Chaos at Disney World: Man Taken Into Custody After Alleged Assault on Young Girl
Here's How the Disturbing Incident Unfolded
The sound of laughter and fireworks filled the evening air at Walt Disney World Resort’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Families clutched popcorn buckets, children danced in mouse ears, and for many, it was just another magical night. But for one family from Georgia, that magic was violently interrupted—leaving a child gasping for air and a man now facing serious felony charges.
How does a trip meant to create happy memories turn into something traumatic and unforgettable—for all the wrong reasons?
Disney World Arrest: A Sudden Turn Behind Closed Doors
According to authorities, 36-year-old Patrick Young of St. Marys, Georgia, was on vacation with his girlfriend and her daughter when the incident occurred on April 2. The trio had reportedly been living together for a year and came to Disney looking for a break from daily life.
But inside the peaceful walls of their resort suite, everything changed.
The child later told deputies that what began as lighthearted play quickly became terrifying. “I’m not positive what started it,” she said, “but he grabbed me around my neck and started choking me with his forearm.” At first, she thought he was joking—until her breathing stopped.
She tried tapping his arm to signal distress, while her mother, watching her daughter’s face turn blue, screamed for Young to stop. The girl later recalled collapsing to the ground, gasping for air, and crying uncontrollably. What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway had suddenly become a horrifying memory.
Anger, Denial, and a Disturbing Outburst
Rather than express remorse, Young allegedly exploded in anger when confronted. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s arrest report, he dismissed the situation and began berating the mother and daughter with politically charged language.
“When I told him because she couldn’t breathe and was crying, he said, ‘That sounds like a liberal [expletive],’” the child’s mother told investigators. “He started yelling about literally anything and everything.”
The girl added that when her mother defended her, Young again lashed out, saying her mom’s concern was a “liberal [expletive] response.”
The mother quickly called 911, prompting a visit from law enforcement and a report to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Disney Isn’t Always a Safe Haven
Disney World is often seen as a place where worries are left at the gate, where smiles are almost mandatory, and safety feels like part of the ticket price. But incidents like this show that even in the most enchanted environments, darkness can still find a way in.
In recent years, Disney parks have seen a rise in disruptive behavior—from fistfights in queues to public intoxication and even arrests. Behind the fantasy lies a simple truth: Disney is still part of the real world, and real-world problems don’t always stay outside the turnstiles.
This particular case is especially disturbing because of who was involved—a child, and someone she was supposed to trust.
The Legal Aftermath
Patrick Young now faces two third-degree felony charges: child abuse and battery by strangulation. If convicted, he could serve up to five years per count under Florida law.
When questioned by deputies, Young claimed he had merely been “wrestling” and didn’t intend to hurt the girl. “Patrick stated he did not think anything was wrong until his girlfriend told him to stop and called the police,” the report says.
Although no visible bruises were found on the child’s neck, deputies noted she had been crying and appeared shaken.
Young has pleaded not guilty, and his case is now moving through the legal system.
The Bigger Picture: When Escapism Meets Reality at Disney World
This tragic event at Saratoga Springs underscores a difficult truth: no destination is immune to harm. Theme parks may offer a temporary escape, but they don’t erase the pressures, conflicts, or dangers people bring with them.
For families, it’s a sobering reminder that safety doesn’t come with a park map—and that even in a place built to be “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” vigilance, communication, and protection remain essential.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the child and her mother are left to process a traumatic moment that took place where they least expected it.
And for Disney, this is one more example of the growing challenge of maintaining magic while confronting the realities of human behavior.
Need help or know someone who does?
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or text “START” to 88788 for confidential support.
