Walt Disney World Resort, long known for its family-friendly environment and commitment to safety, is facing a growing concern regarding drunk drivers operating motorized scooters, or ECVs, in the EPCOT area. Several guests have recently shared disturbing experiences about being hit or nearly injured by individuals operating these scooters under the influence of alcohol, particularly following the park’s popular nighttime fireworks shows.
EVC Drivers Drinking: A Legal Issue
One guest shared their unsettling encounter in a social media post, recounting a frightening incident at EPCOT. The post described being struck by a “younger woman” who was reportedly drunk while driving an ECV. The collision occurred during the crowded aftermath of the fireworks show, and the guest was fortunate that the woman’s scooter had to slow down due to the dense crowd. Despite the impact, the woman continued on her way, reportedly ignoring the pleas of her friends to stop, and eventually lost control, flipping her scooter.
The guest, who spoke out about the experience, now avoids EPCOT on Friday nights, noting that the presence of sheriff deputies on those evenings is a clear indication of the problem. The full report shares:
“Yep I got hit by a younger woman drunk driving an ECV at Epcot. The only reason I didn’t get seriously hurt was because it was after fireworks and so crowded she had to slow down. After she hit me the crowd opened up and she punched it while all the rest of her friends screamed at her to stop. She kept going, lost control and flipped her scooter. One of the big reasons I avoid Epcot on Friday nights. There is a reason sheriff deputies patrol Epcot on Friday nights.”
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The issue has raised questions about the safety measures in place to regulate the use of ECVs in high-traffic areas of the park. While Disney provides these scooters to assist guests with mobility challenges, there have been growing concerns about riders using them irresponsibly, especially after consuming alcohol. EPCOT, with its vibrant night-time atmosphere, has become a particular hotspot for incidents involving intoxicated ECV operators.
Guest Concerns Stack
Disney World guests have expressed concern that the park may not be doing enough to address this safety risk. ECVs, while vital for many park-goers, can pose a significant hazard when driven recklessly, especially in a crowded environment. The addition of alcohol, which is widely available at EPCOT, further complicates the situation. With no specific mention of alcohol-related restrictions on ECVs, some feel there should be greater accountability and enforcement of rules for riders, particularly during late hours and after major events like fireworks.
Authorities, including local sheriff deputies, have reportedly been patrolling EPCOT on Friday nights, a clear indication that the problem is becoming more serious. It seems that these efforts may be necessary to mitigate the risk posed by intoxicated scooter operators, ensuring the safety of all park visitors. While Disney has not issued an official statement on the issue, it is likely that the resort will need to evaluate its policies surrounding ECV use, particularly in high-traffic and high-alcohol areas.
As this issue continues to generate concern, many visitors hope that Disney will take further action to prevent accidents and ensure that all guests can enjoy their time at EPCOT without fear of reckless behavior. For now, the conversation continues as more guests voice their concerns about safety and accountability at one of Disney World’s most beloved parks.
If she flipped the scooter, why wasn’t she identified and caught by security? If she can’t be arrested, she could at least be banned from the parks for an indefinite period of time.
I don’t believe alcohol should be sold inside the parks! For years it was not sold and you never heard about the fights or other misbehaved people. Disney can be enjoyed sober and if you can’t enjoy it without drinking you don’t need to be there!
This happened to me just a couple weeks ago!! Only I’m not sure the lady was drunk? She was Asian… And maybe just a terrible driver? 🤣 But I was sitting on a curb and she lost control of her scooter and drove it right over the curb where I was sitting and I would have likely been seriously injured had I not seen her and jumped up and out of her way!
Now just add all of that to Magic Kingdom with upcoming the bar opening at the Pirates of the Caribbean. I like my drinks but I can certainly wait until I’m in a more suitable environment. Disney had to get this issue under control fast. It’s also apparent on Saturday nights. We don’t go there on weekend nights because of it. We actually saw a woman get hit hard from behind by a drunk girl on a scooter. She went down hard. The girl backed up and said she was sorry and due to the intoxication she got back on the scooter to back up and rammed the woman again snapping her ankle.
Stop the liquor at the parks. Not necessary…….
Not sure Police are there only on Friday nights and don’t think it is just because people are drunk who drive ECV’s. Would be much more likely they are there on crowded nights to make sure things stay under control and watch for any trouble caused by those who have drank too much and might cause trouble due to that.
They should have NEVER allowed alcohol at Disney or any other theme parks cause drunks ruin everything for everybody else.