*.Incidents at Disneyland Resort
This is a summary of notable incidents that have taken place at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim,
California.
While the California Department of Safety
and Health (CDSH) has ruled that some guest-related incidents are Disney's
fault, the majority of incidents were due to negligence on the guests' part.
The term incidents refers to major accidents, injuries, deaths and significant crimes. While
these incidents are required to be reported to regulatory authorities for
investigation, attraction-related incidents usually fall into one of the
following categories:
·
Caused by negligence on the part of the guest. This can be refusal to
follow specific ride safety instructions, or deliberate intent to break park
rules.
·
The result of a guest's known or unknown health issues.
·
Negligence on the part of the park, either by ride operator or maintenance.
·
Act of God or a generic accident (e.g. slipping and falling) that is not a direct
result of an action on anybody's part.
According to a 1985 Time magazine article, fewer than 100 lawsuits are filed against Disney each
year for various incidents
Disney California
Adventure
Hyperion Theater
·
On April 22, 2003, a 36-year old stage technician fell 60 feet from a
catwalk in the Hyperion Theater,
prompting an investigation by the California Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA). The victim
did not regain consciousness following the incident and died on May 18, 2003 In
October 2003, Cal/OSHA fined the Disneyland Resort $18,350 for safety
violations related to the technician's death.
California Screamin'
·
On July 29, 2005, 25 guests were injured when one train rear-ended another
and 15 guests were transported to local hospitals for treatment of minor
injuries. An investigation determined that the cause was a faulty brake valve
installed by a Disney employee a few days earlier.
Guest altercations
·
On February 18, 2012, a 53-year old man was allegedly drunk and proceeded to attack a cast member right at the entrance gate ofthe Twilight Zone Tower of Terror around 3:30pm. The cast member pepper-sprayed the man multiple times prompting him to continue fighting and was subdued by other guests before security stepped in to handle the
situation. Details on what actually started the fight remains unknown. The man
was eventually removed from the park and charged with assault and battery by Anaheim police. The incident was filmed via camera phone and uploaded to YouTube.
·
Disneyland Park
America Sings
·
On July 8, 1974, an 18-year-old employee was crushed to death between a
revolving wall and a stationary platform inside the America Sings attraction. She was in the wrong place
during a ride intermission; it was unclear whether this was due to inadequate training
or a misstep. The attraction was subsequently refitted with breakaway walls.
The ride was only open two weeks before the death. They closed the ride for two
days.[10]
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
·
On September 5, 2003, a 22-year-old man died after suffering severe blunt trauma and extensive internal bleeding in a derailment of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster that also injured 10
other riders.[11] The cause of the accident was determined to be improper maintenance.[12] Investigation reports and discovery by the victim's attorney confirmed the
fatal injuries occurred when the first passenger car collided with the
underside of the locomotive. The derailment was the result of a mechanical
failure which occurred due to omissions during a maintenance procedure.
Fasteners on the left side upstop/guide wheel on the floating axle of the locomotive
were not tightened andsafetied in accordance with specifications. As the train entered a tunnel the axle
came loose and jammed against a brake section, causing the locomotive to become
airborne and hit the ceiling of the tunnel. The locomotive then fell on top of
the first passenger car, crushing the victim.[13]
Columbia
·
On December 24, 1998, a heavy metal cleat fastened to the hull of the Sailing Ship Columbia tore loose, striking one employee and two park guests. One of the guests, a
33-year-old man, died of a head injury. The normal tie line, an inelastic hemp
rope designed to break easily, was improperly replaced for financial reasons by
an elastic nylon rope which stretched and tore the cleat from the ship's wooden
hull. Disney received much criticism for this incident due to its alleged
policy of restricting outside medical personnel in the park to avoid
frightening visitors, as well as for the fact that the employee in charge of
the ship at the time had not been trained in its operation.[14] After this incident, Disney reinstated lead foremen on most rides and the Anaheim
police department placed officers in the park to speed response.[15] This accident resulted in the first guest death in Disneyland's history
that was not attributable to any negligence on the part of the guest.
California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health investigated the
incident and found fault with the training of the park employee who placed the
docking line on the cleat. The cleat was not designed to help brake the ship
and the employee should have been trained to recognize when the ship was
approaching too fast. Ride procedures called for the ship's captain to reverse
the ship if it overshot the dock and re-approach the dock at the correct speed.
