A tourist who stayed at 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 visit to 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 stay. The filing alleges that Disney failed to properly train staff on room inspections to prevent such infestations and did not use preventive measures like insecticide dust and mattress encasements.
Seeking Substantial Damages
Besse is seeking damages exceeding $50,000, citing a range of severe consequences from the incident. The lawsuit, as reported by WDWNT, states: 'As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's negligence, Plaintiff, David 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.' It further notes that these losses are either permanent or continuing, and Besse will suffer them in the future.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Context
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. This case highlights a broader 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, one of the world's largest pest control companies.
Health Risks and Prevention Tips
Terminix 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. Although bed bugs cannot carry disease, the Mayo Clinic notes they can cause itchy, red, allergic reactions from bites. Additionally, these pests can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and secondary skin infections from excessive itching.
Similar Incidents Highlight the Problem
This lawsuit is not an isolated case. In a related incident, a woman in 2025 was left with over 30 red and itchy bites after staying in a hotel room infested with bed bugs in Henley-on-Thames, England. Sharon Aggarwal, an IT worker who frequently travels for work, described waking up in the middle of the night scratching and finding bugs crawling on the bed. She squashed one on the pillow, horrified to see blood spurt out, underscoring the distressing nature of such infestations.
The legal action against Disney underscores the importance of proper hotel maintenance and staff training to prevent bed bug issues, which can have serious physical, emotional, and financial impacts on guests.
