Posted by: Krysten Swensen June 22, 2022

When problems arise at Disney with Guests and inappropriate behavior, Disney Cast Members and security typically handle the situation and escort the problematic Guest from the Park if necessary. However, sometimes the situation is a little more serious and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office must step in. We learn about everything the Sheriff’s office does to help out at Walt Disney World Resort when the Sheriff’s Office releases its report about arrests made at the Resort — whether in the theme parks, at the Resort hotels, or at Disney Springs.

According to the newly released Sheriff’s report, a man was arrested at Disney Springs when he was caught with two guns and multiple rounds of ammunition, in addition to a knife. The Sheriff’s report states that 35-year-old Aaron Lopez set off the metal detector as he tried to enter Disney Springs. Lopez was brought over to have his bag investigated, and the Disney Security Guard he dealt with made the following statement:

 “I told him I was going to search his bag and he told me he had a folding knife in his bag. I told him to show me the knife then I said I would have to search his bag. Still hasn’t put it on the table at this point. Then he proceeds to say, ‘Oh there’s something else in here besides a knife that I wanna put back in my car.’ He then promptly turned around and walked away.”

Lopez returning to his car caused concern for the security guard, and an Orange County police officer and Disney Springs Cast Member caught Lopez before he made it back to his car. On his person, police found not only the folding knife, but also a Glock handgun and numerous rounds of ammunition. Lopez told the officers that he had submitted the paperwork to register his gun, as he has a concealed carry permit, meaning he is allowed to carry a gun in public. The gun could not be found in the system when the officer looked, but it is possible that the paperwork simply had not been processed.

Credit: Orange County Sheriff’s Office

This is not the first time a Guest has been arrested for trying to bring a gun onto Disney property. In 2020, just three days after EPCOT reopened, a Guest was arrested for having a gun and marijuana in their child’s diaper bag. Another man was arrested for having a gun in his stroller and said that he had forgotten it was there.

It is incredibly important for Guests to remember that guns — or weapons of any kind — a STRICTLY PROHIBITED at Walt Disney World. While the state of Florida may allow people to walk around with a gun if they have the proper paperwork, Disney is private property. That means that Disney can create and enforce any rules they want to, and they do not allow weapons (including things like pepper spray) onto any of their properties.

The Walt Disney World Resort website currently lists the following items as prohibited:

Before you decide to visit a Disney Resort, it is always a good idea to check the Resort’s rules and regulations. That will let Guests know what types of things are and aren’t allowed on property, as well as proper dress code attire. Should you have any questions, you can always reach out to Disney via its website or by phone and a Cast Member will do their best to assist you.

DisneyDining.com is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company. Official information can be found at DisneyParks.com