Disney was fined US$12,500 by Cal/OSHA and settled a lawsuit brought by the
victim's survivors for an estimated US$25,000,000.[16]
Frontierland
·
On May 6, 2001, 29 people suffered minor injuries when a tree in
Frontierland fell over. The tree was over 40 years old, one of the park's
original plantings.[17]
Indiana Jones Adventure
·
On June 25, 2000, a 23-year-old woman exited the Indiana Jones ride
complaining of a severe headache. She was hospitalized later that day where it
was discovered that she had a brain hemorrhage. She died
on September 1, 2000 of a cerebral aneurysm.[18] Her family's subsequent wrongful death lawsuit against Disney stated that
the victim died due to "violent shaking and stresses imposed by the
ride." In an interlocutory appeal (an appeal of a legal issue within the
case prior to a decision on the case's merits), theCalifornia Supreme Court held that amusement parks are considered "common carriers"
similar to commercially operated planes, trains, elevators and ski lifts. This
ruling imposes a heightened duty of care on amusement parks and requires them
to provide the same degree of care and safety as other common carriers.[19][20] Disney settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed sum after the interlocutory
appeal but before a decision was rendered on the case's merits. The victim's
medical costs were estimated at more than US$1.3 million.[21]
It's a Small World
·
On November 27, 2009, the ride broke down while a quadriplegic guest was on
the ride. The guest was stuck in the Goodbye Room for between 30-40 minutes
before being evacuated. As he suffered from medical conditions that was
aggravated by the "blaring music" and inability to exit the ride, he
sued Disney for not having adequate evacuation procedures for disabled guests
on that ride, and for not providing the proper warning developed for those who
could not evacuate during a ride stoppage. On March 26th, 2013, a jury awarded
the man $8000.[22]
Matterhorn
·
In 1964, a 15-year-old boy was injured after he stood up in the Matterhorn
Bobsleds and fell out. It was reported that his restraint was undone by his
ride companion. He died three days later as a result of those injuries.[23]
·
On January 3, 1984, a 48-year-old woman was killed when she was thrown from
a Matterhorn Bobsled car and struck by the next oncoming bobsled.[24][25] An investigation found that her seatbelt was not buckled. It is unclear
whether the victim deliberately unfastened her belt or if the seatbelt
malfunctioned.[26]
Monorail
·
On a Grad Nite in 1966, a 19-year-old-male was killed while attempting to sneak into the
park by climbing onto the monorail track, ignoring the shouted warnings of a
security guard, he was struck by the train and dragged 30 to 40 feet down the
track.[23]
PeopleMover
·
In August 1967, a 17-year-old boy was killed while jumping between two
moving PeopleMover cars as the ride was passing through a tunnel. He stumbled
and fell onto the track, where an oncoming train of cars crushed him beneath
its wheels and dragged his body a few hundred feet before it was stopped by a
ride operator. The attraction had only been open for one month at the time.[27]
·
On June 7, 1980, an 18-year-old man was crushed and killed by the
PeopleMover while jumping between moving cars. The accident occurred as the
ride entered the SuperSpeed tunnel.[28]
Rivers of America
·
In June 1973, an 18-year-old man drowned while attempting to swim across
the "Rivers of America". He and his 10-year-old brother stayed on Tom
Sawyer's Island past closing time by hiding in an area that is off-limits to
guests. When they wanted to leave the island, they decided to swim across the
river even though the younger brother did not know how to swim. The victim
attempted to carry his younger brother on his back and drowned halfway across.
His body was found the next morning. The younger brother was able to stay
afloat by "dog paddling" until a ride operator rescued him.[27]
·
On June 4, 1983, an 18-year-old man drowned in the Rivers of America while
trying to pilot a rubber emergency boat from Tom Sawyer's Island that he and a
friend had stolen from a "cast members only" area of the island.[24]
·
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
·
On September 22, 2000, a 4-year-old boy fell out of the ride vehicle and
was dragged underneath the car, causing serious internal injuries, cardiac
arrest and brain damage.[29]On October
7, 2000, Disneyland changed its emergency policy and began instructing ride
operators to call 911 first, instead of the Disney security center, in order to
speed emergency staff to any incident on park property. Records showed that
more than five minutes passed between the time the victim fell out of the ride
vehicle and emergency personnel were contacted. A Disney spokesman claimed that
the timing of this policy change and this incident were coincidental.[15] An investigation ending in December 2000 concluded that a lap bar had
malfunctioned and the victim was placed in the wrong seat in the ride vehicle,
too close to the opening.[30] Three months after the incident, the Permanent Ride Amusement section of
California's Division of Occupational Safety ordered Disney to install
additional safety features on the ride.[31] In January 2002, Disney settled with the victim's family, based on the cost
of the victim's continuing medical care and suffering; Disney was not required
to accept blame.[30] The victim never fully recovered from his injuries and died in January
2009.[30]
Skyway
·
On April 17, 1994, a 30-year-old man fell about twenty feet from one of the
cabins into a tree in front of Alice in Wonderland. Paramedics rescued him
and took him to an area hospital for treatment for minor injuries. The man
filed a $25,000 lawsuit against Disney, claiming he had simply fallen out of
the ride. However, just before the trial date in September 1996, the victim admitted
he had indeed jumped out of the ride; the suit was subsequently dropped.[32]
Space Mountain
·
On August 14, 1979, a 31-year-old woman became ill after riding Space
Mountain. At the unload area, she was unable to get out of the vehicle.
