Emergency Response Initiated at Disney World After Political Argument Sparks Violence
A heated political dispute at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel escalated into a violent confrontation earlier this month, prompting an emergency response from law enforcement. Newly released details from the police report reveal how a day that began with poolside relaxation at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel ended with deputies documenting injuries and identifying probable cause for an arrest.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels
Although it sits on Disney property and offers many of the same perks as official Walt Disney World Resort hotels—such as Early Theme Park Entry and a walking path to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios—the Swan and Dolphin hotels are actually operated by Marriott. They function as “Good Neighbor Hotels,” frequently booked by guests who want luxurious amenities at a lower price than Walt Disney World Resort Deluxe hotel prices.
Dispute at the Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel
Authorities first learned of the incident on Saturday, November 8. Shortly after 5:30 p.m., the X (formerly Twitter) account @WDWActiveCrime reported that deputies were responding to a battery call in the EPCOT Resort area:
🚨 Police Alert 🚓 – 11/08/25 5:34 PM
🚨: Battery (Unwanted Touching or Striking Someone) at 📍 : EPCOT Resort Area
#WaltDisneyWorld #Disney
🚨 Police Alert 🚓 – 11/08/25 5:34 PM
🚨: Battery (Unwanted Touching or Striking Someone) at 📍 : EPCOT Resort Area#WaltDisneyWorld #Disney pic.twitter.com/mkCj5SVTDA— Walt Disney World: Active Calls (@WDWActiveCrime) November 8, 2025
For several days, no further details were available—until @WDWActiveCrime obtained the official police report on November 11. According to the document, the violence unfolded inside a private pool cabana at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, where a couple identified as Christopher Pendergrass and his girlfriend, Vanessa, had been drinking throughout the day.
🔃Update Arrest Swan Hotel (11/08)
From floaties to fisticuffs 💦👊 | A couple at the Swan Hotel turned their pool cabana into a political boxing ring after an alcohol-fueled argument.https://wdwactivecrime.com/articles/cabana-clash-at-disney-area-resort-leads-to-arrest-for-domestic-battery
🔃Update Arrest Swan Hotel (11/08)
From floaties to fisticuffs 💦👊 | A couple at the Swan Hotel turned their pool cabana into a political boxing ring after an alcohol-fueled argument.https://t.co/Kk5NPFSlEU https://t.co/8i5eIrdMZn pic.twitter.com/6rrchlX3Jd— Walt Disney World: Active Calls (@WDWActiveCrime) November 11, 2025
The report states that the pair began consuming alcohol around 9:00 a.m., with Pendergrass estimating that he drank “eight to nine beers” over the course of the afternoon. Vanessa told deputies that the couple’s conversation turned tense as they debated their differing political opinions and discussed the recent death of her father.
During the argument, Pendergrass allegedly struck Vanessa twice with a closed fist. She told officers that she retaliated in self-defense before he walked away from the cabana. Deputies noted that Vanessa mentioned a previous physical incident “years ago,” though it had never been formally reported.
When law enforcement arrived, they observed and photographed visible swelling and redness on Vanessa’s face. She declined medical care and stated that she did not wish to press charges. However, the deputy’s report states that authorities established probable cause to charge Pendergrass with Battery (Dating Violence) under Florida Statute 784.03-15.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has not yet indicated whether formal charges will be pursued.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve seen at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
