Fatigued, impatient, dehydrated Disney guests be warned… having a meltdown at “The Happiest Place on Earth” is not advisable. Just ask an Alabama woman who was recently arrested for beating and kicking a woman she said cut in line at a Walt Disney World attraction.
Talk about setting a poor example for children… According to police, 51-year-old Victoria Walker was standing in line for the Mad Tea Party ride with her 11-year-old daughter when she began yelling obscenities at a 35-year-old Florida woman. Walker then reportedly grabbed the younger woman from behind and hit her until fellow Disney guests pulled the women apart.
Disney officials say they gave Walker the boot from the park, but only after the victim was diagnosed with a concussion, a herniated disc in her cervical spine and post-traumatic seizures was Walker arrested and charged with felony battery. (She is currently free on $4,000 bond.)
So what led to the high-drama altercation? According to sheriff’s deputies, Walker told them that the victim elbowed her while in line and that she was just reacting to the younger woman’s rudeness.
To which a sheriff’s spokesperson responded: “Everybody was going to get on the ride. You shake your head and wonder how this could happen.”
As for Walt Disney World officials they say that park employees followed proper procedures and security responded to the scene right after the attack.
So what can we learn from this unfortunate incident? Control your temper—definitely. Also, use common sense. Theme parks (especially Disney) are chock full of people during the summer months. Expect that you will be waiting in long lines (even if you have a fastpass) and plan accordingly. Wear a hat. Bring a bottle of water. And don’t forget to pack your patience… and be prepared to use it.
Michele blogs full time in Travel and Pop Culture. You can read her blogs here.
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