Although employees told her to stay seated while the vehicle was removed from
the track, other ride attendants did not understand that her vehicle was to be
removed and sent her through the ride a second time. She arrived at the
unloading zone semi-conscious. The victim was subsequently taken to Palm Harbor
Hospital where she remained in a coma and died one week later. The coroner's
report attributed the death to natural causes: a heart tumor had dislodged and
entered her brain. A subsequent lawsuit against the park was dismissed.[33]
Storybook Land Canal Boats
·
On March 16, 2005, a 4-year-old boy broke a finger and severed the tip of
his thumb when the child's fingers were pinched between the boat and the dock
while passengers were unloading. The ride was closed for nearly two days while
state authorities investigated the accident. Authorities directed Disneyland to
lower and repair rubber bumpers along the dock's edge, and to make sure workers
tell passengers to keep their hands in the boat while it docks.[34]
Tom Sawyer's Island
·
On January 21, 2001, a 6-year-old girl lost two-thirds of her left index
finger while playing with a toy rifle that was mounted on a turret on the
Island's playground. Disney did not report this incident to OSHA, as serious
injury accidents only need to be reported if the incident occurred on a ride.
OSHA stated that the incident did not fall under their review, as accidents and
injuries that occur on playground equipment do not qualify for OSHA reporting.[35]
Costumed characters
·
In 1976, a woman filed a lawsuit claiming one of the Three Little Pigs ran
up to her at the "It's
a Small World" attraction, grabbed at and fondled her while exclaiming "Mommy! Mommy!" She claimed to have gained
50 pounds as a result of the incident and sued Disney for $150,000 in damages
for assault and battery, false imprisonment and humiliation. The plaintiff
dropped charges after Disney's lawyers presented her with a photo of the
costume, which had only inoperable stub arms.[36]
·
A 1981 case tried a cast member who was playing Winnie the Pooh in 1978. It
was alleged that he slapped a child and caused bruising, recurring headaches
and possible brain damage. The cast member testified that the girl was tugging
at his costume from behind. When he turned around, he accidentally struck the
girl in her ear. At one point, the cast member entered the courtroom in the
Pooh costume and responded to questions while on the witness stand as Pooh
would, including dancing a jig. Appearing as
Pooh showed the jury that the costume's arms were too low to the ground to slap
a girl of the victim's height. The jury acquitted the cast member after
deliberating for 21 minutes.[36]
Guest altercations
·
On March 7, 1981, an 18-year-old man was fatally stabbed with a knife
during a fight in Tomorrowland. His
family sued the park for US$60 million. The jury found the park negligent for
not summoning outside medical help and awarded the family US$600,000.[37]
·
On March 7, 1987, a 15-year-old boy was fatally shot in the Disneyland
parking lot.[38] The incident began as an early morning confrontation between rival gang
members before escalating into a brawl. Eighteen-year-old Keleti Naea was
convicted of second-degree murder, but the conviction was subsequently
overturned by a state appellate court.[39]
*. Incidents at Walt Disney World
This is a list of notable incidents that have taken place at Walt Disney World in Florida. Several people have died
or been injured while riding attractions at Walt Disney World theme parks.[1] Since
2001, Disney has been required to report incidents to state authorities. For
example, from the first quarter of 2005 to the first quarter of 2006, Disney
reported four deaths and nineteen injuries at its Florida parks.[2]
The term incidents refers to major accidents, injuries,
deaths and significant crimes. While these incidents are required to be
reported to regulatory authorities for investigation, attraction-related
incidents usually fall into one of the following categories:
·
Negligence on the part
of the park, either by ride operator or maintenance.
·
Caused by negligence on
the part of the guest. This can be refusal to follow specific ride safety
instructions, or deliberate intent to break park rules.
·
The result of a guest's
known or unknown health issues.
·
Act of God or
a generic accident (e.g. slipping and falling) that is not a direct result of
an action on anyone's part.
According to a 1985 Time magazine
article, nearly 100 lawsuits are filed against Disney each year for various
incidents.[3]
Resort-wide transportation system
Buses
·
On March 23, 2010, a
Disney transportation bus rear-ended a private charter bus near the entrance to
the Epcot parking lot. Seven guests aboard the
Disney bus received minor injuries, while the bus driver was reported to have
received critical injuries.[4]
·
On April 1, 2010, a
nine-year-old boy was crushed to death by a Disney transportation bus at Disney's
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground while he was riding his bicycle with
an 11-year-old friend.[5] A
report from the Florida Highway
Patrol says that the
victim appeared to turn his bike into the road and ran into the side of the
bus, subsequently being dragged under the bus' right-rear tire.[5] The
victim was pronounced dead at the scene.[6] A
preliminary report stated that the bus driver, who has 30 years' experience
with Disney, was not impaired or driving recklessly and that charges probably
would not be filed, pending a full investigation of the incident.[5] In
October 2010, Disney World was sued for $15,000 by the boy's
mother.[7]
·
On December 26, 2010, a
69-year-old man died after stepping in front of a moving Disney transportation
bus in the parking lot of Disney's Port
Orleans Resort.[8]
Monorail
Main article: Walt Disney
World Monorail System
·
In February 1974, a
monorail train crashed into the train ahead. One driver and two passengers were
injured.[9]
·
On June 26, 1985, a fire
engulfed the rear car of the six-car Mark IV Silver
monorail train in transit from the Epcot station to the Transportation and
Ticket Center.[10] This
fire pre-dated onboard fire detection systems, emergency exits and evacuation
planning. Passengers in the car kicked out side windows and climbed around the
side of the train to reach the roof, where they were subsequently rescued by
the Reedy Creek Fire Department.[11] Seven
passengers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation or other minor injuries.[12] The
fire department later determined that the fire started when a flat tire was
dragged across the concrete beam and ignited by the frictional heat.[13]
Monorail Silver sitting on the EPCOT beam after the fire was put out.
