Magic Kingdom

From Magic Kingdom to Courtroom: Woman Kicked From Walt Disney World

A woman was ejected from Walt Disney World following an altercation with law enforcement.

People in colorful raincoats walk down a wet Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom. Main Street, U.S.A. is a decorated street with Halloween pumpkins lining the sides. Cinderella Castle is visible in the distance, and the overcast sky adds to the rainy atmosphere.
Credit: Disney Dining

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On a lively night in October, the Magic Kingdom was bustling with excitement as families gathered to enjoy the Halloween festivities. The park was adorned with seasonal decorations, and the air was filled with anticipation for the spectacular nighttime fireworks show. One of the most popular viewing spots was near Casey’s Corner, a beloved eatery known for its hot dogs and fries. Unfortunately, the magic of the evening was disrupted by an incident involving a guest, 59-year-old Dora Elena Alarcon Torres.

The fireworks show was a much-anticipated highlight for many attendees.

However, the themed decorations and crowded atmosphere led to a tense situation when Torres obstructed a pathway in a non-designated viewing area. When approached by cast members who kindly requested her to move to allow others a clear view of the fireworks, she adamantly refused, insisting that she had paid for her ticket and was entitled to her spot.

A "No Trespassing" sign in the foreground, with a castle in the background under a clear blue sky. People are walking around in the area near the castle at Magic Kingdom inside Disney World.
Credit: Disney Dining

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Disney staff are trained to manage large crowds, especially during popular events like Halloween. Cast members approached Torres with professionalism, reminding her of the park’s guidelines and the need for a clear path. They explained that fireworks viewing required specific areas to ensure safety and visibility for all guests.

Despite their respectful attempts, Torres remained unyielding. The importance of crowd management cannot be understated at events where large gatherings occur, as it keeps everyone safe and enhances the experience. In this case, the refusal to cooperate quickly escalated into a larger issue that necessitated further intervention.

The situation took a more serious turn when off-duty sheriff’s deputy Kaylee Koffinas intervened. Responding to the disturbance, she was tasked with ensuring the safety of the guests and the integrity of the event. Koffinas approached Torres and repeated the request to move, but Torres continued to resist. Witnesses noted the growing tension as Torres became agitated, arguing that her ticket granted her the right to stand wherever she pleased.

The confrontation took a physical turn when, during an attempt to detain her, Torres allegedly poked the deputy in the arm and actively resisted being handcuffed. The altercation left Koffinas with a minor injury to her hand. This confrontation highlighted the potential volatility of public events and the risks faced by law enforcement officers tasked with maintaining order in crowded venues.

As a result of the incident, Dora Elena Alarcon Torres was charged with battery against a law enforcement officer and trespassed from Disney property. Her interaction with the deputy led to serious legal implications, and her not guilty plea set the stage for upcoming court proceedings.

Torres’s attorney, Jose Rivas, emphasized the legal principle of presumed innocence, noting that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to demonstrate guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. He also commented on the nature of arrests made under probable cause, suggesting that the circumstances surrounding Torres’s actions would be closely examined in the courtroom. With a trial date set for March 10, there is much anticipation regarding how the case will unfold, not only for Torres but also for the implications it holds for park operations and guest behavior in the future.

Luke Dammann

When at Disney world, Luke will probably be found eating with his favorite animatronic, Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When not at Disney World, Luke will probably be found defending Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe to people who claim "there are better restaurants"

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