Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld are required to give quarterly reports of any theme park injuries or illnesses suffered by guests on their rides. In the fourth quarter of 2015, Disney World reported seven incidents, Universal reported six, and SeaWorld one.
The parks submit the quarterly reports as part of an agreement struck with Florida state government in order to avoid being subjected to public ride-safety regulation. Per the agreement, the theme parks must include in their reports any incidents on their rides that result in immediate hospital stays of more than 24 hours.
Walt Disney World Accidents
According to Disney, most of the accidents on their report happened in the Magic Kingdom section of the park. Some of the incidents reported include:
- A man having a seizure on the Dinosaur ride
- One woman falling during the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and another having a seizure during it
- A woman suffering severe laceration from the Humunga Kowabunga ride
- Three separate incidents of elderly men having chest pain, dizziness, numbness and arm pain after certain rides
Universal Orlando Injuries
Similar incidents were reported at Universal, including:
- A young woman with motion sickness and dizziness on the E.T. ride
- A boy having breathing trouble while riding a Harry Potter ride
- Two more elderly men with motion sickness and dizziness
- A woman suffered serious neck pain from the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
SeaWorld Injury
There were a number of minor injuries incurred at SeaWorld last year, but only one was reported as the result of a ride and warranted an immediate stay in the hospital for more than 24 hours. A woman began having violent seizures while riding the Manta roller coaster.
The theme park’s number one priority should always be the safety of you and every other guest. When a patron suffers injury or illness as a result of one of the park’s various rides, the park should be held responsible. Otherwise, the problem may go unfixed and cause more injuries.