Parents say toddler was sexually assaulted by another child on Disney cruise, sue for $20M

A Vermont family who says their 3-year-old daughter was molested by another child while attending the youth club aboard a Disney Cruise last year is suing the cruise line for $20 million, according to the suit filed Friday in the federal court in Orlando.

Attorney Michael Winkleman, of the Miami-Based maritime law firm Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman said Friday that the incident was captured on surveillance video and clearly shows a child — who is believed to be around 10 years old — assaulting the 3 year old.

“This is a parent’s worst nightmare,” Winkleman said. “Any parent would reasonably think it was safe to leave their child in the care of Disney workers, but for an assault like this to occur when Disney crew members are supposed to be taking care of the child is unthinkable.”

The 18-page complaint, filed in the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, names Magical Cruise Company, which operates Disney Cruise Line. The Vermont family is listed as John and Jane Doe.

Disney said in a statement that the “lawsuit is wholly without merit.”

“The plaintiffs’ first allegations were reported to the FBI, and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office investigated them and determined them to be unfounded,” the company said. “The plaintiffs have now come back with a different story, which is equally unfounded, that another young female child acted inappropriately with their child. We will vigorously defend this case in court.”

According to the complaint, the parents enrolled their 3-year-old daughter — identified as R.V. — in the Oceaneer Youth Activities Club (“Youth Club”) at about 5:40 p.m. Jan. 9. The club allows children from age 3 to 12.