An unfortunate incident at EPCOT has sparked widespread discussion after a Disney character was injured during a guest interaction. Figment, the Central Florida Disney park’s beloved purple dragon, signaled for help after being hurt by what witnesses described as an “older child’s” meltdown. The aftermath, captured on video, quickly went viral on TikTok.
The video, shared by TikTok user Stacey Mavilia (@theladymavs), shows Figment lying on the ground at his meet-and-greet location. Disney cast members are seen rushing to his aid, helping him to his feet as Figment visibly shakes his head “no” in response to a question.
@theladymavs This is just seconds after Figment got ROCKED! #disneyworld #epcot #figment #imagination #travel #disneyvacation
Despite the distressing situation, Figment made a heart sign to a nearby Walt Disney World Resort guest before retreating backstage.
Emergency Signals and Disney Character Safety Protocols
Disney character performers are equipped with discreet signals and code words to call for help during emergencies. These signals can be used in situations ranging from costume malfunctions to unruly guest behavior. Unfortunately, in this instance, the emergency unfolded too quickly for intervention.
Although Walt Disney World Resort has not issued an official statement, the video has garnered over 17 million views and ignited debate within the Disney Parks community. Many viewers praised the cast members for their swift and compassionate response.
Understanding the Incident
Witnesses reported that the guest involved was an “older child” with neurodivergence whose meltdown led to the injury. According to reports, the child pushed Figment during the interaction. Mavilia confirmed: “They said the boy was older and had special needs. We didn’t see it. We heard [Figment’s] head hit the ground and our heads whipped to see. The family rushed the kid away and came right back to apologize.”
Another witness shared that Figment made the heart sign toward the child’s mother, who reportedly stayed behind to apologize profusely. “The parent did stay until Figment was up and was profusely apologizing,” Mavilia added.
Disney Parks Fans React
As the video gained traction online, opinions within the Disney Parks community became divided. Some fans criticized the child’s parents for not closely monitoring their actions.
“Special needs or not, she should have kept a huge eye out for the kid,” commented TikTok user @samwisethegamer.
“Maybe the parent shouldn’t let their kids meet a character if they know they would act out like that,” @muamorgan073 argued. “…He put a cast member [at] risk and parents need to control their kids. I was at Disney last week and parents for sure don’t know how to parent their own kids. But we can’t be making excuses for people who hurt others.”
However, many Disney Parks fans called for understanding, pointing out that neurodivergent children often have difficulty controlling their reactions to overstimulating situations.
“They aren’t going to kick out a special needs child for having an outburst,” wrote @user1989zzz. “Kids sometimes can’t control their reactions, and they didn’t do it maliciously.”
It’s unclear whether the performer portraying Figment suffered lasting injuries from the incident.
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It seems to me that it’s high time for society to sit down and figure out a way to accommodate special needs without giving them carte blanc to be abusive and demanding.
I understand that there are people who have issues because of seriously limited emotional responses. I also understand that other people should not be expected to constantly forfeit their safety and comfort to accommodate them.
There has to be some middle ground here that allows for integration of all types of conditions without everyone else being expected to sacrifice their own basic rights.
What do we do when one person is violent or disruptive and becomes a danger to the people around them? This issue isn’t going to magically go away.