3 Disney cast members beat up by alleged drunk guest

[DizneyFreak2002]

Really? Wow...


ORLANDO, Fla. - Three Disney cast members were reportedly beat up Saturday night by an alleged drunk guest.

Before responding officers arrived, the call was upgraded because the suspect, Austin De Van Hill, 24, was reported to have struck one of the cast members with a metal pipe.
When an Orange County deputy arrived, Hill was already secured by another off duty deputy in a seated position and was bleeding from the knees, wrists and hands, and the suspect was yelling, continuing to cause disturbance in the park.

According to reports, Hill was escorted by the two deputies as he continued yelling incoherent statements and appeared to be intoxicated, then began resisting attempts to escort him to the security office.
At that time, Hill got out of the deputies' hold, fell and began bleeding after injuring his chin and jaw.

According to the report, Hill was transported to Celebration Hospital where he received stitches in his chin.

Michael Connelly, the first victim, was punched in the head area causing a large gash across his forehead.

Timothy Beltley, Hill's second victim, was punched in the face.

The third victim, Jessica Brown, was struck in the left cheek and neck with a plastic PVC pipe causing swelling behind her ear.

Brown was treated on scene while Beltley and Connelly were transported to Celebration Hospital.

[Terra]

Good grief. How sad. Where did he even get these pipes. Yikes.
I hope the CMs recover quickly.
The Food & Wine Festival does bring out some of the rowdy party college type. Though the article didn't say what park it was.

Why can't people just have a couple of drinks and remain sane. We go all the time and I assure you we are not beating people up.

:( I hope the CMs press charges.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Happened in Epcot... Food and Wine drunkard anyone?

[VWL Mom]

The more this story comes out the less I like it.
According to the Orlando Sentinel he somehow got himself in to the back stage areas of Innovations and through the underground tunnels (which is where he got the PVC pipe). Personally I'm more concerned about the security breach being publicized than a drunk at Epcot.

[Tekneek]

I'm going to stop short of blaming Disney entirely for this, but they've worked hard at turning that park into a party street atmosphere. At some point, you get the dark side of the party street. There's no party area in any city that doesn't eventually have something like this go on.

Having said that, it may not be directly related at all and I understand that.

[Cinderelley]

It blows my mind that no one helped them.

[Scar]

Time for some TIPS training.

[Melanie]

Whoa! He's a Naval Academy grad. :shake:

[MNNHFLTX]

Whether the guy had been drinking or not, he (not Disney) is still responsible for his own actions. That said, I wonder how accessible Disney security was and how quickly they responded to the situation (maybe the victims were part of Disney's security force). We've witnessed minor disturbances before in the parks and Downtown Disney and it seemed to take a long time for anyone to respond to it.

[dpamac]

It sounds like, as mentioned, he managed to get back stage and that's where the assaults took place. The second cast member was hurt when the guy was trying to steal a cart. It sounds like he made some really bad choices that just kept rolling into a giant bad choice burrito.



Naval Academy grad charged with injuring three Disney cast members
Austin DeVan Hill, 23, was charged with aggravated battery.

By Arelis R. Hernández, Orlando Sentinel
11:21 a.m. EDT, October 14, 2013

A Naval Academy graduate and former football player was charged with attacking three Walt Disney World cast members while intoxicated at the Epcot theme park this weekend.

Austin DeVan Hill, 23, of Pensacola was charged with aggravated battery and two counts of battery after he punched two male workers in the head and struck a female with a plastic pipe in an area off-limits to guests, according to an arrest report.

Deputies said Hill appeared to be drunk as he resisted efforts to restrain him, yelled and made incoherent statements. He caused a major disturbance during Epcot's annual International Food and Wine Festival, which attracts thousands of guests.At one point, Hill broke free while being escorted to the security office, fell to the concrete and injured his chin and face, the report said.

The victims told deputies Hill entered a backstage office area in the East Innoventions attraction area when he punched Michael Connelly. He suffered a large gash to his forehead and was taken to Celebration Hospital for treatment.


Hill then encountered cast member Timothy Beltley in the tunnels workers use to get around the theme park.

Beltley tried to stop Hill from taking a cargo work cart but was punched in the face. He was also treated at the hospital.

Jessica Brown was struck in the left cheek and neck when she came across Hill after he grabbed a 3-foot-long PVC pipe. The injured area swelled but she was treated at the scene.

