Disneyland Tree Collapse Injures Las Vegas Couple During Romantic Evening
A large tree unexpectedly toppled over onto a Las Vegas couple who were attempting to enjoy a romantic evening at Disneyland in California. The incident occurred late on Tuesday night, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a special Valentine's-themed celebration.
Romantic Plans Interrupted by Sudden Gust
LeWanda and Mark Joseph, both Magic Keyholders at Disneyland, had traveled from Las Vegas specifically for Sweethearts' Nite, an after-hours event designed for couples. At approximately 11:40 PM, they were seated at a table outside the Plaza Inn restaurant, preparing to recreate the iconic spaghetti scene from Lady and the Tramp for a photo opportunity.
"That was the one photo we really wanted to do," LeWanda later told People magazine. "Like two seconds after my husband sat down, he heard the tree snap. I just felt it, and I screamed."
Mark Joseph recounted to KTLA that he heard a cracking sound behind him and saw a Ficus tree beginning to waver before it fell directly on top of his wife. He immediately rushed to her aid, lifting the branches off her as Disneyland staff quickly arrived to assist.
Immediate Response and Minor Injuries
The couple was treated for minor injuries by Disneyland First Aid personnel. According to Disneyland resort officials, multiple teams, including the Disney Fire Department, were dispatched to the scene. They worked overnight to clean up the remains of the broken tree.
Officials confirmed that the Josephs were the only individuals on the patio at the time of the incident, which was attributed to strong winds and rainy conditions. Anaheim, where Disneyland is located, had been under a wind advisory since 9:00 AM that day, with gusts expected to reach up to 45 mph.
Social Media Reaction and Clarification
Following the accident, other parkgoers witnessed the dramatic scene, and one visitor, Abby Adam, posted a picture of the fallen tree to a Magic Keyholders Facebook group with the message: "Anybody else see/hear the tree break tonight? Hope nobody was hurt!"
LeWanda Joseph responded to the post to clarify the situation, commenting: "Yes, my husband and I were the ones hit. The tree fell directly on top of us. We had just sat down to take photos at the table when the tree snapped and fell. We're okay for now. The medical staff came through ASAP."
She added, "So many people are saying no one was injured or that it didn't fall on anyone, so I'm glad there are some that can actually say what happened and saw us there."
Future Plans Despite the Scare
Despite the frightening experience, the Josephs, who hold Magic Key passes for year-round access to Disney's California parks, have expressed their intention to return to Disneyland in June. LeWanda stated, "We are doing okay," indicating their resilience following the event.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Joseph family for further comment, but no additional statements have been released at this time. This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of weather-related accidents even in highly managed environments like theme parks.