·
On August 30, 1991, a
monorail train collided with a diesel maintenance work tractor near the
Contemporary Resort as the tractor drove closely in front of the train to film
it for a commercial. Two employees were treated at a hospital for injuries.[14]
·
On August 12, 1996, an
electrical fire occurred on a train pulling into the Magic Kingdom station. The
driver and the five passengers on board exited safely. Two bus drivers who
witnessed the fire and assisted were overcome by smoke and treated at a nearby
hospital.[15]
·
On July 5, 2009, during
a failed track switchover from the Epcot line onto the Magic Kingdom express
line, Monorail Pink backed into Monorail Purple at the Transportation &
Ticket Center station, killing the 21-year-old pilot of Monorail Purple.[16] One
employee and six guests who were also on the trains were treated at the scene
and released.[17] OSHA
and park officials inspected the monorail line and the monorail reopened on
July 6, 2009, after new sensors and operating procedures were put in place.[18][19] An
investigation by the National
Transportation Safety Board showed
no mechanical problems with the trains or track but did find that the track
used in the switchover was not in its proper place for the track transition.
The NTSB also noted that Purple's pilot attempted to reverse his train when he
saw that there was going to be a collision. Disney suspended three monorail
employees as a result of the incident.[20] On
October 31, 2011, the National Transportation Safety Board issued its findings
on this incident, citing the probable cause as the shop panel operator's
failure to properly align the switch beam before the monorail train was
directed to reverse through it.[21]
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Dinosaur
Main article: Dinosaur
(Disney's Animal Kingdom)
·
On April 30, 2005, a
30-year-old man from Mooresville,
Indiana lost
consciousness shortly after exiting the ride and died from a heart attack
moments later. An investigation showed the ride was operating correctly and was
not the cause of his death; he had an artificial
pacemaker.[22]
Expedition Everest
Main article: Expedition
Everest
·
On December 18, 2007, a
44-year-old man from Navarre, Florida lost consciousness while riding the
coaster. He was given CPR on the ride's loading platform and was
pronounced dead at the hospital.[23] An
autopsy by the Orange County medical examiner's office concluded that the
victim died of dilated
cardiomyopathy and
that the death was considered natural.[24]
Kali River Rapids
Main article: Kali River Rapids
·
On May 29, 2007, five
guests and one cast member were injured when an emergency exit platform
malfunctioned. The guests were exiting a Kali River Rapids raft during a ride
stoppage triggered by a monitoring sensor. The raft was on a steep incline and
the emergency exit platform was designed to allow guests to easily access the
emergency stairs from the incline. After an investigation determined that the
platform "disengaged and slid", it was removed and an alternate
evacuation procedure was adopted.[25] The
six people were taken to local hospitals for minor injuries and were later
released.[26]
Primeval Whirl
·
On November 27, 2007, a
63-year-old employee died from a brain injury sustained four days earlier when
she was hit by a ride vehicle after falling from a restricted area of the ride
platform.[27] On
May 23, 2008, OSHA fined Walt Disney World US$25,500 and charged the company
with five safety violations. The fines were: $15,000 for three serious
violations; $7,500 for a still missing handrail that had been previously
reported; and $3,000 for not responding to OSHA requests within the requested
time period.[28]
·
On March 13, 2011, a
52-year-old employee sustained head injuries while working on the ride and was
airlifted to a local hospital, where he later died. The ride was undergoing
maintenance and was closed to the public at the time of the incident.[29]
Blizzard Beach
Main article: Blizzard Beach
·
On March 16, 2007, a
51-year-old man from Pulaski, Mississippi collapsed
near the Downhill Double Dipper water slide. He was taken to a nearby hospital
where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy showed that the victim died due to a
heart attack.[30] His
family says that he had a pre-existing heart condition.[31][32]
Disney's Hollywood Studios
(Disney-MGM Studios)
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Main article: Rock 'n' Roller
Coaster
·
On June 29, 2006, a
12-year-old boy visiting from Fort Campbell,
Kentucky was found to
be unresponsive after the ride came to an end. Though his father administered
CPR until paramedics arrived, he was declared dead en route to the hospital.[33] The
ride was shut down for the investigation and reopened a day later after
inspectors determined that the ride was operating normally. The victim had died
as a result of a congenital heart
defect.[34][35][36]
Tower of Terror
Main article: The Twilight
Zone Tower of Terror
·
On July 12, 2005, a
16-year-old girl from Kibworth,
Leicestershire, Great Britain complained of a severe headache and other
symptoms after riding the Tower of Terror. She was taken to an Orlando hospital
in critical
condition,[37] where
she underwent surgery for intracranial bleeding. On August 6, 2005, she
returned to Britain via air ambulance. While she reportedly had ridden
the attraction several times previously during her visit with no ill effects,[38] she
had been in pain for a few days prior to the incident. She had a massive stroke
leading to cardiac arrest. After an examination by both Disney and state
inspectors showed no ride malfunction, the ride was reopened the next day. The
girl returned home safely after spending six months in the hospital due to two
heart attacks and surgery.[39] On
February 13, 2009, the victim's family sued Disney for negligence in the ride
design, failing to adequately warn riders, and not providing proper safety
restraints. They are seeking at least US$15,000.[40]
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
Main article: Indiana Jones
Epic Stunt Spectacular!