Disney security held Hill to the ground at the Flavors of Club Cool attraction, a variety soda pop fountain, until deputies arrived. He was bleeding from the knees, wrists and hands when they deputies found him.

Deputies described Hill's behavior as "fractious."

Hill graduated from the Naval Academy in 2012 as a Navy pilot and made the Dean's List while he attended. He was also a long snapper on the football team, according to the Navy Times and Navy Sports.com.

Hill bonded out of the Orange County Jail.

[cer]

It sounds like he made some really bad choices that just kept rolling into a giant bad choice burrito.

"giant bad choice burrito" :D

[BrerGnat]

What a piece of work.

[MNNHFLTX]

Wow, I hope they throw the book at him. Punching two innocent guys and hitting a woman with a pipe is not a class act at all. :(

[Terra]

I'm going to stop short of blaming Disney entirely for this, but they've worked hard at turning that park into a party street atmosphere. At some point, you get the dark side of the party street. There's no party area in any city that doesn't eventually have something like this go on.

Having said that, it may not be directly related at all and I understand that.
I haven't really noticed that myself. People are responsible for their choices. Just because Disney offers adult beverages doesn't give people the right to make bad choices and turn around and blame it on the guy serving.

Whoa! He's a Naval Academy grad. :shake:
:(

Wow, I hope they throw the book at him. Punching two innocent guys and hitting a woman with a pipe is not a class act at all. :(
Me too. If still in the Navy he may face charges there too.

[Melanie]

Me too. If still in the Navy he may face charges there too.

Yep, probably out of a job.

[quack arf squeak]

I wonder if Disney gave him a three day pass and a pair of Mickey ears so not to offend him. Just send him off with a "have a Disney day!":mickey:

[faline]

I'm sorry to hear that three cast members were injured on the job in this way.

[SBETigg]

It seems to me that there could be some mental illness or drug use and not simple inebriation, but it's impossible to know from details provided. Also unknown if he showed up already somewhat impaired or if it all happened on premises. There are crowds and alcohol at the F & W but this doesn't always lead to disaster, though we've probably all seen some over-served guests and it certainly could be the catalyst here. But it sounds like there could be other substances or some other reason for the violent escalation in his behavior, to me. Sad all around. I hope the workers are okay, and I'm glad no other guests were injured.

[Arielfan98]

I feel nothing but sympathy for the CMs, but I'm glad they were immediately treated and I hope they're compensated by Disney. I'm also glad no guests were harmed.

[Aurora]

I wonder if Disney gave him a three day pass and a pair of Mickey ears so not to offend him. Just send him off with a "have a Disney day!":mickey:

What an insensitive and ridiculous statement.


I'm sorry to hear that three cast members were injured on the job in this way.

Me too. No one should have to be subjected to that.

[Tekneek]

I haven't really noticed that myself. People are responsible for their choices. Just because Disney offers adult beverages doesn't give people the right to make bad choices and turn around and blame it on the guy serving.

Perhaps you're aware of party districts where there is never any violence. I'm not, but I won't claim to have the same knowledge you do. I agree that everyone is responsible for their choices, not just the ones we might prefer be responsible. We do not know what the source of this man's impairment was. However, it is interesting that you think Disney would have zero responsibility for specifically advertising and marketing an alcohol drinking event, attracting people there based on the idea of consuming such things, and then turn around and blame the people who drink them. Alcohol impairs brain function, so expecting someone with impaired brain function to act as if their brain is not impaired is not logical. Not everyone knows their limits and things can quickly get out of control.

Again, we don't know that it is related to F&W at all, so my statements are arguing the point that the customer is 100% to blame. I certainly hope it has nothing to do with F&W, but I hope the truth comes out if this person was over-served and then got out of control.

[Tekneek]

We've witnessed minor disturbances before in the parks and Downtown Disney and it seemed to take a long time for anyone to respond to it.

I've heard stories of swift responses from Security, but my only first hand experience is of slow responses, and not the kind of professionalism I had read about. Perhaps this is another area that has declined over the years.

[TheVBs]

The F&WF at Epcot is not a "party district" by any stretch of the imagination. Nor is it advertised as a "drinking event". Just like many food showcase events, there are drinks available to accompany it.

Now, I will say that, like any venue where alcohol is available, people should be cut off when obviously inebriated. But beyond that, blaming anyone for this loser's choices is ludicrous.

