Fight at Disney World Leaves One Employee Hospitalized, Another With Felony Charge

A violent confrontation at a Walt Disney World Resort construction site left one worker hospitalized and another facing a felony charge this week. Newly obtained law enforcement documents detail the fight, which unfolded at the future home of Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge.

Walt Disney World Resort’s Lakeshore Lodge

Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, previously introduced as Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, is slated to become the newest Disney Vacation Club hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Expected to open in 2027, the Deluxe property will rise on the former River Country Water Park site and feature 900 rooms inspired by classic Disney films, including Bambi (1942), Brother Bear (2003), The Fox and the Hound (1981), and Pocahontas (1995). The Disney Resort hotel will also feature a restaurant inspired by The Princess and the Frog (2009).

Aerial images from @bioreconstruct on X (formerly Twitter) continue to document progress on the large-scale construction site as work moves forward:

Aerial overview of construction at Disney Lakeshore Lodge.

Aerial overview of construction at Disney Lakeshore Lodge. pic.twitter.com/vyWtDxbPJy

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 1, 2025

Unfortunately, construction on the new Walt Disney World Resort hotel was temporarily stalled by a fight on Monday.

Violent Altercation on the Job Site

According to a police report obtained by WDW Active Crime, deputies responded on November 17 to an emergency call from the construction area at 4600 Big Pine Road. Workers on site had restrained a man identified as Gerardo inside a golf cart to prevent him from escaping. The injured employee, Yosef, was found unconscious and transported immediately to Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Gerardo told deputies that he and Yosef had argued shortly before the incident. He alleged that Yosef reached for a hammer, which he claimed forced him to intervene and punch Yosef repeatedly. Gerardo displayed a cut on his finger to deputies but declined medical treatment.

However, video footage recorded by another worker contradicted much of Gerardo’s account. Deputies reported that the video showed Gerardo pushing Yosef—who did not fight back—before kicking him in the leg, putting him in a chokehold, and throwing him to the ground.

Deputies said the video continued with Gerardo repeatedly striking Yosef in the head and back, then slamming his head onto the floor. Yosef appeared to defend himself only after getting to his feet and pushing Gerardo away. Gerardo continued to shove Yosef before attempting to flee. Investigators noted that no hammer was visible in the recording, contradicting Gerardo’s initial account.

After comparing the video with Gerardo’s statement, deputies identified him as the primary aggressor and arrested him for felony battery. He was taken to the Orange County Booking & Release Center.

Walt Disney World Resort has reportedly banned Gerardo from all company property following the attack.

It remains unclear whether Yosef has been released from the hospital.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve witnessed at Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort? Share your story with Disney Tips in the comments!