A number of incidents involving the show's
performers have occurred since the live-action show's premiere in 1989. In
1990, OSHA fined the resort $1,000 after three
performers were injured in three separate incidents.[41] In
one incident, a performer fell 30 feet when a restraining cable failed. In
another, a performer fell 25 feet when a prop ladder collapsed unexpectedly. A
third performer was pinned by a malfunctioning trap door.[41] At
the time, OSHA cited Disney for failing to provide adequate fall protection,
including padding and other equipment.[41] Later,
while rehearsing a new, safer routine, another performer fell 25 feet onto
concrete.[41]
·
On August 17, 2009, a
30-year-old performer died after injuring his head while rehearsing a tumbling
roll.[42] Performances
for the next day were canceled out of respect for the performer.[42]
Downtown Disney
·
On April 22, 2010, a
61-year-old woman from Celebration,
Florida, suffered a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, and back pain
due to a boating accident near the Treehouse Villas. The rented Sea Raycer that
her husband was driving collided with a Disney ferryboat. The Orange
County Sheriff's report
states that the Sea Raycer crossed into the ferry's right-of-way.[43]
Epcot
·
On September 12, 1992, a
37-year old man entered Epcot after park closing and brandished a shotgun at
three security guards, demanding to see his ex-girlfriend who worked at the
park. He fired four blasts at the guards and took two of them hostage in a restroom
near the Journey Into
Imagination pavilion. As Orange County sheriff's deputies surrounded
the area, the intruder released his hostages and emerged from the restroom with
the shotgun held to his chest. After exchanging words with deputies, he put the
gun to his head and fired. The man was pronounced dead on arrival at the Orlando Regional
Medical Center. Investigators attributed his actions to a recent
breakup with his long-time girlfriend.[44]
·
In July 2012, a 41-year
old doctor from Italy was arrested after allegedly kicking his three-year old
son in the face. According to arrest reports, several witnesses saw the doctor
kick his son while he sat in his stroller during an argument with his wife and
children. An Epcot employee then "went up to the child and saw that his
face was bloody and the child was crying hysterically". The family refused
to let their son be taken to a hospital because they did not think his injuries
required further attention. He was eventually freed on a $2,000 bond.[45]
Body Wars
Main article: Body Wars
·
On May 16, 1995, a
four-year-old girl with a known heart condition passed out during a ride on the Body Wars attraction
in the Wonders of Life pavilion. The ride was stopped
immediately and paramedics took her to the hospital where she was pronounced
dead. An autopsy was inconclusive as to whether the ride had aggravated her
condition.[46]
Mission: Space
Main article: Mission: Space
·
On June 13, 2005, a
4-year-old boy died after riding Mission: Space. An autopsy by the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office, released on
November 15, 2005, found that the boy died as a result of a pre-existing,
previously undiagnosed idiopathic heart
condition called myocardial hypertrophy. On June 12, 2006, a lawsuit was
filed against Disney by his parents, claiming that Disney never should have
allowed a 4-year-old child on the ride and didn't offer an adequate medical
response after he collapsed.[47] On
January 11, 2007, the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice.[48]
·
On April 12, 2006, a
49-year-old woman from Schmitten,
Germany fell ill after riding Mission: Space and died at Celebration Hospital
in nearby Celebration,
Florida. An autopsy determined that she died from a brain hemorrhage
caused by longstanding and severe high blood
pressure; there was no evidence of trauma attributable to the ride.[49]
·
From June 2005 to June
2006, paramedics treated 194 Mission: Space riders. The most common complaints
were dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Of those 194 guests: 25 people passed out,
26 suffered difficulty breathing and 16 reported chest pains or irregular
heartbeats.[50] In
May 2006, Disney altered the ride by offering a less-intense ride experience
that did not include the centrifuge. Statistics reported to the state of
Florida since then have shown a decrease in the number of health complaints
filed by riders.[citation
needed]
Spaceship Earth
Main article: Spaceship Earth
(Epcot)
·
On August 14, 1999, a
5-year-old boy was seriously injured after falling or stepping out of a ride
car at Spaceship Earth. He was treated for an open compound fracture at the
Orlando Regional Medical Center.[51]
Magic Kingdom
Enchanted Tiki Room
Main article: Enchanted Tiki
Room
·
On January 12, 2011, a
small fire broke out in the attic of the attraction. The Iago audio-animatronic
figure was severely damaged in the blaze. It was announced that it would be
closed and rethemed as Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. No guests were injured during
the fire. Linked at [1]
Astro Orbiter