I'm not sure why it's particularly surprising that he's a Naval Academy graduate either. Someone like this can come from any background. And there are pockets of bad behavior encouraged in just about every institution.

I'm a little sickened that this loser's actions are being twisted into a finger shaking at WDW, especially in light of the injuries that were caused. I hope the CMs recover quickly, both physically and emotionally from this, and I hope this jerk goes to jail.

[Tekneek]

The F&WF at Epcot is not a "party district" by any stretch of the imagination. Nor is it advertised as a "drinking event". Just like many food showcase events, there are drinks available to accompany it.

I've been at World Showcase on weekends when it would rival the party/bar area of Atlanta for the amount of ludicrous drinking going on. Not in total numbers, but in percentage of those appearing to take it too far.


But beyond that, blaming anyone for this loser's choices is ludicrous.

Not what I did, so presumably this is in response to someone else. At any rate, without knowing the details I would stop short of calling this man a "loser."


I'm a little sickened that this loser's actions are being twisted into a finger shaking at WDW, especially in light of the injuries that were caused. I hope the CMs recover quickly, both physically and emotionally from this, and I hope this jerk goes to jail.

I'm not shaking a finger at Disney for this incident. It is interesting that we're not supposed to shake a finger at Disney at all, but we can jump to labeling this man and wishing him a trip to prison without knowing much in the way of details. We don't know what else might have been in his system that caused an unexpected reaction, perhaps. Maybe he is just a bad guy who was looking for a place to cause trouble, but the truth is often more complicated than that. I'm surprised it is seen as perfectly alright to pile onto this man, but wrong to consider that Disney might have contributed in some way to how this unfortunate situation played out.

I'm not understanding why backstage areas are not secured by badge access. If it is, how did he get in? What other guests have been getting back there and nobody knows about it? Regardless of whether Disney helped precipitate this by what they serve their guests, they are 100% responsible for the security and safety of backstage areas.

[TheVBs]

Okay, let me back up just a bit, because I realize that came off as primarily a personal attack on you, and that's not alright. So, first of all, sorry for that.

I've been to major party districts where drinking is the main, sometimes only, focus. It was leagues away from the F&WF.

I have never, ever been one of the people who say that you can't call Disney to task for something. I've offered criticism for things myself. However, take a step back and look at what you just wrote. You want to take Disney to task for this incident, but cut the guy who assaulted 3 people a break? Really? That's what sounds reasonable to you? You're going out on a limb looking for ways to excuse this guy, but want to hold Disney 100% responsible?

I'm with you on securing the backstage areas. If that's where this happened, then certainly, Disney needs to do something about the security there. But, this guy physically assaulted 3 people, putting 2 of them in the hospital. Yes. He belongs in jail.

[Tekneek]

However, take a step back and look at what you just wrote. You want to take Disney to task for this incident, but cut the guy who assaulted 3 people a break?

What you see as "take Disney to task" was actually just suggesting that they bear some responsibility, not all of it, when someone gets drunk at a park that they DO market as a place to eat and drink. Even outside of the festivals, the marketing leans heavy on drink/food for World Showcase and thrill rides in Future World. They do take it beyond simply having a drink with a meal, as they sell drinks out on the street of World Showcase. The barrier to entry in terms of park admission and drink prices has probably protected them more than any policy or process.


Really? That's what sounds reasonable to you? You're going out on a limb looking for ways to excuse this guy, but want to hold Disney 100% responsible?

I think this is shaped by some personal views you have, because you're reading things I am not typing. I never said I knew the guy was completely not responsible, just like I never said Disney was 100% responsible. Let's not let our preconceived notions change the words.


I'm with you on securing the backstage areas. If that's where this happened, then certainly, Disney needs to do something about the security there. But, this guy physically assaulted 3 people, putting 2 of them in the hospital. Yes. He belongs in jail.

Perhaps he does. Hopefully the full truth comes out for all parties involved and they all take responsibility for their contributions to how this went down.

