In a shocking and cinematic turn of events, a burglar outfitted in scuba gear targeted one of Disney Springs’ most iconic restaurants — and got away. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that an after-hours robbery took place at Paddlefish, the steamboat-style restaurant moored along the waterfront of Walt Disney World’s bustling entertainment district. But it wasn’t the theft alone that raised eyebrows — it was the method of escape.
According to officials and new details emerging from a report released this week, the suspect arrived by water, executed a well-timed break-in, and vanished back into the lake under cover of darkness, leaving authorities and witnesses stunned.
The Heist
The incident occurred just after midnight on Monday, September 15. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, an unidentified man gained access to Paddlefish long after it had closed to guests. At the time, two employees were inside, finishing the nightly task of counting cash receipts from the day — a routine part of closing procedures for most restaurants, but one that would be violently disrupted.
Authorities report that the man, described as slim and around 5’10” tall, entered wearing dark, tight-fitting clothing and a blue beanie. At some point prior, he is believed to have swum to the location in scuba gear, storing the equipment nearby before making his move.
Inside the manager’s office, the suspect reportedly forced the two employees to face the corner of the room and close their eyes. He tied them up but did not display any weapons. Despite the lack of overt violence, the act was precise and intimidating.
The robber made off with a significant sum — between $10,000 and $20,000 in cash, according to witness estimates. Surveillance footage appears to show the suspect also spray-painting a security camera during the incident, likely in an attempt to obscure his identity.
Employees, once freed, immediately contacted authorities. Fortunately, neither individual was injured in the incident.
An Escape by Water
Once the theft was complete, the man reportedly suited back up in his scuba gear and slipped into the water. An immediate search of the surrounding lake and dock areas yielded no sign of him. To date, no suspects have been publicly identified.
It’s unclear whether the suspect had help. Investigators have not disclosed whether they believe a vehicle was waiting nearby or if the perpetrator swam to a predetermined location beyond Disney Springs’ perimeter. What is clear is that the individual had an intimate understanding of the area, the timing, and the physical layout of the restaurant.
The Sheriff’s Office released a still image taken from a surveillance camera showing a man apparently tampering with a camera — one of the few public glimpses at the mysterious figure behind the crime.
A Restaurant With Deep Roots
Paddlefish has long been a staple of Disney Springs — a floating, stationary steamboat that houses one of the area’s most prominent seafood restaurants. Once known as the Empress Lilly in honor of Walt Disney’s wife, the vessel has a history dating back to 1977. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, from Fulton’s Crab House to the modern-day Paddlefish, now operated by Levy Restaurants.
Despite the theft, the restaurant opened for business as scheduled the following day. For guests arriving for lunch on Monday, it was business as usual. No immediate signage or indicators revealed that anything out of the ordinary had occurred overnight.
The speed of the reopening — while standard in cases without physical damage or injury — further emphasizes Disney’s commitment to maintaining a seamless guest experience, even in the face of unusual incidents.
Disney Springs: A Rare Breach of Security
Disney Springs, known for its vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, sees thousands of visitors daily. Security is tight — typically a blend of uniformed Disney security personnel, surveillance infrastructure, and support from local law enforcement. While minor incidents occasionally make headlines, a full-fledged after-hours robbery involving scuba gear is unprecedented.
It raises questions not only about the security at Paddlefish but also about the potential vulnerabilities of other waterfront properties in the area.
Could someone really swim up to a Disney Springs location unnoticed? Did this person know the patrol patterns? And if so, how?
What We Still Don’t Know
While much of the general timeline has been revealed, several important questions remain unanswered:
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How did the suspect know the employees would be in that room with cash at that time?
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Was there an accomplice?
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How did the scuba gear go unnoticed during approach and departure?
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Did any surveillance outside of Paddlefish capture more of the incident?
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Is this connected to any prior incidents, or was this a one-time act?
Investigators are reviewing footage and conducting interviews but have not yet released new updates on leads. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Back to Business — But Not Back to Normal
As of now, Paddlefish remains fully operational, serving guests lunch and dinner with no interruption. But for those who work there — and for many who frequent Disney Springs — the events of September 15 are a stark reminder that even in a place designed to feel safe and magical, real-world crimes can and do happen.
Disney has not issued a public statement about the incident, and it is unclear whether additional security measures have been put in place in response.
What’s certain is this: someone pulled off one of the most bizarre heists in recent Disney history — and, at least for now, got away clean.
What about alligators?? I would be afraid to get in the water! 😳