Father Threatens Son with Pocketknife at Disney World Hotel During Luggage Dispute

Man Arrested at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge After Domestic Altercation Involving Family Members

A domestic dispute at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge led to the arrest of an Alabama man last month, according to a criminal complaint filed with the Orange County Clerk of Courts. The incident, which occurred in the early morning hours of September 27, 2025, involved 63-year-old Howard Randall Hudgens, his wife Donna Hudgens, and their adult son Jamie Hudgens, according to the arrest affidavit.

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Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Kidani Village section of the resort around 12:56 a.m. after reports of a physical altercation. When officers arrived, they found Howard Hudgens outside near a black SUV with visible injuries, including facial bruising and a laceration to his left cheek and ear. Deputies noted that he had a metal bat tucked into his pocket, which was secured for officer safety.

According to the report, the confrontation began when Howard became frustrated that his family did not assist him in loading luggage into their vehicle. The disagreement escalated after Howard told his wife and son they could “catch a bus home” if they didn’t want to leave. Donna Hudgens stepped between her husband and son in an attempt to defuse the situation, but the verbal dispute turned physical.

Jamie Hudgens told deputies that his father pushed his mother, prompting him to intervene. He said Howard then punched him in the face, leading Jamie to strike back several times in self-defense. Both Donna and Jamie stated that Howard then pulled out a pocketknife and threatened to kill Jamie.

Deputies recovered the knife at the scene and photographed the injuries sustained by both men. Medics treated Howard for his wounds, but he refused hospital transport. Based on witness statements and physical evidence, authorities determined Howard was the primary aggressor.

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He was arrested and charged with Battery (Domestic Violence) and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Hudgens was transported to the Orange County Jail and later released on bond—$10,000 for the aggravated assault charge and $2,500 for the domestic battery charge.

On October 6, 2025, court records show Hudgens, represented by the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, entered a written plea of not guilty and waived formal arraignment. The case remains active under case number 48-2025-CF-012659-A-O in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Orange County, Florida.

Both Donna and Jamie Hudgens indicated to investigators that they intend to testify in the case.

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