[TheVBs]

I think at this point we'll have to do the agree to disagree thing. :thumbsup: Although I do fully agree with the idea that preconceived notions have heavily colored the discussion. :mickey:

But, a very genuine thank you for how well the discussion went! :thumbsup:

[minnie04]

I think if they are going to serve alcohol in the parks, they need to have a heavier presence of security/police. I'm not sure the average cast member is trained to deal with drunk & disorderly guest. When they have "food and Wine" they need to include more security patrolling the parks. We were there on July 4th weekend and I was surprised at how many people (young people) stumbling around Epcot one poor girl looked like she was going to eat it (fall) and a guy kept grabbing her up. It was something I was showing/telling my DS about what happens when you drink too much. And how bad she was going to feel the next day. I hope they take a look at this and double up next time. If nothing more just for the protection of their own cast members. Also as far as it being a “party district” I think it is in a way for the younger (over 21) people. It's somewhere to go for the weekend and you don't have to worry about driving. Just stay on property and go have a good time.. My DD 21 and all her girlfriends went to Epcot to so they could “DRINK AROUND THE WORLD”, for one of them turning 21, so yeah it is treated that way as well. It’s just really unfortunate that some people have to overdo it in order to have a good time. :marg::beer:

[DonaldDuckUSA]

This post may make me unpopular, but as soon as I read the headline I though "Oh boy. People are going to blame this on F+W festival."

If you're crazy enough to beat a girl with a pipe, the F+W festival is not going to be the reason you go to jail. Booze or no booze.

[Cinderelley]

Granted there could have been many factors contributing to what happened, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say it isn't a medical condition. He probably wouldn't be a naval pilot if he had a condition that would cause this.
It is very possible that drugs were involved, and even if they weren't, I'm sure he is aware of his behavior when he drinks. At 23, I highly doubt that was his first time drinking. At that point, you stop and say "I do bad things when I drink. I won't drink any more."
If Disney did in fact continue serving him after he was inebriated, they need to be responsible also. In Arizona, bars are responsible for cutting people off and calling cabs if someone has obviously had too much.
As for the poor workers, it is probably all covered by worker's comp which won't do them justice . . .

[Tekneek]

As for the poor workers, it is probably all covered by worker's comp which won't do them justice . . .

If CMs were put in more danger by Disney not having a good method of securing a backstage area, they may be in some hot water. The big issue in this may end up being if/how/when an out of control guest gained access to a backstage area and if CMs were put in more danger as a result. Lawyers may already be hard at work on this one.

To be honest, I have always thought Disney was taking on risks by promoting the drinking of alcohol on property (not with meals, but the walking about with drinks - which encourages people to drink without food, which could lead to an outcome that even surprises the person doing it). On several occasions, I've known adults (that commonly drink with meals, but not as often when strolling from vendor to vendor along a street) to be surprised by how suddenly, and powerfully, the alcohol hit them.

[PopPhan]

In Arizona, bars are responsible for cutting people off and calling cabs if someone has obviously had too much.

I understand your point, but the problem with that is, during the F&WF, these people are going from booth to booth....The CM working the booth does not know how much the visitor has already imbibed and, quite honestly, may not see any outward appearance of intoxication. They may have a line of 5 or more people waiting for drinks and just take the order and move on to the next patron. In a bar, it is a much more controlled situation and much easier to see if someone has overindulged.

I do agree, the when there is such an event as F&WF or F&G&F, that there should be more "bouncers" on hand to maintain order and that backstage areas should be "card access" only, but those decisions are for TPTB at the parks to determine.

[minnie04]

Maybe he could have accessed this backstage area if someone was coming out and he ran in. They do have those huge carts with ice, trash etc. maybe he saw an opportunity to make a quick entrance and went for it. Who knew he would bring out a pvc pipe and start swinging, he must have been pretty messed up. To just grab and start swinging at a women. Let alone punching to men in the face /head. They were probably chasing him and he saw a door being opened and ran for cover, only to come back fighting..not good..

[Tekneek]

I wonder what the true story is, out of curiosity. The Sentinel article makes it sound like he was discovered already backstage and then proceeded to have 3 different violent encounters with CMs before eventually being held to the ground over at Club Cool. It makes it sound like he made it into the tunnels and back out before being restrained.

Judging by the mug shot, he looks like a stout tough character. I hope Disney isn't found to be lacking in sufficient protection of their employees, because that could be costly. Beyond that, I would be concerned about the damage to property if someone is able to gain that kind of access. What if it wasn't the actions of one guy? What happens then? Security people get paid to protect life and property and they need a new security assessment pronto.

You can't have a security system that largely depends on people just not trying anything. Especially now that it has happened, the chances of another one go up. One that isn't as spur of the moment, but instead planned.

