's Orange County Circuit Court, accusing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts of two counts of negligence, according to a complaint cited by People.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The lawsuit stems from Besse's stay at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort in Lake Buena Vista, just outside Orlando, on May 15, 2022. He claims he was bitten numerous times by bed bugs, scientifically known as cimicidae, during his visit. The filing seeks damages exceeding $50,000, citing various physical and emotional harms.
Claims of Negligence and Damages
According to the lawsuit, Disney failed to properly train staff on room inspections to prevent bed bug infestations. It also alleges the resort neglected to use preventive measures such as insecticide dust and mattress encasements. The complaint, referenced by WDWNT, states that Besse suffered scarring, bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, loss of the capacity for the enjoyment of life, medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of the ability to earn money, financial loss, and property damage.
The lawsuit emphasizes that these losses are either permanent or continuing, and Besse will likely suffer them in the future. Additionally, the complaint requests a trial by jury and any other further proceedings the court deems necessary. The Daily Mail has reached out to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for comment, but no response has been reported yet.
Broader Context of Bed Bug Issues
This incident highlights a larger issue, as Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Melbourne were ranked the 30th-worst cities for bed bugs across the US in a February report by Terminix. Terminix, one of the world's largest pest control companies, advises travelers to inspect mattresses and nearby furniture for small, rust-colored stains, shed skins, and living bed bugs, which are about the size of an apple seed.
Health Impacts of Bed Bugs
Although bed bugs cannot carry diseases, they can cause itchy, red, allergic reactions from bites, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, these pests can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and secondary skin infections from excessive itching. This underscores the potential severity of Besse's claims in the lawsuit.
Similar Incidents and Comparisons
In a related case, a woman in England experienced over 30 red and itchy bites after staying in a hotel room infested with bed bugs in 2025. Sharon Aggarwal, an IT worker who frequently travels for work, described waking up in the middle of the night scratching at a three-star hotel in Henley-on-Thames. She reported seeing several bugs crawling on the bed and squashing one on the pillow, which resulted in blood spurting out, highlighting the distressing nature of such infestations.
This lawsuit against Disney adds to growing concerns about bed bug prevention in hospitality settings, emphasizing the need for rigorous training and preventive measures to protect guests from such harmful experiences.
