LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A late-night robbery has been reported at Paddlefish, one of Disney Springs’ most recognizable restaurants. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a suspect entered the popular dining location shortly after midnight on Monday, Sept. 15, and demanded employees get down on their knees while he stole cash from the manager’s office.
What Happened
According to the incident report, the man was dressed head-to-toe in black, wearing goggles and wetsuit-like clothing. He ordered the employees inside to stay down and keep their eyes closed before leaving just a couple of minutes later with money in hand. Deputies say he never showed a weapon or implied he had one.
Employees called 911 immediately after the suspect left, and deputies are now investigating. A surveillance photo released by OCSO shows the suspect pointing an unidentified object toward the camera, though it’s not clear what it was.
What We Know So Far
The sheriff’s office report confirms that cash was stolen, though the exact amount hasn’t been released. The charges listed in the report (robbery and grand theft) suggest the total could have been between $10,000 and $20,000. Several details of the narrative were redacted before release.
One employee told investigators he was in the process of placing cash into the safe when the suspect walked in.
Levy Restaurants, which operates Paddlefish, declined to comment and deferred to the sheriff’s office.
Why It Stands Out
Disney Springs is known as a family-friendly shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Incidents like this are rare, which is partly why this story has drawn attention. Paddlefish in particular is a high-profile location, with its riverboat-style design and prime location on the water.
What’s Next
The investigation is still ongoing, and deputies are asking anyone with information to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. For now, Paddlefish remains open for business, and guests should not expect any operational changes during the investigation.