[MOJoe]

It seems to me that there could be some mental illness or drug use and not simple inebriation, but it's impossible to know from details provided. Also unknown if he showed up already somewhat impaired or if it all happened on premises. There are crowds and alcohol at the F & W but this doesn't always lead to disaster, though we've probably all seen some over-served guests and it certainly could be the catalyst here. But it sounds like there could be other substances or some other reason for the violent escalation in his behavior, to me. Sad all around. I hope the workers are okay, and I'm glad no other guests were injured.

Drug use is exactly what i was thinking. Many times users will seek out an "out of the way" area where they can take the drugs. Then go back to the party, wherever it is. Sounds like he was already self-medicated to the point of delusion and violence. He is certainly in a lot of trouble for his actions. Perhaps, i hope, he gets help before he causes a more serious accident.

[minnie04]

I just read this

"My wife and I were at Epcot on Saturday and could not believe the all the people walking around and drinking beer. Some were becoming pretty loud and boisterous (go figure). This was not the "Disney" experience we were used to. We commented that some of the behavior was "bar room" behavior. We decided to leave early. By the way, this was about 4 PM in the afternoon. Disney should rethink its policies regarding having that much beer so readily available. This young mans behavior was the result."

So I guess it was a good time by some and too much for others... I also read the story. And from what I got from it was this guy probably wondered into a tunnel area. And when asked to leave or someone got to close. He reacted by throwing punches. NOT GOOD!! Or maybe they escorted him to the area and told him he was being kicked out of the park. He probably didn't like that and went off on the first cast members he encountered. What a dumb (well you know) Let’s hope the cast members don’t sue now, saying they didn’t feel Disney did enough to protect them from this. And they don’t feel safe to go back to work.. Then again I would be pretty upset if this happened to me.. (Not enough to sue, but pretty upset) Just saying

[Terra]

I wonder what the true story is, out of curiosity. The Sentinel article makes it sound like he was discovered already backstage and then proceeded to have 3 different violent encounters with CMs before eventually being held to the ground over at Club Cool. It makes it sound like he made it into the tunnels and back out before being restrained.

Judging by the mug shot, he looks like a stout tough character. I hope Disney isn't found to be lacking in sufficient protection of their employees, because that could be costly. Beyond that, I would be concerned about the damage to property if someone is able to gain that kind of access. What if it wasn't the actions of one guy? What happens then? Security people get paid to protect life and property and they need a new security assessment pronto.

You can't have a security system that largely depends on people just not trying anything. Especially now that it has happened, the chances of another one go up. One that isn't as spur of the moment, but instead planned.

I think we all can easily bring our own colored thoughts to any discussion. I agree. I have to be honest and say it sounds like you are not for alcohol at all [which is totally fine, it's everyone's right to make the choice].
The fact is, yes I agree at some point, if one thinks that a person has had to much, then stopping it may be good.
It may be hard just on the surface though because I know my friends and I together are just naturally funny and we get loud [before any drinks!]. They may need to bring in a breathalyzer.
However, it would become a slippery slope quite easily.
So all that to say, yes for the most part, I stand my original thought that people are responsible for themselves. I place GREAT emphasis on personal responsibility.
Why? Well in this area particulary I come from a family of alcoholics. My mother and father divorced before I was 2 years of age because of his alcoholism. He has been an alcoholic for ALL of my 42 years.
However, I am not. I have maybe 1-2 drinks a month. I'm the first in my family to go through college and obtain not one, but a BA and Master's. The first to not be a teenage mom [had my first, while married, at the age of 35.]
Sorry, but I make wise choices while there. I expect the same as others. If they don't, then there may be consequences.

I know I sound harsh. I think it was the way my mom raised me, to always make sure my choices do not negatively affect others. And again I do agree that maybe some kind of stricter account of how much one has had and being cut off might be good. But I'm just not into blaming the 'innocent' party or parties.

[Tekneek]

I have to be honest and say it sounds like you are not for alcohol at all [which is totally fine, it's everyone's right to make the choice].

Quite the contrary, but I don't pretend that there aren't any risks associated with it. I don't mind them selling it, and I don't mind pointing out that they are accepting an increased risk by doing so. By suggesting they are not increasing their risk of incidents, you would be denying known facts. Where alcohol is sold and consumed, particularly when not isolated to the confines of a restaurant, the risk of violence and other incidents goes up. There's no sense burying our heads in the sand and pretending it is somebody else's problem.


So all that to say, yes for the most part, I stand my original thought that people are responsible for themselves. I place GREAT emphasis on personal responsibility.

