A late-night crash at Walt Disney World Resort left behind more than $100,000 in property damage and resulted in a driver’s arrest for driving under the influence. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 9, in the parking lot of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
According to a police report released on Monday, an officer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios witnessed a “single vehicle crash” while conducting a property check near the Jessie Parking Lot and Studio Drive. The vehicle, a white BMW M8 worth up to $138,000, had crashed through a curbed barrier and collided with a tree before becoming disabled. The officer approached the damaged car and used a pocket knife to cut through the driver’s side airbag, rescuing the driver, later identified as Michael James Curtis.
Curtis told the officer he had “a few drinks” earlier at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn but refused to answer additional questions without a lawyer present. The officer noted that Curtis “had glassy and watery eyes” and that his breath smelled strongly of alcohol.
The first report of the incident surfaced Sunday, when X (formerly known as Twitter) user @WDWActiveCrime mentioned a “Drunk Driver” as part of a list of “low-priority” calls. The account, which tracks emergency responses at Walt Disney World Resort, initially did not view the report as urgent enough for a separate post.
Here are calls not posted in Real-Time because of low priority or outside WDW property (e.g., Flamingo Crossings / College Program Housing).
November 09, 2025 – 8 calls filtered.
#WaltDisneyWorld #Disney
Here are calls not posted in Real-Time because of low priority or outside WDW property (e.g., Flamingo Crossings / College Program Housing).
November 09, 2025 – 8 calls filtered.#WaltDisneyWorld #Disney pic.twitter.com/sIMDi0RJvX— Walt Disney World: Active Calls (@WDWActiveCrime) November 10, 2025
Later, @WDWActiveCrime shared a screenshot of the police report confirming the DUI crash near the Hollywood Studios parking area.
🔃Update Arrest Hollywood Studios (11/9)
🎬 “Not the kind of stunt show Disney planned.” A $100K car totaled in the Hollywood Studios lot ➡️ DUI & Careless Driving charges followed.
🔃Update Arrest Hollywood Studios (11/9)
🎬 “Not the kind of stunt show Disney planned.” A $100K car totaled in the Hollywood Studios lot ➡️ DUI & Careless Driving charges followed. https://t.co/SOna2sIsGa pic.twitter.com/hwsrCQ9ZKV— Walt Disney World: Active Calls (@WDWActiveCrime) November 10, 2025
Curtis was not injured in the crash but was arrested at the scene for driving under the influence. He was later transported to the hospital, where authorities attempted to administer a blood test. The police report states that Curtis allegedly tried to delay the blood draw process. Inside his car, officers found a bar receipt from earlier that evening, which further supported the drunk driving allegations.
At this time, no additional damage to Walt Disney World Resort property beyond the curbed barrier has been confirmed. Charges are expected to be filed against Curtis, though they have not yet been publicly released.
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