Park Removals Begin at Walt Disney World After Boat Crash

Walt Disney World’s iconic ferryboats — typically seen gently gliding across the Seven Seas Lagoon, transporting thousands of guests between the Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) — were recently the site of a troubling incident that has led to quiet operational changes aboard the vessels.

The most visible of these? Trash cans have mysteriously vanished from the ferryboats, and now, the suspected reason is becoming clearer.

A Sudden Disappearance

Guests boarding the ferries in recent days may have noticed something missing: the once-standard trash cans stationed on the vessels have been removed without fanfare. These bins — normally located near boarding pillars and deck areas — had long offered a convenient way for guests to dispose of cups, wrappers, and other refuse while crossing the lagoon.

According to a report from Blog Mickey, the trash cans were quietly removed from the ferryboats following a major safety incident last week — one that may have involved the trash bins themselves becoming hazards during a crash. The removal has not been formally announced by Disney, and no signage currently explains their absence.

But what seems like a small operational tweak may actually be the first major change enacted after what one guest is calling a “terrifying” collision.

The Crash That Sparked It All

On the evening of Wednesday, July 30, a ferry carrying a full load of parkgoers slammed into a dock at what passengers describe as full speed. The crash occurred after Magic Kingdom closed early due to incoming storms, prompting a mass exodus of guests toward the park’s various transportation options.

One such guest, Deanna D. (last name withheld for privacy), was on board the ferry with her husband and two young daughters, ages 7 and 10. She told People magazine that the experience felt like something out of a disaster film.

“The boat hit with full speed. I mean, it went full speed into this barrier,” Deanna recalled. “It was like being on the frickin’ Titanic… People were thinking the boat was going down.”

She described seeing children thrown forward, a pregnant woman fall, and her daughter “absolutely terrified.” While Deanna and her family had split up — she and one daughter went upstairs, while her husband and other child remained below — she could immediately tell something was wrong during the ferry’s approach.

“There was no warning, no announcement — absolutely nothing was said,” she added. “As a parent, it sends you into this fight or flight. I’m still shaking thinking about it.”

While the family was not seriously injured, Deanna reported suffering a rope burn on her hand and a foot injury that made walking difficult. She said she visited the park’s medical office the next day at Animal Kingdom, where a medic noted heavy bruising and limited mobility.

Trash Cans: From Utility to Liability?

While Disney has not confirmed what directly caused the ferry crash, guests on board have speculated that the impact turned standard features of the boat — like the metal trash cans — into dangerous projectiles.

Unconfirmed social media reports suggest that several trash cans went airborne during the impact, with at least one child reportedly pinned underneath. Though these reports remain anecdotal, the removal of the trash cans in the days following the incident has fueled speculation that they were a factor in the severity of guest injuries.

As Blog Mickey reported, “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 it may seem like a small change, it’s a notable shift in the layout and operation of a core transportation system at Walt Disney World.

The trash cans — originally installed to help guests and crew keep the boats clean and prevent litter from entering the lagoon — are now gone entirely, with signs instructing guests to discard their trash either before boarding or after disembarking.

Other Guests Share Similar Experiences

Deanna wasn’t the only guest to speak out publicly. Tami Hackett of Houston, Texas, was also on the boat that night with her family.

“Suddenly we crashed into something and we all went flying forward, falling,” Hackett told Fox 35 Orlando. “The stroller landed on its back, causing the girls to hit their heads. A lot of people were screaming and really hurt bad.”

She added that emergency personnel were present after the crash, but that there was no official guidance from Disney staff on what to do.

“Not only was there no announcement on what to do when injured, they just had us get off the boat.”

Hackett said an EMT evaluated her granddaughters and confirmed they were not seriously hurt.

Disney’s Silence — and What Comes Next

Representatives from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), which manages emergency services for Walt Disney World, have not issued a public statement. However, both Orange and Osceola County fire departments confirmed to People that they responded to the incident under mutual aid agreements.

As of now, Disney has not publicly acknowledged the crash, the trash can removal, or any other operational changes stemming from the incident. But as guest accounts circulate and small infrastructure shifts are quietly implemented, it’s clear that changes are already underway behind the scenes.

For longtime visitors like Deanna, the experience has shaken her trust in the Most Magical Place on Earth.

“I’ve been going to Disney for 25 years and I can’t see myself going back,” she said. “Because now I’m horrified.”

What to Know Before You Board

If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom and planning to take the ferry, here’s what you should know:

• No trash cans onboard: Dispose of waste before or after the ferry trip.

• Expect extra caution: Crew members may be enforcing stricter procedures as internal reviews continue.

• Stay alert: While rare, transportation mishaps can happen — it’s always wise to hold onto children and stay seated until the boat fully docks.

And finally: while this incident is certainly concerning, Walt Disney World’s ferryboats remain one of the most scenic and iconic ways to cross the lagoon. With new safety eyes on operations, hopefully, it becomes even safer moving forward.