There is nothing wrong with it, except for the idea that anybody who makes a mistake (no matter how minor or how major) is somehow no longer a responsible person at all. What we do not know is when/how they lost their rational thinking ability (because clearly they did at some point along the way), or why. Does that immediately make them a less worthy or responsible person? I'm not sure that it does.


Sorry, but I make wise choices while there. I expect the same as others. If they don't, then there may be consequences.

I am glad you've done well for yourself. I used to feel much the same way, but I know a lot more about psychology than I once did. I know that people who do wrong things are not inherently evil or weak.


But I'm just not into blaming the 'innocent' party or parties.

It seems likely the Cast Members are innocent parties, but beyond that we're very likely getting into shades of gray. Individual responsibility is a good mandate to the extent that everyone is operating with an unimpaired, fully matured, and sane brain. If you don't have that, for whatever the cause of that may be, you may have a hard time distinguishing what the responsible thing to do is.

[MNNHFLTX]

I am glad you've done well for yourself. I used to feel much the same way, but I know a lot more about psychology than I once did. I know that people who do wrong things are not inherently evil or weak.
I agree with many of your remarks in this thread but this one I can't go a long with. Mental health issues and substance abuse issues are part of an illness and I believe that people that suffer from them deserve compassion, not condemnation. However, I do believe there are people out there who are inherently evil and malicious and sometimes alcohol is what brings it out. That may not be the case with this young man so I'll reserve judgement, but his actions went above and beyond simple inebriation, if indeed that was a contributing factor.

[minnie04]

I think in a nutshell. This young man went to Epcot with the intentions of having a great time. Well along the way he had WAY too much to drink and got out of hand. They probably stepped in and tried to escort him out and he grew angry and violent towards the people trying to help him. This escalated into a bad seen and people got hurt and he ended up arrested. I'm just wondering where his friends/family were when all this happened? And why did they not try to help him before this got so out of control. We most likely have all been there, out with friends for a good time and one (or two) seems to get a lot more drunk then the rest of the group. Usually that’s when the group will step in and call it a night (or day).
And not to justify anything he did, but I could see someone getting pretty drunk during a hot day when your drinking ice cold beer to cool off more then get drunk and before you know it your plastered..
We were in Key West with friends getting are night started and this young man from the Naval Base was sitting with his head down totally wasted. His poor girlfriend called a cab to take him back. Well my DH is a big guy 6’2 265 and I told him try to help the kid (young man) into the cab. His girlfriend couldn’t get him up and moved. My DH (a former bouncer) tried to help and when the kid noticed him to close he tried to say something as if to protect his girlfriend (I guess thinking my DH was hitting on her..lol) well he tried to get loud and maybe thought about starting something, but couldn’t really stand. Eventually she apologized for him and they took off. I guess some people don’t like to be helped or get nervous when they are not all there.. I was just glad it ended well. I did feel bad for the guy because when he got back to Base. The cab wasn’t going to be allowed to enter the Base and he was going to have to walk to his barracks. Without anyone catching him drunk.. He looked like a nice kid, he just couldn’t handle his drinks this one night..

[VWL Mom]

I think in a nutshell. This young man went to Epcot with the intentions of having a great time. Well along the way he had WAY too much to drink and got out of hand. They probably stepped in and tried to escort him out and he grew angry and violent towards the people trying to help him.

Only thing is he wasn't caught strolling around the WS, he was found in the underground tunnels. That is where he had the run ins with the CM's.

[Terra]

There is nothing wrong with it, except for the idea that anybody who makes a mistake (no matter how minor or how major) is somehow no longer a responsible person at all. What we do not know is when/how they lost their rational thinking ability (because clearly they did at some point along the way), or why. Does that immediately make them a less worthy or responsible person? I'm not sure that it does.




It seems likely the Cast Members are innocent parties, but beyond that we're very likely getting into shades of gray. Individual responsibility is a good mandate to the extent that everyone is operating with an unimpaired, fully matured, and sane brain. If you don't have that, for whatever the cause of that may be, you may have a hard time distinguishing what the responsible thing to do is.
Addressing your first paragraph.
Okay, I see now. I think you and I may have crossed wires. :blush:
I don't think people making mistakes makes them any less worthy. Not at all. If anything, I'm generally the one my friends call the bleeding heart. I mean seriously, I'm like the only one in my group of friends :secret:

Again my own father is an alcoholic and I have much sympathy for him. It's been awful watching him journey his life through an addiction. To watch a few months or a few years at most of being sober then it gets thrown away in one night because of a weak moment. It's hearbreaking. Heartbreaking because I never really had a father growing up. I didn't even see him for about 7 years at one point. He never made contact or anything.

