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Autistic Man Travels Alone to Walt Disney World for Birthday Trip, Receives Help and Trespass Warning
An adult man with autism traveled alone from New Jersey to Walt Disney World in hopes of celebrating his birthday, only to end up stranded without funds, according to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office incident report released this week. The 23 year old man reportedly left his residential group home and used rideshares to reach Orlando, where he initially stayed at Disney’s All Star Resort before moving to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort when availability became an issue.
Related: Disney Extends Grand Floridian Resort Construction Through 2027
His mother, who lives in New Jersey and holds court monitored guardianship, had been sending money to his debit card while he was in Florida and told authorities her son requires daily medication. When he was unable to afford a room, deputies were called to assist, and during the interaction concerns were raised by group home staff that he may have been experiencing a mental health crisis, though he did not meet the legal criteria to be involuntarily committed.
Related: New Tangled Photo Pass Backdrop Debuts at Disney Springs
Disney ultimately provided a complimentary one night stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort but informed him he would be trespassed if he remained on property without a valid reservation. Authorities noted he had no clear plan or financial means to return home, though he eventually made his way back to New Jersey via public transportation.
His mother later shared that he has since left home again and returned to Florida, expressing frustration and fear over her inability to get timely information about his whereabouts as she continues trying to ensure his safety.
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