Main article: Astro Orbitor
·
On October 9, 2011, a
fire broke out in the centerpiece of the attraction structure. Authorities
reported that the fire was caused by a light bulb that shorted out and started
to smolder. The incident occurred shortly after the park had opened for the day,
and no guests were aboard the ride when the fire was discovered.[52] The
attraction re-opened the following day.[53]
Backstage
·
On February 11, 2004, a
38-year-old employee dressed as Pluto was
killed at the Magic Kingdom when he was run over by the Beauty and the Beast float in the Share a Dream Come True Parade. The employee had worked at the park
for 8 years. Disney representatives commented that no incident of these
circumstances had ever happened before to a cast member and that no guests had
seen the incident.[54] This
led OSHA to fine Disney US$6,300 for having employees in restricted areas.[55]
"It's a Small World"
Main article: It's a Small
World
·
On August 18, 1994, a
6-year-old girl from Miami, Florida fell out of one of the ride's boats while
it was in the loading area. Orange County authorities believe she was then
struck by an incoming boat. The girl suffered a broken hip, a broken arm and a
collapsed lung, but was expected to recover fully. The ride was closed for an
inspection and re-opened the following day.[56]
Main Street
·
On August 11, 1977, a
4-year-old boy from Dolton, Illinois drowned in the moat surrounding
Cinderella Castle. The family sued Disney for US$4 million and won; however,
the jury found the plaintiffs 50% liable for allowing the boy to climb over a
fence while playing and reduced the award to US$1.5 million.[57]
Pirates of the Caribbean
Main article: Pirates of the
Caribbean (attraction)
·
In February 2005, a
77-year-old woman from Minnesota lost consciousness and died after riding the
Pirates of the Caribbean. A medical examiner's report said the victim was in
poor health and she previously had several ministrokes. The report concluded that
her death "was not unexpected."[58]
·
On August 6, 2009, a
47-year-old employee playing the role of a pirate in the "Captain Jack's
Pirate Tutorial" show slipped on a puddle on the stage and hit his head on
a wall. He was taken to Florida Hospital Orlando with injuries including a
broken vertebra in his neck and severe lacerations on his head that required 55
stitches. He died August 10 due to complications.[59]
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Main article: Prince Charming
Regal Carrousel
·
On December 12, 2010, a
77-year-old woman with pre-existing conditions collapsed after exiting. She
later died due to the incident.[60]
Skyway
Main article: Skyway (Disney)
·
On February 14, 1999, a
65-year-old part-time custodian was killed when he fell off a gondola. He was
cleaning the Fantasyland Skyway station platform when the ride was accidentally
turned on by employees unaware he was there. He was in the path of the ride
vehicles and grabbed a passing gondola in an attempt to save himself. He lost
his grip, fell 40 feet, and landed in a flower bed near the Dumbo ride. He died shortly after arrival at
a local hospital. The Skyway ride, which had been scheduled to be closed before
the accident occurred, was permanently closed on November 10, 1999.[61] As
a result of the accident, OSHA fined Walt Disney World US$4,500 for violating
federal safety codes in that work area.[62] This
incident echoed a similar incident at Disneyland Resort in 1994, when a 30-year-old man fell
20 feet out of a Skyway cabin and subsequently tried to sue Disney. In this
case, however, the man later admitted that he had in fact jumped out of the
ride, and the case was dismissed.[62]
Space Mountain
Main article: Space Mountain
(Magic Kingdom)
·
On August 1, 2006, a
7-year-old boy fainted after riding Space Mountain and was taken to Florida
Hospital Celebration where he died of natural causes. The victim was a terminal
cancer patient visiting the Magic Kingdom as a part of the Give Kids the
World program. The
medical examiner's report showed that he died of the natural causes due to a metastatic pulmonary blastoma tumor.[63]
·
On December 7, 2006, a
73-year-old man lost consciousness while riding Space Mountain. He was
transported to a hospital and died three days later. The medical examiner found
that the man died of natural causes due to a heart condition.[64]
Splash Mountain
Main article: Splash Mountain
·
On November 5, 2000, a
37-year-old man from St. Petersburg,
Florida was critically
injured while trying to exit the ride vehicle while it was moving. He told
fellow passengers that he felt ill and attempted to reach one of the
attraction's marked emergency exits.[65] He
was struck by the following ride vehicle and died at a local hospital.[66]
The Haunted Mansion
·
In February 2007, an 89
year-old woman fell and broke her hip while exiting a ride vehicle.[30]
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
·
In March 2010, a 4
year-old boy from San Diego, California, suffered severe burns to his face
after being scalded by a cup of hot nacho cheese. The accident occurred when
the boy sat down to dinner in an unstable chair and grabbed a food tray to
