2
Credit: D23As storms slammed down on Central Florida, 19 unlucky guests had the magic of Magic Kingdom ruined when a Ferry boat collided with the dock, leaving some injured and others rethinking their vacation plans.
Magic Kingdom Ferry Accident Leaves Guests Injured
The magic of Walt Disney World turned into a night of chaos when a beloved Magic Kingdom ferryboat reportedly slammed into the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) dock during a powerful storm. Guests expecting a serene end to their park day were met instead with screams, a deafening crash, and a surge of people thrown forward.
According to early reports, the General Joe Potter ferryboat struck the dock just before midnight, leaving dozens injured and sparking an emergency response that involved multiple agencies. Social media lit up overnight as shaken passengers shared first-hand accounts of the terrifying experience—yet many visitors to the Most Magical Place on Earth woke up unaware that anything had happened.
The ferry boat from Magic Kingdom to TTC crashed while I was on it.
byu/RockyDiMeo inWaltDisneyWorld
For theme park fans and frequent travelers to Walt Disney World, this incident raises an urgent question: what really happened, and how can guests protect themselves during rare but serious park emergencies?
What Happened at the Magic Kingdom Ferry Dock
Reports indicate the ferryboat hit the TTC dock around 11:40 p.m., during heavy rain and wind. According to PulsePoint, a mutual aid call was issued at 12:02 a.m., summoning multiple emergency units from surrounding jurisdictions.
Witnesses described the scene as “chaos.” Reddit user RockyDiMeo wrote:
“Very scary scene. Happened about 11:40pm during a heavy storm. Boat was approaching the TTC dock when the boat came to a sudden and complete stop, throwing every passenger forward.”
Early reports suggest 19 people were transported to local hospitals, with at least eight major injuries. Dozens more were treated on-site.
The General Joe Potter has since been moved to dry dock for evaluation. Disney has not confirmed whether the storm, mechanical issues, or human error caused the collision. Two other ferryboats, the Admiral Joe Fowler and Richard F. Irvine, remain in operation.
How to Stay Safe and Avoid Delays
While Disney transportation incidents are extremely rare, knowing how to react can make a difference:
-
Stay Aware in Severe Weather: Florida storms can escalate quickly. If lightning or heavy winds roll in, consider delaying boat or monorail travel.
-
Secure Yourself Early: On ferries, hold railings and avoid standing near edges during docking or rough weather.
-
Have a Backup Exit Plan: If transportation is delayed or suspended, use the My Disney Experience app to find alternate bus routes or rideshare locations.
Insider Tips Frequent Disney Fans Use
Longtime visitors know that even magical trips come with surprises. Here are a few pro tips:
-
Board the First or Last Ferry of the Night: These tend to be less crowded, which reduces risk in sudden stops or storms.
-
Use Monorail or Bus Alternatives: When storms threaten ferry travel, the resort buses and monorails are usually more reliable.
-
Track Alerts via Push Notifications: Enable notifications on Disney’s app for real-time transportation updates.
Why This Matters to Magic Kingdom Fans
Disney is a place of joy, nostalgia, and once-in-a-lifetime memories—but rare incidents like this remind fans that safety comes first. The ferryboats are an iconic part of the Magic Kingdom experience, and any disruption sends shockwaves through the community.
Social media reactions have ranged from sympathetic to alarmed. With prior ferry incidents reported in 2021 and 2023, fans are watching closely for updates on safety improvements. Until official statements clarify the cause, many are left wondering how such a magical night turned into a trip to the ER.