In a rather astonishing turn of events, a 42-year-old man from Alabama, whom we’ll call Steve Johnson, found himself in hot water after being apprehended on Disney World’s Discovery Island last Thursday. While some may view his actions as reckless, I can’t help but see Steve as something of a modern-day hero.
With many of us stuck indoors due to ongoing restrictions, Steve sought refuge on an abandoned island within Disney World — an idea I must admit I never considered. My family had invested a significant portion of our savings into a Disney vacation before the pandemic began, and now we’re left wondering if it will ever happen. In hindsight, perhaps I should have taken a page from Steve’s book and devised my own adventure.
According to police reports, Steve explained that he entered the island to camp for about a week. For those familiar with the exorbitant costs of a Disney vacation, his approach was certainly budget-friendly. After all, a week at Disney can rival the price of a down payment on a home.
Now, I understand that his confusion over the day of the week might raise some eyebrows. However, after being cooped up at home for what feels like an eternity, I can completely relate. As I type this from my son’s closet—my only available space—my sense of time has become a blur. It’s as if I’ve forgotten what day it is, making Steve’s disorientation totally understandable.
What did Steve find on the island? He dubbed it a “tropical paradise.” Originally opened in 1974 as a zoo housing over 130 species, including birds, tortoises, and lemurs, the island has been abandoned since 1999. Various explorers have ventured there, documenting their experiences online. Watching their videos, I can confidently say it looks far more appealing than my current closet confinement.
Given the current climate of social distancing, why not choose an isolated island? Steve went all-in on this idea, enjoying a private slice of Disney World while avoiding crowds. While it’s true that there were “no trespassing” signs, the desire to sneak onto such a location feels relatable during these times.
Reflecting on Steve’s escapade brings to mind characters like Captain Jack Sparrow, evoking images of a wild chase requiring law enforcement to deploy boats and helicopters. It’s almost comical. Steve claimed he couldn’t hear authorities calling out to him because he was resting inside one of the buildings. Honestly, I can sympathize; after being cooped up, who wouldn’t want to tune out the world?
What was the consequence of Steve’s adventure? He faced a single misdemeanor charge for trespassing, along with a ban from all Disney properties. While the specifics of the ban are unclear, a misdemeanor hardly seems severe considering the unique experience he had. If he’s clever enough, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back at Disney, enjoying attractions like Space Mountain in no time. Interestingly, Steve has even started a YouTube channel to share his Disney adventure.
In this peculiar moment in time, “Disney World Island Man 2020” has a certain ring to it. It’s a reminder that sometimes, unconventional thinking is exactly what we need.
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In summary, Steve’s trespassing incident on Discovery Island speaks to the relatable human desire for adventure amid confinement. His story showcases the lengths people will go for a slice of freedom and fun, even in the most unexpected places.