prevent himself falling, resulting in the cheese flying into his face. The
parents of the child sued Disney, with their attorney claiming that 'the cheese
should not have been that hot' and that Disney made no effort 'to regulate and
monitor the temperature of the nacho cheese which was being served to young
children.' A Disney representative commented on the incident: 'It's unfortunate
when any child is injured. We just received notice of the lawsuit and are
currently reviewing it.'[67]
Guest altercations
·
On May 20, 2007, five
guests from Shirley, New York, ages 14 to 20 years old,
were arrested for allegedly attacking a sheriff's deputy. They were accused of
spitting on and harassing other guests and were detained by Disney security
near Space Mountain. When an Orange County sheriff's deputy arrived, the deputy
stated that he was "punched in the face with closed fists... by all the
defendants." During the melee, the deputy used a stun gun on an unnamed
17-year-old female guest. The five guests from New York were arrested on
charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and for resisting arrest with
violence. The 17-year-old guest was also cited for battery on a uniformed
officer.[68]
·
On May 29, 2007, a
34-year-old Clermont, Florida woman was attacked by a 51-year-old
park guest visiting from Anniston, Alabama as they waited in line at the Mad Tea
Party attraction. Disney security interviewed witnesses on the day of the
attack but Orange County police did not take any sworn statements. The victim
stated that the sworn statements were not taken due to a delay in the arrival
of the deputies.[69] On
July 17, 2007, an arrest warrant was issued for the alleged attacker.[70] The
victim claims that due to the incident, she has been diagnosed with a
concussion and a herniated disc in her cervical spine and suffers from
post-traumatic seizures.[71] The
case went to trial on April 14, 2008. The attacker was convicted on charges of
battery[72] and
sentenced to 90 days in jail and nine months probation and will have to take an
anger management course.[73] After
the trial, the victim's lawyer stated that his client intended to sue Disney to
force them to address their security issues.[74][75] On
May 9, 2008, the victim and her husband filed two separate lawsuits against
Disney. Her lawsuit claims, among other things, that: Walt Disney World
provided inadequate staff and security at the ride; there was a lack of
adequate training to recognize security threats, that the park did not
anticipate the attack and have the attacker removed before anything happened
and that the following investigation was mishandled. His lawsuit against Disney
is claiming the loss of his wife's support and companionship due to the attack.[76]
Typhoon Lagoon
Main article: Disney's Typhoon
Lagoon
·
On August 4, 2005, a
12-year-old girl from Newport News,
Virginia felt ill
while using the wave pool. Lifeguards talked with her after noticing her
sitting on the side of the pool; she said she felt fine, but passed out shortly
thereafter. Though lifeguards performed CPR on her until paramedics arrived,
she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the local hospital.[77] The
autopsy showed that she died due to arrhythmia caused
by an early-stage viral heart infection.[78]
Guest altercations
·
On July 3, 2009, a
51-year-old man from Farmington, New
York was charged with
lewd and lascivious molestation after allegedly attempting to remove a
teenager's bathing suit while both were in the wave pool. Disney security was
notified and they called for Orange County deputies. In the arrest report, both
Disney security and the deputies report observing the man attempting to do the
same to at least five other girls.[79]
·
On July 10, 2009, a
51-year-old Connecticut man
was charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition after he allegedly fondled
himself in front of a teenage girl near the park's wave pool. One eyewitness, a
visitor who worked with paroled sex-offenders in Missouri,
confronted the man who then fled the scene. As he attempted to leave the
parking lot, he ran a stop sign and was stopped by an Orange County deputy and
detained on charges of driving with a suspended license. The man denied the
lewd conduct charges, claiming his European-style swimsuit was too small. This
was the fifth sexual-related reported incident to occur at a Central Florida
water park in 2009; the other parks aside from Typhoon Lagoon were Blizzard Beach, Aquatica, and Wet 'n Wild.[80] The
charges were dropped in August 2009 after prosecutors determined there was
insufficient evidence in the case.[81]
·
On July 16, 2009, a
29-year-old man from Washington was arrested and charged with one
count of lewd molestation of a teenager.[82] He
was sentenced to 24 months in state prison.[83]
Characters
·
In 2005, Walt Disney
World reported 773 injuries to OSHA for employees portraying one of 270
different characters at the parks.[55]
·
Of those injuries
listed, 282 (roughly 36%) were related to costuming issues, such as costume
weight affecting the head, neck, or shoulders.
