Every year, millions of fans make the pilgrimage to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in search of fun, family-friendly entertainment.
The Disney theme Parks are known worldwide for providing a wholesome and magical experience for Guests of all ages. Part of the reason that Guests love vacationing at Disney is because of how safe the Parks are; Guests feel that they can genuinely relax due to the extensive cautionary measures that Disney enforces. However, sometimes people slip through the cracks, and truly dangerous people roam freely at the Disney Parks.
One of History’s Most Infamous Drug Lords Vacations at Disney
It is always upsetting to hear about dangerous people making it inside to gates of Walt Disney World. However, in this case, there was no way for Disney to know who they were dealing with.
When you think of the world’s most infamous drug lords, one name likely comes to mind: Pablo Escobar.
It is not every day that you hear the name Pablo Escobar being associated with Walt Disney World. In fact, the mere thought of the infamous drug lord visiting the theme Park seems far-fetched and out of place. However, that is exactly what happened in 1981.
Pablo Escobar Visits Walt Disney World: An Unlikely Tale of a Drug Lord and the Most Magical Place on Earth
Pablo Escobar, known for his ruthless operations as the leader of the Medellín Cartel in South America, was one of the most wanted men in the world during the peak of his criminal career. He accumulated an unfathomable amount of wealth through his cocaine business. Despite being targeted by the United States government and other global forces, he managed to evade prison for years.
In 1981, the world did not know Pablo Escobar as a killer and cartel leader. His reputation internationally was only as a politician in Colombia. He was able to leverage this position in order to get diplomatic immunity and a visa which allowed him and his family to travel to the United States. Their destination: Walt Disney World.
Escobar and his family loved Walt Disney World, and his personal obsession is something that followed him for the rest of his life. It was reported that Escobar brought home dozens of suitcases filled with Disney souvenirs home with them. Now, the photos of the Escobars at Walt Disney World Resort are just a shocking part of Disney’s history.
