A visitor at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has been issued a permanent ban after attempting to skip the queue to take a photograph with a cast member. On Tuesday, April 21, police officers arrested Diego Rodriguez at the theme park following a physical altercation with the performer portraying Mirabel from the 2021 film Encanto.
Incident Details
Rodriguez was visiting the park with his child and attempted to bypass the queue in the Epcot section to pose with Mirabel. A staff member informed the family that queue-jumping was not permitted. Despite this, the child reportedly tried to run toward Mirabel but was stopped. The mother then attempted to have Mirabel sign a book, also without success. Subsequently, the father intervened, grabbing Mirabel's arm and verbally assaulting the performer, according to reports.
Arrest and Consequences
Staff intervened, and police arrived at the scene. Rodriguez was arrested and transported to Orange County Jail. He received a lifetime trespass notice, permanently banning him from Walt Disney World Resort for allegedly attacking the performer.
This incident is not the first time queue disputes have escalated at Disney parks. Last summer, a violent brawl erupted at Disneyland in Shanghai, China, after tourists became frustrated with queue-cutters. A scuffle between a couple and a family of three even involved a young child being assaulted near the Crazy Animal City ride. Security personnel eventually broke up the altercation, which local press attributed to a queue argument.
Earlier this year, a British air steward was arrested in Florida for allegedly shoving a teenage girl he accused of queue-jumping at Disney's Magic Kingdom. Keith Newman, a Virgin Atlantic cabin crew member, is said to have pushed the 18-year-old when she went around him, causing her to spill water on her friend. The incident occurred in the queue for a character photo in Epcot. Newman was waiting for the Tiana's Bayou Adventure ride when he allegedly extended his arm to stop the girl. She claimed her party was just ahead, but Newman insisted on queue order. He was arrested on a battery charge, pleaded not guilty, and was released on bail. He has returned to the UK but could face a fine or up to a year in jail.
