Walt Disney World Resort, often seen as a beacon of family-friendly entertainment, isn’t immune to moments that shatter the magic. EPCOT, the park renowned for its most educational focus, has seen its fair share of shocking incidents—one of the most recent involving two men who were arrested after a profanity-laden rampage. The incident, which unfolded in front of dozens of guests, only highlights a growing concern over behavior at the resort.
EPCOT, with its blend of international pavilions and themed attractions, is a popular spot for those looking to relax and imbibe, especially with the famed “Drinking Around the World” experience. But while the park may have become synonymous with alcohol consumption, recent events reveal a darker side to the enjoyment. The latest in a string of violent and unruly altercations, this incident has left both guests and Disney staff shaken.
A Violent Altercation Unfolds at EPCOT
In November, chaos erupted in EPCOT’s World Showcase when two men—Matanel Adda, 25, from Fort Lauderdale, and Dominic Ciero, 25, from Plantation—found themselves at the center of a disturbing outburst. The incident reportedly began when the duo engaged in an argument with a woman using a wheelchair in the France pavilion. What followed was a shocking verbal tirade aimed not only at the woman but at Disney staff, who had to intervene.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s records, Adda and Ciero’s behavior escalated as they hurled expletives at Disney cast members, calling them derogatory names. “Dominic began filming and getting in the faces of the Disney managers,” the report said, “He began to cuss and while stumbling over into their personal space screaming ‘F–k Off!’ Your [sic] pigs, w***es, c**ts, b***es.”
At one point, he moved towards a security manager, calling her a racial slur in Italian. His aggressive, alcohol-fueled outbursts left nearby guests frightened and uneasy.
Security’s attempt to remove the two men from the park quickly turned chaotic. Ciero, who continued filming the interaction, invaded the personal space of Disney staff and guests, shouting vulgarities. At one point, he came inches from a security manager’s face, continuing to berate her. Disney staff attempted to de-escalate the situation, but as Ciero’s behavior grew more volatile, deputies were called to step in.
The Arrest and Legal Consequences
As the confrontation escalated, deputies arrived on the scene, ordering Ciero to backup. When he refused, he was handcuffed for disorderly intoxication and trespassed from the park, banned from ever returning. “Once we exited the park and reached the entrance, Dominic was handcuffed,” the report added. “Deputy Kyle Moon wrote that Matanel interfered with the arrest, aggressively approaching from behind and causing a disturbance.”
Both men were arrested and faced charges of resisting an officer without violence and disorderly intoxication. Adda was reportedly heard shouting at deputies, saying, “I’m not backing up, I don’t give a s–t! I’m giving you enough space!” Despite repeated commands to back off, Adda persisted in obstructing law enforcement. Ciero, also charged with disorderly intoxication, was trespassed from Disney property and referred to pretrial diversion.
A Growing Pattern of Trouble at EPCOT
This incident at EPCOT isn’t an isolated case. Over the past few years, the park has seen a number of troubling episodes. These include another guest who tried to break into an off-limits area, eventually assaulting a medic when confronted. Additionally, there have been bizarre incidents involving guests verbally or physically attacking others, or engaging in strange acts, including one case where someone seemingly defecated the line for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
In a theme park known for its focus on family-friendly entertainment, these events are a stark reminder that even the “Most Magical Place on Earth” can be marred by disorder.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever witnessed at Disney World?
I was privileged to go to WDW the week it opened and have been many many times over their growth years the PARKS were spotless and beautiful and I never experienced the CRAP that has happened to include thefts! Now it is not Magical by any means and I feel with the invasion of immigrants that are coming to the PARKS this is a primary reason for the violence thefts abuse to characters and cast members they are rude and obnoxious and disgusting and added security would be justified it’s bad enough with the unsupervised children and uncaring parents but violence MUST BE STOPPED
Until Bobby I. finally gets rid of alcohol in the parks, this behavior will continue. However, Bobby I will never get rid of the alcohol as it is bringing in money, which is all he cares about. He has shown this with each and every one of his decisions.
Faggots ruining this world. Let the kids drink