Drunk Driver Causes $100,000 in Damage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

On Sunday, November 9, an allegedly drunk driver reportedly caused $100,000 of damage in the parking lot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. The police report, released on Monday, provides a detailed account of the incident. Charges are expected to be filed against the driver, but they have not been publicized yet.

Sunset Boulevard with Tower of Terror — Credit: Patrick McGarvey, Flickr

X (formerly known as Twitter) user @WDWActiveCrime initially posted about a “Drunk Driver” incident near Disney’s Hollywood Studios as part of a “low-priority” list on Sunday. The account, which monitors and shares emergency responses at Walt Disney World Resort, didn’t view the call as significant enough to post individually.

Here are calls not posted in Real-Time because of low priority or outside WDW property (e.g., Flamingo Crossings / College Program Housing).
November 09, 2025 – 8 calls filtered.
#WaltDisneyWorld #Disney

Here are calls not posted in Real-Time because of low priority or outside WDW property (e.g., Flamingo Crossings / College Program Housing).
November 09, 2025 – 8 calls filtered.#WaltDisneyWorld #Disney pic.twitter.com/sIMDi0RJvX

— Walt Disney World: Active Calls (@WDWActiveCrime) November 10, 2025

On Monday, the X user posted a screenshot of a police report related to the “Drunk Driver” at the intersection of Studio Drive and the Jessie Parking Lot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. According to the document, an officer was performing a “property check” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios when they witnessed a “single vehicle crash.”

🔃Update Arrest Hollywood Studios (11/9)
🎬 “Not the kind of stunt show Disney planned.” A $100K car totaled in the Hollywood Studios lot ➡️ DUI & Careless Driving charges followed.

🔃Update Arrest Hollywood Studios (11/9)
🎬 “Not the kind of stunt show Disney planned.” A $100K car totaled in the Hollywood Studios lot ➡️ DUI & Careless Driving charges followed. https://t.co/SOna2sIsGa pic.twitter.com/hwsrCQ9ZKV

— Walt Disney World: Active Calls (@WDWActiveCrime) November 10, 2025

The vehicle, a white BMW M8 (worth up to $138,000), recklessly drove through a curbed barrier in the Disney’s Hollywood Studios parking lot and into a tree, where it “became disabled.” The officer approached the vehicle, which was totaled, and used a pocket knife to cut through the driver’s side airbag and remove the driver, Michael James Curtis.

Curtis admitted to having “a few drinks” at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, but reportedly demanded a lawyer upon further questioning. The arresting officer said the guest’s breath smelled of alcohol and that he observed Curtis “to have glassy and watery eyes.”

Guests outside of Disney's Hollywood Studios entrance at Disney World — Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), Flickr

Curtis was not injured in the accident. He was arrested for driving under the influence and taken to the hospital, where he reportedly attempted to delay a blood draw to test his blood alcohol level. However, a receipt from a bar earlier in the evening was found in his car.

It’s unclear whether there was any other damage to Walt Disney World Resort property besides the curbed barrier.

Have you ever noticed anyone driving recklessly at the Disney parks? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!