A 51-year-old tourist from Spain was arrested at Disney World's Magic Kingdom after allegedly assaulting a teenager during a parade viewing dispute that left visible injuries on the minor's arm.

According to People, Martha Lucia Zapata-Echeverri was charged with child abuse following the incident at the Orlando theme park.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office responded to the altercation around 9:40 p.m. on Monday, July 21, after receiving reports of a physical confrontation on Main Street. Deputies found nail marks and bruising on the 17-year-old victim's arm, which occurred during a dispute over parade viewing spots.

Verbal Exchange Leads to Physical Altercation

The teenage victim, whose identity remains protected, was standing on the sidewalk in front of Cinderella Castle when the incident began. The situation escalated after Zapata-Echeverri allegedly placed her hand on the teen to create space for herself.

The minor, recognizing Zapata-Echeverri was Spanish-speaking, asked her in Spanish not to make physical contact. This exchange apparently did little to defuse the situation between the two parties.

The confrontation intensified when Zapata-Echeverri allegedly grabbed the teenager's arm and forcefully pulled her aside. The act resulted in visible injuries to the minor's right arm, including bruising and abrasions.

Conflicting Accounts Emerge from Investigation

Zapata-Echeverri, who was born in Colombia but resides in Spain, provided investigators with a different version of events. She claimed she was merely following her daughter through the crowd to secure a better viewing position.

The tourist insisted the teenager had invaded "her spot" and initiated the physical contact. However, deputies noted that Zapata-Echeverri's explanation for the teen's injuries was unclear and inconsistent.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the 17-year-old was the only person who sustained injuries during the altercation. The investigation was hampered by a lack of surveillance footage and independent witnesses to corroborate either account.

Legal Consequences and Travel Impact

Zapata-Echeverri appeared in court on Tuesday, July 22, where her bond was set at $2,500. The judge issued strict conditions as part of her release terms.

The tourist, who had arrived in Central Florida on July 2, was explicitly banned from returning to any Disney property. This restriction could significantly impact her future travel plans to the popular destination.

Her legal representation informed the court that Zapata-Echeverri was scheduled to return to Spain on Wednesday, July 23. The timing of her departure adds complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings.

Why This Story Matters

This story highlights how quickly an everyday, seemingly minor encounter can turn into a criminal matter — especially when children are involved. It also raises public awareness about personal safety in busy tourist spaces. Community members and visitors alike must remember that shared spaces require mutual respect and consideration.

Conclusion

A 51-year-old tourist was arrested for child abuse on July 21 at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom following an altercation over space at a parade. Authorities say she physically grabbed a 17-year-old girl, leaving bruises and nail marks on the teen's arm. The suspect, Martha Lucia Zapata-Echeverri, claimed it was the teen who initiated contact, but deputies determined otherwise and formally charged her.

She appeared in court the next day, was released on a $2,500 bond, ordered not to return to Disney property, and reportedly flew back to Spain on July 23. While no surveillance or additional witnesses confirmed the incident, law enforcement cited physical evidence and the teen’s testimony as sufficient cause for legal action.