A customer is taking legal action against Disney, alleging that one of its hotels was infested with bed bugs, turning a magical vacation into a nightmare. David Besse filed a lawsuit on March 31 in Florida against Disney Parks, seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for an alleged bed bug infestation at the company's All-Star Sports Resort.
Details of the Complaint
According to the complaint, Besse stayed at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, in May 2022. He claims he was bitten 'numerous times' by bed bugs during his stay, accusing Disney of failing to inspect its hotel rooms properly. Besse asserts that due to the company's negligence, he suffered 'scarring, bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, and loss of the capacity for the enjoyment of life.' The complaint further states that his injuries have become 'permanent' and have led to 'medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of the ability to earn money, financial loss, and property damage.'
About the All-Star Sports Resort
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort is one of the most affordable options for visitors to Walt Disney World and nearby attractions in Orlando, Florida. The hotel features sports, music, or movie themes, and with summer discounts, rooms can cost under $100 per night—compared to over $1,000 per night at Disney's Grand Floridian Villas. Despite its lower price point, Disney enthusiasts argue that the resort offers good value. Gavin Doyle of Mickey Visit told the Daily Mail that although the rooms are 'most affordable,' the resort does not compromise on quality or magic. 'It always amazes me at how well kept up the rooms are,' he said.
The All-Star Sports Resort has nearly 2,000 rooms spread across several buildings, dwarfing the Grand Floridian's 860 rooms. In summer 2022, the resort underwent major room refurbishments, including the installation of Murphy beds that convert into tables. 'Disney has been actively refurbishing all of these rooms to keep them at a modern standard. I stay in all resort levels at Walt Disney World frequently and I am quite content staying in these rooms,' Doyle added.
Disney's Response and History of Bed Bug Lawsuits
Disney has faced similar lawsuits in the past. In 2017, a couple claimed they woke up to 'bugs crawling all over the bed, linens, and surrounding walls' during a stay at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, alleging the company failed to exercise reasonable care. In 2022, Disney paid $100,000 to settle a lawsuit related to the Disneyland Hotel in California, where a guest, Ivy Eldridge, suffered severe bed bug bites despite the hotel's awareness of the infestation.
Although bed bugs do not spread diseases, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers them a 'public health pest,' and in severe cases, bites can cause allergic reactions. The lawsuit against Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is ongoing.
