‘Dry-ice bombs’ and other misconduct at Disney

With a reputation for squeaky-clean, family entertainment, Disneyland and neighboring Disney California Adventure have zero tolerance for misbehavior among workers.

So when a theme park worker is accused of misconduct, the story usually makes headlines.

The latest example came Wednesday when Christian Barnes, 22, an “outdoor vendor,” was arrested in connection with a “dry-ice bomb” in the park.

“We take matters like this very seriously and are working closely with local authorities,” Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown said of the latest incident.

Combined, the two parks employ about 25,000 workers, making them the biggest employers in Orange County.

In 2009, Disneyland fired nine employees, including seven horticulture workers, for drinking beer and tequila while commuting home in a Disney-sponsored van pool. Several of the fired workers sued Disney, claiming wrongful termination. But a U.S. district judge dismissed the suit in 2011.

In 2001, an employee was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of methamphetamines while working at the Space Mountain roller coaster.

The arrest was made after guests complained that the worker was talking fast, grinding her teeth and appeared to be under the influence of drugs, according to Anaheim police and Disneyland security reports.

In 1997, several workers on Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise were fired for telling unauthorized jokes, such as referring to a fake elephant on the cruise as the conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh.

Disneyland declined to comment about the dismissals but said: “We entertain our guests with quality family entertainment and put on performances every day.”

ALSO:

Disney Parks chairman shows off Disney MagicBand

Under 14? Disney parks will now require supervision to enter

Disneyland parks open 24 hours: Happiest All-Nighter on Earth?