The most magical place on earth wasn’t so magical for some on July 21, 2025. A tourist at Disney’s Magic Kingdom allegedly physically assaulted a minor guest to get a better view of the parade. The altercation reportedly took place on Monday evening in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Police say 51-year-old Martha Zapata-Echeverri grabbed a 17-year-old girl, causing injuries. They arrested Zapata-Echeverri, who now faces a child abuse charge.
The altercation allegedly took place just before 10 p.m., according to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit obtained by People. Per the report, the 17-year-old told deputies she “was standing on the sidewalk of Main Street in front of the castle preparing to watch the parade.” Zapata-Echeverri allegedly grabbed the unidentified teen while trying to secure a space to watch the parade.
Zapata-Echeverri allegedly used enough force that it caused an abrasion and bruising on the victim’s arm. Deputies noted that the suspect, who resides in Spain, told them she was following behind her daughter. She reportedly claimed the teen pushed her and said it was “her spot,” People reported.
Deputies noted the victim had nail marks on her arm, but Zapata-Echeverri could not give a clear explanation as to how they got there.
“Martha knowingly and willfully touched [the teen]. Martha committed the intentional act of grabbing or pushing which was reasonable to cause some type of injury,” the arrest report states.
Deputies arrested Zapata-Echeverri, who appeared in court on July 22. According to WESH, her lawyer said she arrived in Florida on a tourist visa July 2. She was set to return to Spain on July 23. A judge reduced her bail to $2,500 and barred her from returning to any Disney property.
It’s unclear whether she returned to her home or if she is still in the United States.
