Were there bedbugs found at Disney World earlier this week? One guest says yes.
It started with itchy legs, strange bites, and a pair of Disney World hotel slippers.
What should have been a magical Disney vacation quickly spiraled into something out of a horror movie. A guest staying at one of Walt Disney World’s most luxurious hotels claimed they brought home more than souvenirs—live bed bugs tucked away inside a pair of complimentary resort slippers.
The claim ignited social media, sparked worry across Disney forums, and has left future travelers wondering: Is this a one-off fluke or a red flag for something deeper?
This article breaks down what the guest reported, how Disney allegedly responded (or didn’t), what you can do to stay safe, and why this situation matters more than you think.
What Happened: A Luxury Stay Ends With a Nasty Surprise
On July 9, a Disney resort guest took to Reddit to share a disturbing account of their stay at three Disney Deluxe Resorts: Disney’s Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village Resort, and Wilderness Lodge.
The guest explained that midway through their early June trip, their family began noticing clusters of red bites—itchy, uncomfortable, and growing in number. Initially brushed off as bug bites from Florida’s swamps and weather, the situation escalated when they visited the resort’s first aid team. According to the post, a medic suggested bed bugs might be the culprit.
Disney performed an inspection, but according to the guest, it lacked trained dogs or detailed follow-up. Their room was “cleared,” and they continued their stay—until they returned home and made a chilling discovery.
Inside the complimentary hotel slippers, gifted to them during their Club Level stay, they allegedly found live bed bugs. One pair had never even been worn.
Even worse, the guest says Disney’s insurance claims department later closed the file without reviewing the photos or evidence they submitted.
How to Stay Safe: Tips for Avoiding Bed Bugs at Disney Resorts
Whether you’re staying at a budget motel or a deluxe Disney resort, bed bugs don’t discriminate. Here’s how to stay ahead of them during your visit:
🔍 Check Your Room Before Unpacking
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Pull back sheets and inspect the mattress seams and headboard.
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Use your phone flashlight to check behind nightstands and inside drawers.
🧳 Protect Your Belongings
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Keep luggage on hard surfaces or racks—never the carpet or bed.
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Consider using zippered bed bug barriers or travel liners inside your suitcase.
👟 Be Wary of Take-Home Items
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Launder all clothing and resort-provided fabric items on high heat when returning home.
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Store complimentary items like slippers or robes in sealed bags until you inspect them.
📲 Document and Report Immediately
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Take photos of any suspicious signs.
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Use the Disney app’s chat feature to report issues in real time—it’s often quicker than calling the front desk.
Hidden Strategies Frequent Guests Swear By
Regular Disney travelers have their own hygiene rituals and travel gear to help avoid issues:
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Request a Top Floor Room or Recently Turned Room: They’re often cleaner and used less.
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Pack a Portable Steamer or Travel UV Light: Quick, effective tools to inspect and treat bedding.
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Use My Disney Experience App Chat: A faster route to escalate concerns quietly and efficiently.
Why This Story Hit a Nerve with Disney World Fans
For many, staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge. With rooms running upwards of $800 per night, guests expect perfection—from the concierge down to the pillowcases.
That’s why stories like this, even unverified, leave a mark. They challenge the illusion of total control that Disney is famous for. The lack of public response from the company hasn’t helped ease guest concerns.
And while it’s true that bed bugs can show up in any hotel, Disney’s reputation for cleanliness and guest care puts them under a brighter spotlight.
This story has since spread beyond Reddit, appearing in Facebook groups and across TikTok. Other guests have even come forward with smaller-scale complaints about room cleanliness, suggesting this isn’t the only time standards may have slipped.
