A late-night incident at Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk entertainment district led to a troubling situation over the weekend when deputies say a young girl was found sitting alone at a bar while her mother was elsewhere in the complex.
According to a report from Click Orlando, the events unfolded Saturday night at the waterfront CW Shoreline Bar, a popular spot along the CityWalk lagoon. Employees working behind the bar noticed something that immediately raised concerns: a 12-year-old girl sitting alone on a bar stool, visibly crying.
Workers quickly realized that no adult appeared to be accompanying her. Concerned about the child’s wellbeing, staff members notified security so the situation could be investigated.
When deputies arrived, the girl told them she had originally been at the venue earlier that evening with her mother. Investigators say the pair had been spending time around CityWalk when an argument occurred between them. At some point after the disagreement, the girl stayed behind at the bar while her mother left the area.
Law enforcement began searching the sprawling entertainment complex for the woman. Not long after, deputies located 33-year-old Amanda Thorpe inside the nearby Red Coconut Club.
Authorities say Thorpe was on the club’s dance floor with a drink in her hand when deputies approached her. Investigators allege she appeared intoxicated at the time.
When questioned, Thorpe reportedly told deputies that her daughter was back in their hotel room. Officers soon informed her that the girl had actually been located alone at the bar where the two had previously been together, contradicting her statement.
Thorpe was taken into custody at the scene. She was later transported to the Orange County Jail and booked on a charge of child neglect. Deputies say the 12-year-old was eventually released to the care of a family member.
The situation took place in one of the busiest areas of Universal Orlando Resort. CityWalk serves as the main pathway guests travel through to reach the resort’s theme parks, but it also functions as its own destination packed with dining, shopping, and nightlife experiences.
During daylight hours, families heading toward attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure pass through the promenade filled with restaurants, souvenir shops, and entertainment venues.
Once night falls, the environment changes dramatically. Neon lights reflect across the lagoon, live music can be heard throughout the walkways, and multiple venues transition into nightlife locations complete with DJs, cocktails, and dance floors.
The CW Shoreline Bar frequently attracts guests looking to relax with a drink while overlooking the water. Nearby, the Red Coconut Club is known for its dance floor and late-night entertainment, making it a popular stop for visitors who stay out late in the district.
Because CityWalk blends family-friendly tourism with an active nightlife environment, security personnel and staff members keep watch across the area to ensure guests remain safe. In this case, employees say their concern began when they noticed the girl sitting alone and clearly distressed. Their decision to alert security set events in motion that eventually brought deputies to the scene and resulted in an arrest.
While CityWalk is designed to be a vibrant gateway to one of Florida’s most visited theme park destinations, the incident served as a reminder that staff and security teams remain attentive to situations where someone might need help—even amid the crowds, music, and late-night energy of the district.
Have you ever witnessed an event like this while on vacation at the Orlando theme parks? Let us know in the comments down below!
