Disney sued over bed bug infestation at Orlando hotel

A Disney World guest is suing the park’s operator over claims of a bed bug infestation at one of the company’s hotels, according to reports.​

David Besse has accused Walt Disney Parks and Resorts of negligence, after an incident that allegedly unfolded at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. ​

Besse claims that he was “bitten numerous times by cimicidae (‘bed bugs’)” during his visit on May 15, 2022, according to a lawsuit obtained by The Independent. ​

The hotel guest is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 after allegedly suffering “scarring, bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability,” and “mental anguish” as a result of the park operator’s alleged negligence.

open image in gallery

Besse says that the incident left him with medical expenses, as well as a “loss of earnings, loss of the ability to earn money, financial loss and property damage.”​

The complainant has further accused the hotel’s operator of failing to train maintenance and housekeeping staff to carry out frequent room inspections. He also claims that insecticidal dust was not used in hallways and that an active mattress liner was not used, nor were “mattress encasements” to protect against fluids and stains.

​The lawsuit, which was filed in March in Florida’s Orange County Circuit Court, requests a trial by jury. ​

The Independent has contacted Disney Experiences for comment.

Disney's All-Star Sports Resort is themed around basketball, football, tennis and other iconic sports. Located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, the hotel is more affordably priced than the glamorous All-Star Music and All-Star Movies Resorts.​

As the hotel is in the southern part of Walt Disney World Resort, the site is in Osceola County. Much of the rest of the complex lies in Orange County.

open image in gallery

Bedbugs are wingless insects about the size of an apple seed and are known to hide in the crevices of beds, headboards, bedframes and other furnishings.

​According to the Mayo Clinic, bedbug bites are similar to bites inflicted by other insects. Often, they are arranged in a rough line or cluster and are located on the face, neck, arms and hands. ​

The insects feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans, with some people being allergic to their bites. However, bedbugs are not known to spread diseases. ​

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies