Credit: Flickr, UssamamIt seems that there is something at Walt Disney World causing multiple cars to get into accidents — is it time to do something about it?
While there are many people who choose to vacation at Walt Disney World by flying there and then taking a form of transportation to their Disney resort via ride share (Uber/Lyft) or a shuttle such as Mears, and then rely on solely Disney transport (Disney busses, monorail, boats, and the Disney Skyliner), that is not a possibility for all guests.
Many get around with either their car, or a rented one.
If you are driving into Walt Disney World Resort, even if you are staying on property, at times, it may make more sense to drive to the parks or resorts with your own vehicle instead of having to wait in a line for a Disney bus, or other method of transport.
A car becomes even more important if you are not staying on property, as it then is your only way to move around Orlando without having to pay for each and every ride via ride-share.
While a car can be convenient, it does come with another set of challenges.
Per The News Press, “Florida’s I-4 ranked as the deadliest highway in the state ― and in the country. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that I-4 has 34 fatal car accidents every 100 miles.” This is the main roadway to travel around Orlando and one that most guests must use if they are not staying within the gates of Walt Disney World.
While the constant sight of vehicles pulled off to the side of the highway may be anxiety-inducing, most would think that once they enter Disney World property, it all gets better, right?
Not really.
Recently, Inside the Magic shared that the infamous Walt Disney World entrance sign has become a breeding ground for accidents as many cars have started to slow down as they are passing the sign in order to take photos and videos for social media. While Disney has added signage to alert guests that they should not slow down as they enter, it appears that there are some who choose to not listen.
On Reddit, Disney guests have been sharing cars parking at the Disney resorts and crashed into the bollard post. In this case, the car hit the post at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
In the comment section, many believed that the cars doing this were likely rentals and were at the fault of tourists who do not know the landscape too well, but others commented, “Those bollards are removable, you can see from the pic, and may not always be set up. Drivers who’ve been there before maybe didn’t notice because they’ve gone that way before without issue.”
Another comment that stood out stated that the short nature of the posts may make them harder to see with some larger cars, such as this SUV, placing them in a sort of blind spot. One reply stated, “Reason 2645 of why we need to do away with oversized vehicles. That could have been a kid.”
Another said, “I think you can line 12 children up in a single file line in front of a new Escalade, and the driver wouldn’t be able to see a single one.”
One reply suggested a decent solution to the bollard problem at Disney: “You could certainly see them from a distance if driving slow and paying attention, but I agree. It would make more sense to paint them a more noticeable color. It wouldn’t look as nice, but it would be safer. Maybe reflectors for nighttime.”
Guests driving in any of the Disney parking lots should be very aware of their surroundings, as there are often short cones and posts put in places, as well as guests darting out from parking lanes with little notice. Driving slowly and alertly in these areas is key. If you are renting a car, it would also be a good idea, it seems, to ensure you have adequate car insurance purchased.
What do you think Disney should do about this Bollard epidemic plaguing guests?