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Illegal Substances at the Most Magical Place on Earth, Cocaine Bust Confirmed at Disney

On paper, Walt Disney World Resort is as wholesome as, well, Mickey Mouse. When you welcome millions of guests every single year, however, it’s borderline impossible to avoid the odd drama – as proven by an incident involving drugs that occurred at the resort in December.

Arrest at Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center

According to a report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, 24-year-old Aya Zabib was arrested on December 9 after a Disney security cast member at the Transportation and Ticket Center discovered that she was carrying a suspicious substance.

A monorail glides above a parking lot next to Magic Kingdom at Disney World
Credit: Christian Lambert, Unsplash

Authorities later confirmed that the substance amounted to 6.6 grams of cocaine. Further complicating matters, an additional vial containing 7.2 grams was found in the pocket of her jeans.

Zabib allegedly told deputies that the drugs in her bag were remnants from her attendance at Electric Daisy Carnival, an Orlando-based electronic music festival, and that she had not intentionally brought them to Disney World.

As a result of the incident, Zabib was trespassed from Walt Disney World Resort, barring her from entering its theme parks and properties in the future. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office formally charged her with possession of cocaine, a third-degree felony. She has since entered a plea of not guilty.

Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

Previous Unruly Guest Behavior at Disney

This case is just one in a list of legal dramas involving Disney guests in recent years. Disruptive behavior at the parks isn’t unheard of, though incidents involving drugs tend to attract particular attention.

In October 2024, a case at EPCOT resulted in an arrest. A woman entered an off-limits area before later proceeding into EPCOT after the park had closed for the day. She was later found in a gift shop near World Showcase, where Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy James Waters attempted to trespass her from the property, and she allegedly bit him.

Spaceship Earth glowing at nighttime in the background of World Celebration Gardens in EPCOT at Disney World
Credit: Disney

Also in 2024, another woman was removed from Magic Kingdom for refusing to comply with cast member instructions, leading to an altercation with an off-duty sheriff’s deputy. She was subsequently charged with battery of a law enforcement officer.

Beyond physical altercations, reports of drug use at Disney parks have surfaced online. In 2023, a Reddit user recounted an experience where Haunted Mansion was temporarily halted after guests were allegedly caught smoking marijuana mid-ride.

Similarly, an Instagram post in 2024 detailed a group of visitors taking psychedelics before boarding Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom. While these incidents were not officially confirmed by Disney, they highlight an ongoing trend of guests pushing the boundaries of park rules.

A young girl in a Cinderella dress runs up to greet Cinderella in Disneyland Paris
Credit: Disney

Internationally, Disney parks have faced their own share of unusual incidents. Disneyland Paris made headlines in 2022 when a 32-year-old man, reportedly under the influence of LSD, disappeared into a body of water in Adventureland. His disappearance triggered a massive search operation involving firefighters, divers, search dogs, and even a military helicopter. He was eventually found, unharmed but completely nude, by a motorist over a mile away from the park.

Disney’s Strict Policies on Illegal Activity

Despite its family-friendly reputation, Disney parks maintain strict security protocols to prevent illegal activity on property. Guests found in violation of drug laws or other serious offenses face immediate removal and potential legal consequences. Just remember that security screening at park entrances is designed to catch more than just smuggled selfie sticks.

Have you ever spotted guests doing anything illegal at Disney World?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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