Walt Disney World Resort is synonymous with magic, joy, and unforgettable memories. From thrilling rides to festive dining and meet-and-greets with beloved characters, a Disney vacation promises enchantment at every corner. But what happens when that magic is shattered by a terrifying incident?
That’s exactly what happened to one family during their Thanksgiving stay at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, where an innocent golf cart ride turned into a horrifying hit-and-run.
Fort Wilderness is known for its beautiful, unique campgrounds, especially around the holidays when guests decorate their campsites with elaborate displays.
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According to a Facebook post from Zin Santos, the evening started like any other—driving around the resort in a golf cart, enjoying the holiday spirit. But things took a shocking turn when a dark-colored vehicle, reportedly a Hyundai Genesis or possibly an Aston Martin, deliberately struck Santos’ golf cart while he and his family were on the road.
Santos described the incident as anything but an accident. He claims the driver turned off their headlights, turned on high beams, and intentionally accelerated, crashing into the family’s golf cart. The impact was severe, throwing family members from the cart and leaving them with serious injuries. One family member suffered a fractured leg and is scheduled for surgery, while another is in the ICU with a brain bleed. Santos himself was pinned under the golf cart.
“We were pinned under the golf cart,” Santos wrote in his post. “One family member is scheduled for surgery to repair a fractured leg, while another is in the ICU under observation for a brain bleed. My spouse and I are also severely beaten up from the incident.”
After the crash, the driver of the car fled the scene, leaving the family devastated and in pain. Santos is now calling for help in identifying the vehicle and the driver responsible, asking anyone with information to contact authorities.
In his Facebook post, Santos expressed his gratitude to those who stopped to help during the traumatic moment, including a kind stranger who gave him a blanket while he waited for medical assistance. “Your compassion brought comfort during such a traumatic moment,” he wrote.
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The incident occurred around midnight on November 28, near the 4-way stop sign close to the entrance to the loops. Santos described the vehicle involved as a dark-colored car, possibly a Hyundai Genesis or an Aston Martin, with visible damage. The family is still awaiting updates on one family member’s condition and is holding onto hope for a full recovery.
Golf Cart Accidents at Disney: A Growing Concern
Though this tragic event is rare, it’s a grim reminder of the dangers that can exist even in the happiest place on Earth. Golf carts are a common sight at Fort Wilderness, where they’re used by guests to travel between campsites and throughout the resort. During the holidays, many guests take their carts out to view the festive decorations, but as the traffic increases, so does the risk of accidents.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time a golf cart accident has raised concerns at Disney World. In the past, Disney has faced legal issues and public scrutiny related to golf cart collisions, some of which have resulted in serious injuries. Most of these incidents are accidental, but as this case demonstrates, there are exceptions. Reckless behavior, such as the hit-and-run at Fort Wilderness, is a reminder that danger can strike when least expected.
The family’s traumatic experience serves as a stark reminder that while Disney World is known for its magical atmosphere, it’s still important to exercise caution. As we’ve seen from this case, golf carts—while typically harmless—can cause serious injury when mishandled or when involved in an intentional act like this one.
The Community’s Role in Seeking Justice
As the family seeks justice and healing, they’re asking for help. If you have any information about the dark-colored vehicle involved in the hit-and-run, or if you witnessed anything that could help the investigation, please contact Disney security or the local police. Your assistance could help bring the person responsible to justice.
At the end of the day, a Disney vacation is meant to be filled with magic. It’s a place where families come to celebrate together, create lasting memories, and experience the wonder that Disney is known for. Unfortunately, incidents like these remind us that safety must always be a priority, no matter how magical the surroundings.
As we send our best wishes to the Santos family for a speedy recovery, we hope this incident will serve as a reminder to all guests at Disney World to be vigilant and aware—because in the midst of all the magic, there are still moments that can take us by surprise.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Disney or the local Orlando authorities. Let’s all help make sure that Disney World remains the safe and magical place it was always meant to be.
My best wishes for the victims of this horrific incident. I hope the driver is identified and brought to justice
If true, it’s horrible. No where in here did it say anything about Disney security, Orange County police, or CM. There really is one way in and out. No one saw anything. Maybe the writer had too much to drink and drove himself off road. The pieces don’t all fit together about this incident
I’ve stayed at this resort multiple times. Is there not cameras as your coming onto the property at the security gates or at the exit gates??
I would be surprised if Disney didn’t have camera footage considering the measures of security in place.
Disney has cameras EVERYWHERE. They should be able to ID the car license plate.