For those who might not be aware, an Alabama man named Jake Thompson, age 42, was recently arrested for trespassing on Discovery Island at Disney World. Now, I know the term is thrown around a lot, but in this case, I’d say Jake is a bit of a hero. While the rest of us were stuck at home, he found his escape on an abandoned island within Disney World. Honestly, I wish I had thought of that. My spouse and I invested a good chunk of our teenager’s college fund in a Disney vacation before everything turned upside down due to the pandemic, and now we’re left wondering if it’ll ever happen.
According to reports, Jake claimed he had entered the island to camp, intending to stay for about a week. If you’ve ever looked up the cost of a week at Disney, you know it’s like paying a mortgage! So, it’s clear he found a budget-friendly way to enjoy the magic of the park.
Sure, Jake’s confusion over the day he set out might seem a little odd. But after weeks of quarantine, I totally get it. Right now, I’m writing this from my kid’s closet because it’s the only quiet spot available, and I can’t remember the last time I knew what day it was. It’s like my life has turned into one of those moments when you’re asked for your children’s birth dates.
What Was Jake’s Experience Like?
What was Jake’s experience like on that island? He described it as a “tropical paradise,” which is pretty dreamy. Opened in 1974, the island once served as a zoo with over 130 animal species but has been deserted since 1999. Various adventurers have sneaked in over the years to explore the eerie, overgrown structures, and I can see why—after watching some videos of the place, it looks a lot more appealing than my current setting.
Given the ongoing pandemic, where social distancing is a must, why not seek solitude on a deserted island? This guy really went for it! He had the chance to roam a private part of Disney World without anyone around. Not a doctor, but it seems like his risk of catching COVID-19 was significantly lower.
Disney’s Reaction
Of course, Disney wasn’t thrilled with Jake’s unauthorized visit, and there were “no trespassing” signs everywhere. But honestly, in this strange time, the desire to sneak away to an abandoned island feels pretty relatable. I can’t help but liken this whole incident to something out of a Captain Jack Sparrow tale; I half-expect that he was only caught because someone burned the rum. The authorities even had to use boats and helicopters to apprehend him—seriously, talk about overkill! Jake mentioned he didn’t even hear the deputies calling for him because he was sleeping inside one of the buildings. Honestly, I’d likely tune out the noise, too, if I were on a deserted island.
Consequences of the Adventure
So what happened to Jake for his little adventure? He was charged with a misdemeanor for trespassing and banned from all Disney properties. The specifics of the ban are unclear—whether it’s for life or just temporary—but honestly, a misdemeanor isn’t too harsh, especially considering he got a little taste of island life. If he were near the new Galaxy’s Edge, it would’ve been worth it! Plus, I’m sure this creative thinker will find a way back to Disney before we know it.
If you want to catch up on more of Jake’s escapades, he even has a YouTube channel detailing his Disney adventure.
Listen, I’m not one to dive into politics, but “Discovery Island Jake 2020” has a nice ring to it. This kind of innovative thinking is exactly what we could use more of these days. For more engaging content, check out this other post from our blog.
Conclusion
In summary, Jake Thompson’s escapade on Disney’s abandoned island is a reminder of the lengths some will go to escape the mundane. His adventure resonates with many of us feeling cooped up during these challenging times, and while he faced consequences, the spirit of exploration remains alive and well.