Recent reports from Walt Disney World Resort guests have raised concerns about a growing issue—drunk drivers operating motorized scooters, also known as ECVs (Electric Convenience Vehicles), especially in the EPCOT area. This troubling trend has caused safety concerns, particularly after the park’s nighttime fireworks displays, when crowds reach their peak.
Drunk Driving: A Growing Problem
One guest’s experience, shared in a recent social media post, vividly illustrated the risks. “Yep, I got hit by a younger woman drunk driving an ECV at EPCOT,” the guest wrote. According to the report, the incident occurred shortly after the fireworks show when the park was packed with people.
The guest noted that the only reason they didn’t suffer serious injury was because the drunk driver had to slow down due to the dense crowd. After the collision, the woman allegedly sped off, ignoring pleas from her friends to stop. Eventually, she lost control of the scooter and flipped it.
The incident highlights a serious issue that could put both the rider and innocent bystanders at risk. One guest mentioned that they now avoid EPCOT on Friday nights due to the increasing frequency of such incidents.
“There is a reason sheriff deputies patrol EPCOT on Friday nights,” the post stated, suggesting that law enforcement presence is becoming more necessary to address the growing number of alcohol-related incidents at the park. The full report states:
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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While Walt Disney World Resort is known for its commitment to guest safety, including providing accessible options like ECV rentals, the increasing reports of reckless behavior are concerning. Some guests have shared their unease about the lack of sufficient oversight on the operation of these scooters, particularly when alcohol is involved.
Walt Disney World Resort has strict rules in place for the safety and behavior of ECV users, but it seems enforcement might need to be revisited, especially during high-traffic times. Motorized scooters, while essential for many guests with mobility challenges, can also be dangerous when operated irresponsibly.
What Happens Next?
Disney has yet to comment publicly on the issue, but it’s clear that this is an area of concern for both guests and park authorities. The EPCOT area, particularly on weekends, is one of the most popular spots for park-goers to unwind after a long day of attractions, and the intersection of heavy crowds and alcohol consumption creates a dangerous mix.
As guests continue to raise concerns about this growing issue, it remains to be seen what steps Disney will take to enhance safety and prevent further incidents involving drunk drivers of motorized scooters. The conversation is ongoing, and many hope that more proactive measures will be introduced to ensure everyone’s safety within the park.
Leave alcoholic beverages out of all parks
Yes
That’s what Walt ruled. Sadly, his visions are slowly being erased.
Yes! Too much availability everywhere in all the parks. Disney exes will do nothing seeing as they make enormous profits from sales. Control the alcohol that controls the guests!
Totally agree!!
But if they insist on alcohol & renting the vehicles, then the driver, I believe, should sign a form that states they agree to pay a heavy fine (a large sum), if operating while under the influence. Just like an automobile. DWI or DUI, get caught, accident, get a heavy fine.
They need to prove they have a disability to rent a EVC .Epcot also will not stop selling alcohol due to it being the biggest seller .Thats where the money is .
It’s not so much about the safety of ECV’s, but about the level of intoxication that’s occurring. Epcot should not have “drinking around the world”, it has also created problems with aggressiveness and physical attacks. There are many people that can drink responsibly and enjoy themselves, however, there is a growing population that only drink to get drunk. I might also add, some of these people also get in their cars and drive, becoming a danger to the public outside of the park. It doesn’t just happen on Fridays.
A woman drove over my right foot with the scooter. She did not know how to drive it and she did not look disabled to me. She was moving to fast to be in the M.K. Wonder how many others had a very sore foot for hours.
My concern is the number of people who rent the ECVs for convenience, not need. I know that some conditions are not visible but I wonder at all the people using them to cruise the parks because of laziness.
I totally agree! I’ve said for years that they should have to provide evidence that they need the ECV before being allowed to rent one.
Absolutely , if they had to show proof of the need to rent the scooters the numbers would go way down . Maybe the time has come to show proof. But again Disney would never require it . Money making business. Parking in a handicap place requires a pass from he state. Why not this?
Another reply not posted this is getting old
IF YOU Don’t DRINK OR DON’T like being around alcohol then there is one way to solve your problem
STAY HOME AND LET THE ADULTS THAT ENJOY THE FOOD & WINE OR CASUAL DRINKING GO AND ENJOY IT WITH LESS PROBLEMS
EVCS SHOULD ONLY BE RENTED BY QUALIFIED PEOPLE AND NOT YOUNG IRRESPONSIBLE ADULTS RIDE THEM FOR FUN OR THEY ARE TOO FAT OR LAZY
Maybe they should stop selling alcohol. It’s supposed to be a park for families and it should be smoke and alcohol free.
And what about all of the people who are walking in one direction and will suddenly turn around and walk right back in front of the ECV? Or the ones who suddenly stop short right in the middle of the throngs of people walking/scootering along?
What will Disney do about these people whether drunk or not who don’t seem to know how to walk among civilized people?
Oh please. Those scooters that they rent are pretty much impossible to tip over. Having driven a scooter completely sober, I can tell you that people are just rude. You go too slow they bypass you, get in front of you and then just stop. Tough to keep a safe distance. Then you have parents that don’t watch their kids. My favorite was when coming out of the Land, I let everyone cross to go where they wanted. Then a kid decides to leave Daddy and crosses right in front of me. Try leaving EPCOT before fireworks. Disney puts down tape to define lanes. Nah, those lanes mean nothing to people.
Hi ! Why not apply a regulation that mentions that you can’t drink and drive. Like when you drive a car. If Security sees that you are drunk on your scooter, then whether they gave you a ticket and bring you outside the Park or you just bring them out of the Park. Thats it.
. Make it a condition of being able to use an EV in the parks that they submit to a breathalyzer upon request of staff or law enforcement.. that way if anyone gets hurt, it is not Disney’s problem. It is now the individual who drank too much having to answer for their behavior
So was she charged with DWI? Not to make light of it, but seriously, don’t serve someone on a motorized vehicle.