Aboard the shimmering waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon, a staple of Walt Disney World transportation has come under the microscope following a dramatic ferryboat accident that’s quietly shaken up behind-the-scenes operations. And yes, the rumors are true: those ferryboat trash cans? They’re gone.
Where Did All the Trash Cans Go?
If you’ve stepped aboard one of the Magic Kingdom ferryboats recently and felt like something was missing, you’re not alone. The large, silver trash cans once stationed at key spots around the boat decks have vanished. No signs. No announcement. No explanation. But now, we may know why.
The quiet removal of trash cans came just days after a serious incident on July 30, when a packed ferry reportedly collided forcefully with a dock following a sudden park closure due to inclement weather. Reports from guests paint a picture far removed from the park’s usual enchantment.
The Night Things Got Rough
Multiple guests describe what felt like a full-speed crash as a ferry carrying parkgoers slammed into the dock without warning. According to firsthand accounts shared with news outlets, passengers were jolted violently, with some falling to the ground and others, including children, left visibly shaken.
Deanna D., a guest on the ferry, told People magazine that it was like being in a scene from a disaster movie: “It was like being on the frickin’ Titanic.”
She and her family were split across decks when the crash happened, only adding to the panic. She described her daughter as “absolutely terrified” and noted that there were no announcements or instructions from cast members during or after the crash. While her injuries weren’t life-threatening, she did sustain a foot injury and rope burn on her hand.
Trash Cans… The Unexpected Villains?
Following the crash, speculation began circulating online that some of the metal trash cans on board had turned into projectiles upon impact. While Disney has yet to confirm these reports, guests present on the ferry suggest that flying debris, including the trash cans, contributed to injuries.
According to Blog Mickey, “The ferryboats would always have at least one trash can near the entry/exit pillar. Now, there are no trash cans anywhere on the boats.”
While Disney has made no formal statement, the timeline suggests the removals were a direct response to the incident. Trash bins once intended for convenience may have become dangerous liabilities during the crash.
Another Guest Speaks Out
Tami Hackett, a grandmother from Houston who was also on board, shared a similar account with Fox 35 Orlando. Her grandchildren were hurt when their stroller flipped over from the impact. Hackett criticized Disney for offering no clear direction in the aftermath: “Not only was there no announcement on what to do when injured, they just had us get off the boat.”
Emergency responders from the local fire departments were on the scene, but neither the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District nor Disney has issued a public update.
What It Means for Guests Moving Forward
This incident marks a rare but serious reminder that even at the Most Magical Place on Earth, operational hiccups can occur. Without trash cans on the boats, guests are now being asked to dispose of waste either before boarding or after disembarking.
Additional internal reviews and procedural updates may also be underway, although the full extent of the changes remains to be seen. In the meantime, ferryboats remain operational, albeit with these subtle but telling differences.
