Shocking Incident at Disney: Child’s Nearly Crushed by Vehicle After Parents Turn Away
A recent report from a Walt Disney World Resort visitor has shed light on an unsettling experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, highlighting a troubling encounter involving a mobility device and an ableist confrontation. The guest’s mother, who uses an electric convenience vehicle (ECV) due to back issues, faced an aggressive interaction with another guest in the park.
The Incident: An Aggressive Encounter with No Empathy
The visitor recounted:
“I was just at Hollywood yesterday, my mom uses ECV because of back problems and a child ran in front of her, she instantly stopped just in time so no one got hurt and the child was a foot away anyway.”
While the situation was avoided without injury, the guest’s mother was then confronted by the child’s grandmother, who reacted aggressively. The visitor recalled: “The grandmother? went up to my mom, yelled in her face ‘how about you get off your ass and walk like normal people’ being completely ableist and that sh*t made me so furious.”
This moment of ableism highlighted a recurring issue: the challenge of facing unwarranted judgment and lack of understanding while navigating public spaces with a mobility device.
I was just at Hollywood yesterday, my mom uses ECV cause of back problems and a child ran in front of her, she instantly stopped just in time so no one got hurt and the child was a foot away anyway. The grandmother? went up to my mom, yelled in her face “how about you get off…
— AJ | 🏳️🌈 | Man of Tomorrow Fan #1 2027 (@AjepArts) October 5, 2025
The Broader Issue: Ableism in Theme Parks
This incident points to a broader issue for many guests who rely on mobility devices, even in environments that aim to be accommodating. Walt Disney World Resort provides ECVs and other accessibility measures to assist guests, yet these facilities can still be marred by the insensitive behavior of other visitors. The guest’s report underscores the importance of both accessible infrastructure and the responsibility of all parkgoers to be understanding and empathetic.
The visitor’s post quickly sparked online conversations about ableism in theme parks and public spaces. Many users shared similar experiences, reinforcing the need for patience and respect toward guests with mobility challenges. “What if they hurt themselves, they start eating the colors, ingesting the cap, etc.” the guest further added, calling for better understanding and responsible behavior from the public.
The Need for Awareness and Respect
Disney has yet to comment publicly on the specifics of this incident. However, the situation serves as an important reminder that the responsibility to create an inclusive and supportive environment falls not just on park staff and infrastructure but also on visitors. Mobility devices are legitimate means of navigating the park, and respect for those using them is vital to fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
Though no physical harm came of the incident, the emotional impact felt by the guest and their mother points to an ongoing need for greater awareness and kindness within public spaces. Theme parks like Disney are meant to be places of joy and inclusion, where everyone can feel welcome, no matter their abilities.
Author
I use an electric wheelchair I can’t walk more than a few steps without falling. When I go to the parks I have problems with people not paying attention because they are on the phone making reservations for food or rides. I think it is an accident waiting to happen and I’ve come close several times because people don’t watch what they are doing and that is Disney’s doing making every thing done thru the app!!