Guests at Disneyland’s New Orleans Square were left stunned on the evening of April 12, 2025, when a naked man reportedly climbed atop one of the decorative structures at Tiana’s Palace restaurant.
The unsettling moment was captured on video and posted to Instagram by user @morenovalleymatters, with the caption, “I don’t know this Disney character,” which served as a tongue-in-cheek attempt to soften the visual impact.
In the video, Disneyland cast members can be seen calmly redirecting guests away from the area while apologizing for the scene unfolding above them. Eyewitnesses in the comment section of the post reported being nearby when the man began climbing, noting that he was screaming and allegedly claiming to be Peter Pan while also making alarming threats of self-harm.
According to one bystander, the man jumped down from the structure at one point and attempted to scale a tree before being surrounded by park security. In the process, a lamp was reportedly broken. A second video shared by Instagram user @amagicaldisneyday also documented part of the incident.
Reddit user u/LAZERPANDA15 shared their experience in a detailed post, revealing that they were visiting Disneyland Park that evening and had made their way over to New Orleans Square, a lively corner of the park known for attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion, as well as eateries such as the recently opened Tiana’s Palace.
According to the user, a group of guests, described by the original poster as “moms," began forming a makeshift barrier around a section of the area, loudly insisting that no children be allowed near. The situation reportedly escalated quickly, with the patio at nearby River Belle Terrace also being evacuated by cast members.
The social media user shared that it soon became clear a man had removed all of his clothing and was walking around the area completely naked. Disney security quickly formed a barrier as they worked to gain control of the situation.
The disturbing display mirrors a similar event from 2023, when another guest exited his boat during the it’s a small world ride, stripped to his underwear, interacted inappropriately with ride elements, and waded through the water before being arrested by Anaheim police.
No official statements or updates have been released at this time regarding the man’s identity or condition. As of now, it remains unclear whether the individual from the Tiana’s Palace incident has been charged or if any lasting damage was done to the area.
While the incident left many unsettled, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of public spaces, even at the Happiest Place on Earth.