Family Kicked Out of Universal Over Alleged Shoplifting

A Florida mother says her family was removed from Universal’s Epic Universe theme park following a misunderstanding involving her autistic daughter and a $16 keychain.

According to the mother, she was accused of shoplifting and temporarily banned from Universal property after an incident that occurred in late December. She stepped outside a crowded gift shop with her then 6-year-old daughter to prevent a sensory overload and possible meltdown. At the time, the child, who the mother described as severely autistic, was holding a keychain that had not yet been purchased but was intended to be.

The child’s father, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, remained inside the store to pay for the item and removed its tags. The mother explained that her daughter had become fixated on the keychain, repeating “My Mario, my Mario, my Mario,” which she claims is common behavior for her child. She also feared that remaining in the crowded store could quickly escalate into a severe meltdown.

Just outside the store, the mother said a plainclothes security guard approached her, accused her of shoplifting, and told her to leave with him. She said she attempted to explain the situation, and her husband joined them after completing the purchase, but the guard refused to listen. The mother said the guard confiscated the keychain and held it in front of the child, triggering significant distress. Although the father purchased replacement keychains and showed the receipt, the situation did not de-escalate.

The mother said she was taken to another location within the park for questioning, where she was informed she had been trespassed from Universal and all affiliated properties. She was told law enforcement would escort her family out and that she would receive a civil fine in the mail. Sheriff’s deputies eventually arrived but allowed the family to leave on their own.

She also said the park confiscated the rented wheelchair and disability stroller, forcing the parents to carry their child and belongings while exiting the property. The family was staying at a Universal hotel and had used resort transportation, leaving them uncertain about how to return to their accommodations.

The family left the next morning, which was their daughter’s birthday. Days later, they received a letter from the park’s attorneys demanding $200 for a civil theft claim. The family responded by requesting an apology, removal of the trespass order, and a donation to an autism-related charity. They did not seek personal compensation.

The family’s attorney noted that intent is a required element of theft under Florida law and argued there was no intent to deprive the park of its property. He also stated that the family was simply waiting for the item to be paid for.

The family said their goal is to see improved training for employees on interacting with disabled guests and their families.

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In this case, it appears that Universal overreacted and made a mountain out of a mole hill. There was clearly no intent to steal anything.

Still, shoplifting, or petit theft, can result in serious criminal charges. A Fort Myers petit theft attorney from Hollander & Hanuka can protect your legal rights. Schedule a consultation today by calling (239) 332-3300 or filling out the online form.

Source:

usatoday.com/story/travel/2026/01/14/universal-bans-mom-autistic-child-mixup/88176055007/