Farewell Night Turns Dark at Disney World—Guest Arrested for Assault

A guest was arrested at Disney World following a shocking reaction to being recorded during one of the final shows for Muppet*Vision 3D back in May.

Muppet*Vision 3D Finale Tarnished by Assault—One Guest Arrested at Disney World

For years, MuppetVision 3D stood as a quirky staple inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios—a throwback to Jim Henson’s genius and one of the few remaining attractions from the park’s original lineup. But in May 2025, as the show prepared for its curtain call, one final performance was marred by an unexpected confrontation that turned violent, ultimately leading to a guest’s arrest.

The event took place on May 15, though the full details only came to light recently following the release of an arrest report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. What should have been a peaceful sendoff for the Muppets ended in chaos, as a verbal argument over phone use escalated into a physical altercation outside the theater.

This article breaks down exactly what happened, shares helpful tips for staying safe in crowded parks, and explores what’s next now that MuppetVision has officially closed its doors.

Tensions Boil Over in the Final Days of MuppetVision

According to the arrest report, Wilmarie Ruiz Rodriguez, 27, of Spring Hill, answered a phone call during the pre-show in the MuppetVision 3D theater. A fellow guest—whose age was not listed—politely leaned over and asked her to end the conversation, noting that the show was about to begin.

That’s when things reportedly turned hostile.

Instead of putting the phone away, Rodriguez allegedly snapped back with expletives aimed at the woman and her mother. “Shut the f*** up you stupid little b****,” she reportedly said, while also insulting the woman’s mom, according to the report. Despite the outburst, the show continued without incident.

But once outside the theater, things took a dramatic turn.

The victim began recording Rodriguez on her phone, expressing fear that another confrontation could unfold. Rodriguez allegedly responded by striking the woman, knocking the phone from her hands. Then, according to authorities, she picked up the device and threw it 30 to 50 feet into the crowd.

Law enforcement was called, and Rodriguez later told deputies she had been talking to her mother-in-law about her dog and felt the victim was rude. She admitted to the altercation, claiming she felt harassed when filmed.

She has since pleaded not guilty to charges of battery, principal to robbery (sudden snatching), and criminal mischief.

What to Do if You Witness a Conflict at a Theme Park

Theme parks are magical—but also high-stress environments. Here’s what experts recommend if you’re caught in or near a confrontation:

• Remain Calm and Avoid Escalation: Do not engage further. A neutral tone and body language go a long way.

• Report the Incident: Speak with the nearest Cast Member, who can notify security or call for help.

• Protect Your Belongings: In heated situations, always hold onto your valuables and personal devices tightly.

• Document Carefully: If needed for safety, film from a safe distance only after leaving the immediate area.

What’s Replacing Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney World?

Just a few weeks after the incident, MuppetVision 3D officially closed on June 8 to make way for a new Monsters, Inc. land, part of an expansion plan that reimagines this corner of the park. While Disney has yet to reveal full concept art, insiders suggest guests can expect a blend of dark ride elements and interactive meet-and-greets with characters like Sulley, Mike, and Boo.

Long-time Muppets fans, however, are still mourning the loss. For many, the attraction represented the heart of the park’s original creative vision. Its mix of puppetry, 3D visuals, and timeless humor will be hard to replace.