Anyway, more than you want to know right ;) I do understand about knowing the risks as a business if you *are* going to market alcohol. It's just that in the end, I'm going to place 90% of the responsibility on, my father for example, rather than the store or the bar that sold him the beer. Why? Because ultimately it was/is still my father's [or John Doe at the F&W festival] decision to have that first drink, that second, and so on.
Now granted, it would have been great someone had said, hey man, I think you've had enough.
But again, how would Disney really institute that? [Asking in all seriousness. I'm up for learning some ways because I really don't know! :)]

It's tough. And I think most of us can agree that there is no easy answer. I do hope if there is more to the story that this young man will get the help he needs.

I guess I kind of intertwined my response concerning your second paragraph as well.
I agree that if a person has something more going on it becomes a much larger issue. And takes much more outside of that person to get it under control again.

[minnie04]

Only thing is he wasn't caught strolling around the WS, he was found in the underground tunnels. That is where he had the run ins with the CM's.

Got it!! Probably looking for a bathroom or got lost and wondered into to a restricted area ( it can happend).. Doesn’t make it right that he was in there, just doesn’t sound like he was a threat to the park itself, just the people he encountered when he was caught and asked to leave.. No matter, he is still a fool for acting that way and hurting people.

[quack arf squeak]

Is this the real life? ? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide. No escape from reality. Open your eyes and see.

[brad192]

I'm thinking there's something more behind this than we know right now.

The guy is/was a Naval Acadamy graduate, a Navy pilot, and a former Navy football player. You don't achieve all that without a lot of discipline & self control. My guess would be he was on some type of legit meds, had a few drinks, and had a bad interaction between the meds & the booze.

Then again, he could just be a first-class jerk.

Either way, if he's still Navy, he probably just ordered himself a Big Chicken Dinner.:chicken:

[Daisy'sMom]

We were at Epcot on Saturday and left saying we would never go back during the wine and food fest. What started out as a great event has turned into a drunk fest. So much for Disney family fun. People were already intoxicated by noon, yelling, swearing and being obnoxious. Since we brought children with us, we were pretty disappointed.

[Ian]

According to the Orlando Sentinel he somehow got himself in to the back stage areas of Innovations and through the underground tunnels (which is where he got the PVC pipe).


"Hill then encountered cast member Timothy Beltley in the tunnels workers use to get around the theme park."Okay so call me nuts and maybe I'm just unaware, but I did not think Epcot had tunnels or utilidors. I thought that was unique to the Magic Kingdom. Am I wrong here?

[Melanie]

Okay so call me nuts and maybe I'm just unaware, but I did not think Epcot had tunnels or utilidors. I thought that was unique to the Magic Kingdom. Am I wrong here?

First I've ever heard of it as well, Ian. :shrug:

[Buttercup]

Okay so call me nuts and maybe I'm just unaware, but I did not think Epcot had tunnels or utilidors. I thought that was unique to the Magic Kingdom. Am I wrong here?'
That's what I was coming here to say too, Ian! Magic Kingdom is the only park with utilidors. I can't imagine why they would transfer him from Epcot over to MK just so they could stroll through the tunnels. I'm guessing something is missing in the story here...

[DizneyFreak2002]

Epcot does have tunnels but not like MK's utilidors... I don't even know if CMs truly use them... I believe they are mostly for storage... and maybe break rooms... The utilidors are unique to MK... I guess Epcot's tunnels (small as they are), can be considered basements LOL...

[Scar]

I seem to remember reading that Epcot has a single tunnel that runs from The Land, under both Innovantions, to Mission: Space.

[NJGIRL]

We have been going to the Food & Wine since the first year it started. I have posted before that I have seen a downward spiral in the last four years. So many drunk people (not just college aged) getting sick in plain sight, being rude & pushy, and overly loud. I have never seen one cast member or security guard put a stop to the actions of these sloppy drunk people. This year instead of visiting EPCOT twice we only went once, avoiding the weekend when it seems most of the problems occur.

This is Disney's fault. When you have an event that revolves around drinking you must have security that is willing to remove the drunks. You must also have cast members that will refuse to sell drinks to people that already have had too much to drink.

