Upon reopening, Disney World implemented a policy that requires face masks for all Cast Members and guests age two and older.
Tie-dye Mickey Face Mask
Guests are only permitted to remove their masks while visiting one of the designated relaxation zones, or while eating or drinking in a stationary, distanced location.
As reported by The Orlando Sentinel, a Disney World guest struck an EPCOT security guard when he was reminded to abide by the park’s mask rules. According to an Orange County sheriff’s report, this incident is the first known crime report involving such a confrontation at Disney World.
Spaceship Earth
The guest, Enrico Toro, is accused of hitting the security guard in the head and threatening his life, which led to his arrest on the charge of misdemeanor battery on August 14th. Disney spokeswoman Andrea Finger said in a statement, “We expect guests to treat our Cast Members with courtesy and respect, and while the vast majority of guests have adapted to our new measures, this unfortunate case required law enforcement.”
Epcot World Showcase
In the arrest report, Toro said the security guard swore at him and they had an argument, but denied anything else happened. The report indicated that three witnesses who observed the altercation said Toro became “irate,” used profanity, and hit the guard. According to Orange County spokeswoman Despina McLaughlan, officials aren’t aware of any other violent incidents stemming from people refusing to wear masks in the county.
According to the Orange County Mayor, face masks are likely to be required for the “foreseeable future” in Disney World.
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He should be banned from all Disney Properties and prosecuted for assault and battery.
Everyone should be fully aware by now face masks are required at the parks they make it very clear. Don’t want to wear a mask? S T A Y home. It’s that simple. This kind of behavior is inexcusable and honestly I think he should be charged not only with assault but with crimes against the country. He put everyone at risk in that park with no though of what could happen to someone besides what he wanted. I cannot believe how many selfish people there are out there who care about no one but themselves.
This is why I cannot even attempt to go to the Park. I am an annual passholder. I take care of two elderly people who have spent the last six and a half months in their house because people like this man refuse to do this very simple act to protect others. Obviously no matter how hard Disney and other venues try to keep us safe, there are too many people who can’t be bothered worrying about anyone else. I live near a very large community of mostly people who observe the guidelines but even here in the stores we have those people who think they are special and above the rules. I hope the Security Guard and all Castmembers are ok and that incidents like this are rare but….we’ll see.
At any rate I cannot endanger those I care for so my pass will sit in its box waiting as I will .
I wholeheartedly agree with Rose’s comment above!
Furthermore, I wear my mask without complaint, all day long, because it allows me the privilege of getting to go to Disney World and have some fun. Just went to Hollywood Studios yesterday. The sixth time I have been able to enjoy the four parks since their reopening last month.
I totally agree. You know WDW rules. He should be banned for life as well as his family.
Just another example that everyone should STAY HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you want your Disney fix that badly that you risk your life and probably more importantly others lives? Selfish!
Guess who isn’t coming back to Disney any more…
This individual was well aware of the mask policy. My guess is that he went there just looking to start something.
I agree. He should be banned.
Unfortunately as Disney allows more guest into the parks, This might get worse.
I’ve been told that some guests in the parks are are not following the mask and social distancing guidelines set in place by Disney and some CM’s are not enforcing them. So when those guest are told to fix their mask or to distance themselves, they’ll go off on the CM cause they’ve gotten away with breaking the rules and now they’ve gotten caught. So with that, what’s the point of having guidelines if they’re not going to be enforced? It’s frustrating for the guests who are following the guidelines see others get away with not complying.
No mask no fun security does not need these people to be able to stay in the park !
I agree. Violence and hands on persons is unacceptable. Banned for 5 years is approprieate
What about the guy in animal kingdom that hit the cast member, haven’t heard much about that????
The mask-less hoardes are getting more brazen, now that FL Governor DeSantis has proclaimed that no business or municipality can enforce masks in any way.
Everyone………Get the Jab……And DeFund the MASK!
I was there a week ago and the security people and cast members in charge of our safety couldn’t have been more polite or respectful. Unfortunately I saw a lot of male noses bopping along as they broke the rules. My sympathies go to the security Gard who’s life was placed in danger by some yahoo unwilling to follow the rules. I hope he was able to keep safe during the altercation.
It should be expulsion forever
There’s always a bad apple somewhere. I’m sure Disney did the right thing and stood by their cast member. So happy Disney is open for us to enjoy. Bad apple or not.