·
49 injuries (6%) were
specifically due to the costume head.
·
107 injuries (14%) were
caused by park guests' interactions with the characters, where the guest hit,
pushed, or otherwise hurt (intentionally or not) the costumed employee.
·
Other items in the
report include skin rashes, bruises, sprains, or heat-related issues.
·
One change that Disney
made to assist character performers was to change rules limiting the overall
costume weight to be no more than 25% of the performer's body weight.
Donald Duck
·
A 27-year-old woman from Upper Darby,
Pennsylvania filed a
lawsuit in August 2010 against the Disney corporation, claiming that the Donald Duck character
groped her during a photo and autograph session in May 2008 while she and her
family were visiting Epcot. The lawsuit is for US$200,000 in damages to
compensate the alleged victim for negligence, battery, negligent infliction of
emotional distress and intentional and reckless infliction of emotional
distress. The woman claims to suffer from severe physical injury, emotional
anguish and distress, acute anxiety, headaches, nightmares and flashbacks, and
other emotional and physical ailments. Part of the lawsuit's basis is a report
from the Orange County Sheriff's Office that alleged similar acts by costumed
characters have been reported to them 24 times since 2004. The woman did not
file a complaint at the time of the incident.[84]
Goofy
·
In September 2004, a Disney employee who had been accused for a different act
previously was
suspended for allegedly shoving two Kodak employees while he was dressed as Goofy at Animal Kingdom on August 29, 2004.
The two photographers believed that Goofy was a different employee who was
joking around until they were relaxing backstage and saw it was not their
friend. The cast member's attorney stated that the two photographers shoved
back as part of routine horseplay among employees meant to entertain. The sheriff's
office was considering misdemeanor charges.[85] During
the investigation, two Animal Kingdom employees came forward saying the cast
member had touched their breasts. The lawyer claimed that the cast member was
merely looking at their lanyards containing lapel trading
pins.[86]
Minnie Mouse
·
On June 7, 2009, a
60-year-old man from Cressona,
Pennsylvania allegedly
touched Minnie Mouse while he was visiting the Magic Kingdom. He was convicted
of misdemeanor battery on August 11, 2009.[87]
Tigger
 |
Wikinews
has related news:
|
·
In April 2004, a
36-year-old Disney employee was arrested for allegedly fondling a 13-year-old
girl and her mother while he was dressed as Tigger during a photo opportunity
at the Magic Kingdom in February 2004. He was charged with one count of lewd
and lascivious molestation of a child between 12 and 15 years old and one count
of simple battery.[88][dead link] The case went to trial, where the
jury's deliberation lasted less than one hour. The employee was acquitted of
all charges and returned to work at Disney.[89][dead link]
·
On January 5, 2007, a
14-year-old boy from Greenville, New
Hampshire was allegedly punched in the head by a Disney
employee dressed as Tigger during a photo opportunity at Disney's
Hollywood Studios.[90] The
family felt that the act was deliberate and filed a police report of battery against
the cast member from Kissimmee,
Florida.[91] The
cast member was suspended pending the results of the investigation.[92] In
the cast member's statement to the sheriff's office, he claimed that he was
acting in self-defense as the child was pulling on the back of the costume and
causing him to lose his breath.[93] A
lawyer for the employee accused in the 2004 case against Tigger released his
own opinion on the situation. He believed the child instigated the situation
and that cast member's movements were an involuntary reaction to pain. The
lawyer was not representing the accused cast member at the time of this
statement.[94] On
February 15, 2007, the State Attorney General's office announced that no
charges would be filed against the cast member.[95]
Resort hotels
Disney's BoardWalk Inn
Main article: Disney's
BoardWalk Inn
·
On June 29, 2000, a
waiter and a child were held hostage by the child's father in a hotel room over
domestic issues. During the hostage situation, other guests were evacuated and
given alternative accommodations in the resort. The man released the hostages
and handed himself over to authorities in the early hours of June 30, 2000.[96]
Disney's Fort Wilderness
Main article: Disney's
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
·
On May 23, 1987, a
six-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool. The family later sued, stating
that resort should have had more than one lifeguard on duty to monitor the
crowded pool, and that the pool should have had a safety line between the
shallow and deep ends.[97]
Doubletree Guest Suites
·
On June 13, 2010, a body
was discovered at the hotel. The cause was originally unknown, but was later
declared a suicide.[98][99]
Disney's Pop Century Resort
·
On March 10, 2013, a 13
year old boy from Springfield, Missouri, died after drowning in the resort
swimming pool. He was swimming in the Hippy Dippy pool with a group of children
including his younger brother and a cousin around 9.30pm when the incident occurred.
There were no lifeguards on duty at the pool beyond 8pm but it remained open
for use. He was pulled from the water by his father and another guest at the
hotel, who attempted to revive him by performing CPR. The boy passed away at
the Florida Hospital Celebration Health 3 days later.[100]
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