A visit to Disneyland is meant to be filled with magic, churros, character hugs, and unforgettable memories — but for a number of guests visiting the parks on the evening of April 12, the experience took a surprising and unsettling turn.
We’re breaking down everything we know about an incident that occurred in New Orleans Square, including firsthand accounts and an official update from Anaheim Police.
Something Strange Happened in New Orleans Square
According to a post shared by Reddit user LAZERPANDA15, the evening began like any other, with crowds enjoying classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, or grabbing dinner at Tiana’s Palace or River Belle Terrace.
But the night took a dramatic turn when a group of fellow guests — described as a group of mothers — began cordoning off an area, asking that no children be allowed through. At the same time, guests reported that the patio of River Belle Terrace was being evacuated by Cast Members.
“Suddenly, a group of guests — who the OP (Original Poster) deemed to be moms — blocked off an area and said that no children were allowed in the space.”
The reason quickly became apparent. According to the OP, a man had removed all of his clothing and was seen walking around the area unclothed, prompting swift response from Disney Security, who attempted to contain the situation and create a barrier between the man and other guests.
Disneytitan posted the video which you can see below, but just be warned that there isn’t any censoring.
View this post on Instagram
Guests Witnessed Alarming Behavior
As the situation escalated, the same Reddit poster shared that the man emerged from a nearby side street and began behaving erratically, including climbing a tree while fully naked.
“Then, a naked man emerged from one of the back sidestreets. They were apparently having a lot of trouble wrangling this man. He started scaling a tree (still naked as the day he was born).”
While some guests stood in stunned silence, others expressed concern for nearby children. The poster added:
“I couldn’t stop staring, but that is when my spouse said ‘Hey, you gotta stop staring. Our kid is going to see this. Let’s go.’”
Tiana’s Palace Also Impacted
Another aspect of the incident that caught attention was the man reportedly climbing onto the roof of Tiana’s Palace — the new restaurant that opened in Fall 2023 — and shouting down at the crowd.
This report was backed up by additional witnesses on Instagram:
“Was waiting in line for the train. Turned around and saw a nude man flailing everything on top of Tiana’s.”
“He climbed up the stairs then walked along to roof, then was on the canopy,” another added.
According to those nearby, the man was yelling phrases that seemed to suggest he was in distress, including:
“I AM EXPOSING MYSELF TO EXPOSE…” — though the rest was inaudible due to nearby Cast Members ushering guests away.
Another commenter shared that the man’s comments began referencing sensitive topics involving sexual violence and threats to self-harm, which frightened nearby children and prompted even more urgent response from park personnel.
Arrest and Police Involvement Confirmed
In the hours following the incident, Anaheim Police confirmed that the man had been arrested. While his identity has not been released, officers stated that he is a Canadian citizen.
He was arrested for:
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Trespassing
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Public nudity
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Being under the influence of narcotics
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the man was safely removed from the park with assistance from both Disney Security and local law enforcement.
Disneyland’s Policy on Disruptive Behavior
In the Reddit thread and across social media, many guests discussed what consequences could follow such an incident — including whether the individual would be allowed to return to the parks.
While Disney does not typically comment publicly on individual disciplinary actions, it is widely understood among fans that guests who endanger others or disrupt the safety and atmosphere of the parks can be issued lifetime bans.
Not the First Time Something Like This Has Happened
In late November 2023, another individual removed his clothing while riding “it’s a small world” and walked through the attraction. He reportedly climbed into the scenery and was pursued by security before ultimately being arrested and charged.
Following that incident, additional security measures were temporarily implemented in the Fantasyland area.
A Reminder for All Guests
While these incidents are rare, they serve as a reminder that safety and security are always priorities for Disney Parks. Cast Members and security personnel are trained to respond quickly and compassionately, and guest well-being remains the company’s top focus.
If you ever witness a concerning situation while at a Disney Park, locate the nearest Cast Member and alert them right away. Your comfort and safety — and that of others — is incredibly important.
We’ll keep you updated if any new details about this incident emerge.
