A December evening at Disney Springs ended with law enforcement involvement after a New Jersey tourist refused to leave a popular restaurant following a dispute over alcohol service.
What Happened at The Polite Pig in Disney
Stephen DiGiovanna, 61, is facing a misdemeanor trespassing charge stemming from an incident on December 7, 2025, at The Polite Pig in Disney Springs. The modern barbecue restaurant, known for its bourbon and whiskey selection, is located near the Lime Parking Garage.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, restaurant staff contacted law enforcement shortly before 9:00 PM after DiGiovanna allegedly began yelling and throwing objects. The situation started when staff made the decision to stop serving DiGiovanna alcohol due to signs of intoxication.
The arrest report states that DiGiovanna became upset when he was served water instead of additional alcoholic beverages. This led to the disruptive behavior that prompted staff to call for assistance.
Deputies Respond
When Orange County Sheriff’s deputies arrived, they found DiGiovanna still seated at the bar with a plastic cup. The report describes him as appearing highly intoxicated, noting slurred speech and a lack of awareness about the severity of the situation.
Deputies explained to DiGiovanna that The Polite Pig is private property and that the restaurant has the legal right to refuse service and ask patrons to leave. Despite these explanations, DiGiovanna allegedly continued arguing.
The arrest report indicates that deputies asked DiGiovanna multiple times to leave the premises. He repeatedly refused, claiming he didn’t understand why he was being asked to exit. After several opportunities to leave peacefully, DiGiovanna was placed in handcuffs and charged with trespassing after warning.
Legal Proceedings
Court records show DiGiovanna has pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge. His attorney has declined to provide any comment on the ongoing case.
About The Polite Pig
The Polite Pig is independently owned and shares management with The Ravenous Pig, a well-regarded restaurant in Winter Park. The Disney Springs location attracts guests interested in craft cocktails, whiskey tastings, and elevated barbecue in a more sophisticated atmosphere than typical theme park dining.
The restaurant serves a diverse clientele including locals, convention attendees, and theme park visitors looking for adult-oriented dining experiences at Disney Springs. The combination of quality food and an extensive spirits selection has made it a popular destination, particularly among bourbon and whiskey enthusiasts.
Not an Isolated Disney Incident
While Disney World promotes itself as a family-friendly vacation destination, arrests at the resort occur with some regularity. DiGiovanna joins dozens of visitors arrested annually at Walt Disney World for various offenses, including public intoxication, battery on staff or law enforcement, and other violations.
Disney Springs operates similarly to any entertainment district in a major city, with bars and restaurants serving alcohol late into the evening. This creates situations where some guests overindulge and make poor decisions that lead to conflicts with staff or other patrons.
Responsible Alcohol Service at Disney
The decision by restaurant staff to cut off an intoxicated guest reflects standard responsible alcohol service practices. When servers and bartenders observe signs of intoxication that could lead to safety concerns or disruptive behavior, they’re trained and legally obligated to stop service.
These decisions often meet resistance from guests who don’t recognize their own level of intoxication or who react defensively when told they can’t have more alcohol. However, establishments have both legal obligations and ethical responsibilities to stop service when appropriate, regardless of how guests respond.
Continuing to serve someone showing clear signs of intoxication creates liability for the restaurant and puts the guest at risk for further poor decisions, potential accidents, or health emergencies.
The Takeaway
The incident at The Polite Pig serves as a reminder that Disney property operates under the same laws and expectations as any other location. Private property rights apply, alcohol service regulations matter, and law enforcement responds when situations require intervention.
The themed environment and magical atmosphere don’t create exemptions from consequences when behavior crosses legal or safety boundaries.
