As Walt Disney World continues to be one of the most popular family destinations in the world, a new safety concern has emerged involving guests who use motorized scooters — specifically, individuals operating them while under the influence of alcohol. Two recent incidents shared by parkgoers have raised red flags about the potential dangers of intoxicated scooter users navigating the crowded walkways of the theme parks.
In a social media post that quickly garnered attention, one guest recounted an upsetting encounter with an elderly woman who was allegedly drunk while driving a motorized scooter. The guest’s mother was struck by the woman, who failed to apologize after the incident. One witness shared:
“Hot take: people on the motorized scooters should not be able to drink and drive them. That’s the take. My mom got hit by an old woman drinking in a motorized scooter and the woman didn’t even apologize. How is that different from drinking and driving?”
This experience has reignited debates about the safety of scooter users in busy areas like Walt Disney World. As one of the most visited entertainment resorts in the world, the park is often bustling with thousands of guests, including many who rely on motorized scooters for mobility. However, some visitors are now questioning whether there should be more specific guidelines to prevent alcohol consumption by those driving motorized scooters, especially given the risks posed by large crowds and narrow pathways.
While Walt Disney World’s policies ensure that guests with disabilities or mobility challenges are provided accommodations, the issue of alcohol consumption remains less clear. Currently, Disney’s policy allows guests to bring and consume alcohol in many areas of the park, including select restaurants and outdoor areas. However, there are concerns about whether this policy should extend to motorized scooter users, particularly those who may not be able to navigate the crowds safely while intoxicated.
In a separate incident shared by a former emergency room nurse, a guest’s experience with an intoxicated individual in a motorized scooter further underscored the safety risks. According to the nurse, a man who was visibly drunk had his scooter impounded by park security. However, when he returned to retrieve it, it had not been properly charged, leaving him unable to use the scooter to navigate the park. The nurse recalled, emphasizing the frustration and confusion caused by the incident:
“I worked as an ER nurse for many years. We once had a man who was very drunk on his motorized scooter and they impounded it! But when he went to get it, they didn’t plug it in. Tough times out there.”
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These reports have brought attention to the potential dangers posed by intoxicated scooter users and have prompted some to call for stricter policies to address the issue. Some parkgoers argue that similar to regulations for car drivers, there should be clear rules prohibiting the consumption of alcohol for those operating motorized scooters, as even small collisions could cause significant injury in a theme park environment.
As it stands, Walt Disney World has no specific rules that prohibit alcohol consumption for scooter users, and it remains unclear whether or not the park will introduce stricter guidelines in response to these incidents. However, the conversation surrounding safety and accessibility is likely to continue as more guests share their concerns about maintaining a safe environment for all visitors — regardless of whether they are on foot or using mobility devices.
Ultimately, while Walt Disney World is known for being an inclusive destination for all, these reports suggest that further attention may be needed to ensure that guests using motorized scooters do so safely, especially in a setting where large crowds and heightened excitement can lead to unpredictable circumstances.
