Disney World Scandal: Guest Arrested After Shocking Discovery

A Disney World guest was arrested following their attempt to flee the resort with fake IDs and tons of cash.

Related: Multiple Disney Guests Arrested After Breaking Random Theme Park Rule

Disney World Guest in Handcuffs Following Attempted Fraud

For millions of visitors, a Walt Disney World vacation represents joy, family memories, and an escape from everyday life. Guests save, plan, and dream about their time inside the “most magical place on Earth.” But sometimes, real-world drama collides with that fantasy—and when it does, the results are jarring.

This summer, one guest’s 10-day stay at a Disney-area resort shifted from theme park fun to a police investigation. The case has drawn attention not only because of the guest’s alleged actions, but also because of what it says about hotel security and the safeguards resorts put in place.

It’s a reminder that while Disney promises magic, the property also runs with tight financial and legal oversight to protect its guests. And in this case, that oversight uncovered a situation that ended far from happily ever after.

What Authorities Say Happened at the Swan Hotel

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, 26-year-old Justin Lara checked into the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel in June. Over the course of ten days, he accumulated a bill of about $2,200. Staff initially accepted a company credit card under the name “Brian Smith,” who Lara claimed was his boss.

Problems began when the hotel discovered the card was flagged as fraudulent. When employees attempted to process other cards Lara presented, each one was declined.

Lara told hotel staff he was in town for Unreal Fest, a gaming industry conference held at the Orange County Convention Center, and that his employer was covering the costs. But when asked for more details about the company, his answers were vague. He also failed to provide working contact information for the supposed boss paying for his stay.

When deputies arrived, they searched Lara’s belongings and reportedly found multiple fake IDs, blank checks, and “other suspicious items.” Lara was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail on grand theft by fraud charges.

Protecting Your Stay: Lessons for Travelers

Most Disney guests won’t ever face issues like this—but the case highlights how important it is to plan ahead with hotel payments and documentation. Here are practical steps that can save visitors headaches:

• Double-check your payment method. Always confirm credit card information before traveling.

• Get employer confirmations in writing. If work is covering expenses, keep copies of emails or invoices.

• Maintain up-to-date identification. Disney and partner hotels verify IDs closely to prevent fraud.

• Use official Disney or partner booking channels. They add layers of security that independent reservations may lack.

Related: Child Strangled by Older Disney World Guest, Mother Calls for Police, Leading To Disturbing Arrest

Insider Advice for Staying at the Swan & Dolphin

Frequent Orlando travelers know that the Swan and Dolphin hotels—though not owned by Disney—offer unique perks. Guests here can:

• Walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios in under 15 minutes, bypassing long bus waits.

• Use the Friendship Boats, a quieter transportation option many visitors overlook.

• Enjoy less-crowded dining, like Il Mulino or Kimonos, tucked away from the park frenzy.

These little-known benefits help guests make the most of their stay—without running into unexpected trouble.

Why Fans Care About Stories Like This

Stories involving fraud or crime at Disney properties often spark strong fan reactions. Part of the fascination comes from contrast: Disney represents safety and fantasy, while these incidents pull back the curtain to show that everyday problems can appear even inside the bubble.

The Swan Hotel incident has already circulated among Disney watchers because of the unusual details—fake IDs, fraudulent credit cards, and past arrests linked to the same guest. For fans, it serves as both a cautionary tale and proof that Disney and its partners are quick to act when suspicious behavior arises.

Related: Police Chase Ends in Wild Guest Arrest Inside of Magic Kingdom

A Pattern of Trouble for Disney World Guest

Court documents revealed that Lara has a history of using false identities in previous arrests around Central Florida. In one 2023 case, police said he provided officers with a fake California ID and false name after being stopped in Orlando. He had a firearm in his vehicle at the time.

Those prior incidents add context to why authorities pursued this case so quickly. Ultimately, Lara was charged, ordered not to return to Walt Disney World property, and remains under legal scrutiny for the alleged fraud.

For Disney guests, the lesson is clear: while the resorts offer magic, they also enforce strict policies to protect that experience. For Lara, a stay that should have ended with a trip to the airport ended instead with an arrest record.

It’s a reminder that the “happiest place on Earth” still lives firmly in the real world.