[mickclub1955]

Okay so call me nuts and maybe I'm just unaware, but I did not think Epcot had tunnels or utilidors. I thought that was unique to the Magic Kingdom. Am I wrong here?

The only utilidors I have heard about at Epcot is below the American Adventure. I read about it in "The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World".

[TheDuckRocks]

We were at the F&W on Monday, Oct. 21. No problems with rowdy drunken people at all.
We went back on Friday, Oct. 25. Holy cow, it was a whole other story! By 2 in the afternoon my 16 year old granddaughter started playing a game she called, "Needs to Be Cutoff". The crowds were hitting the booze fast and furious. As the day progressed loud, rude behavior kept escalating. We took a break from World Showcase and hung out in Future World until it was time for our dinner ADRs. Sad.

[Tekneek]

My understanding was that Future World was built with some of the same utilidor and underground access concepts as MK, but I've never seen any of it myself.

We just came back from a 9 day trip to WDW, with a few days spent at Epcot. I was surprised how much World Showcase emptied out before Illuminations on the weekend. Those people were there primarily for the beer (based on what I saw the vast majority walking around with). I didn't see too much outrageous behavior from guests, but more than a handful were having trouble standing up (mostly young ladies, which I hope weren't getting themselves into serious trouble).

[Patricia]

How scary for the CMs! You never know what someone is going to do in these situations.

Epcot's tunnels are mostly under and around the Spaceship Earth area. There is a basement under American adventure. We were able to go down there during a Backstage Magic tour, it's part of the elevator type stage system they use for the show. I Don't think it travels as a tunnel would, but then.. we may not have seen it all.

[Main Street Jim]

Okay so call me nuts and maybe I'm just unaware, but I did not think Epcot had tunnels or utilidors. I thought that was unique to the Magic Kingdom. Am I wrong here?EPCOT does have a single tunnel running kind of east/west in a "half-circle" shape underneath Innoventions East and West. Google "EPCOT Utilidor map" and you'll see a map, along with pictures.

[Yo Mickey!]

my wife and i head down every year for a 4 day weekend for f & w (got to see night ranger this year!). we like to have a few (and by a few i mean a few) we never really see people getting out of control. last year we did see two disney people quietly approach a guy that had two much and quietly ask him and his friends to leave. we were by hawaii and it was clear that the person selling the beverages alerted someone.

it was handled well and the party finally left.

i do see a lot of people having fun but i guess i haven't seen it really out of control.

[Lindsey]

i do see a lot of people having fun but i guess i haven't seen it really out of control.

Same for me. Sunday - Thursday I have never seen a person who has 'had too much'. It's different on Friday & Saturday though. For one it's much more crowded. There are a lot of locals and near-by residents, (like Tampa), who come to F&W for the weekend. I have seen people who were tipsy on Friday's & Saturday's, but nothing crazy. Everyone has always been friendly, asking what food and drink you have had, what was your favorite, etc. When my husband and I lived in Orlando we went to F&W most weekends and we always had fun. It's definitely more popular now, (so busier), but we still enjoy it when we visit.

[firefan43]

I have seen several drunk people at the F&W festival. The worst I ever saw was a while back when there was a Sam Adams tent in the America pavilion to demonstrate the different types of beer (with samples). An older woman on one of those mobility scooters drove in right in during the presentation, pulled up to any empty seat, slurped down all the samples and left. Disturbed the entire presentation. The gentleman from Sam Adams made a joke about it and then said that she had been through there 3 times. After it was over we left and as we were passing France (where there was a free wine tasting event in another tent) we saw the same woman being asked to some cast members. She started swearing at them dropping multiple F bombs. Then she sped off on her scooter. I have no idea what happened to her after that. I know I shouldnt have, but really, I just laughed. :)

It USED to be the case that the drunks would hang out at downtown Disney. The locals and townies would go there to drink, and they would harass the vacationers. I saw a group of pretty hardcore white trash guys that had to be in their mid 30's at least, following and harassing a group of teen girls. The girls were clearly shaken by it, and went to one of the stores and asked them to call security. When the guys heard them saying to call security, they started walking away laughing and shouting back at the girls calling them "b**ches" and other such words. When security showed up, the girls quickly pointed out the men who were being offensive, and security did NOTHING. Didnt even confront the men and ask them to behave. Nothing.