Disney World Guest Arrested and Banned for Life After Assault on EPCOT Cast Member

Overview

• A family tried to cut the Mirabel meet-and-greet line at EPCOT, with deputies called to CommuniCore Hall at 3:14 p.m. Tuesday.
• The Character Attendant told the family to wait and explained that Mirabel was taking photos only and not signing autographs.
• The child's mother shoved an autograph book at the attendant, after which the father, identified as Diego Rodriguez, grabbed her right arm, shook her, yelled, and tried to lunge.
• Disney security escorted the family to the EPCOT security office, where Orange County deputies arrested Rodriguez for battery and took him to the Orange County Jail.
• Walt Disney World issued a lifetime trespass ban, and multiple guests along with the Mirabel performer corroborated the account, highlighting the role of attendants who manage lines and protect character performers.