While the experience may include sipping Butterbeer and indulging in chocolate at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, some visitors may unfortunately fall ill. Fortunately, Universal provides on-site staff across CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay to assist guests in need. In more serious cases, an ambulance may be required.
A recent report from Florida Politics highlighted the injury data released by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. If a guest is hospitalized for more than 24 hours due to an injury at the resort, Universal is required to report the incident, and the details are made public quarterly. The latest report covers incidents from January to March. However, not all details are disclosed, so some information may be limited.
A new state report released Tuesday detailed 11 incidents that occurred at Florida’s theme parks between July and September.
Universal Orlando Resort Injuries Reported
At Universal Orlando Resort, a number of incidents involving medical issues were reported recently, highlighting the occasional challenges some guests face while enjoying the park’s thrill rides. One such incident involved a 36-year-old man who experienced a potentially serious issue when his medical device became dislodged while riding Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
This high-speed roller coaster, which takes riders through the Forbidden Forest on a motorbike-themed vehicle, is one of the park’s more intense attractions, featuring sudden drops, fast turns, and multiple launches. The specific nature of the man’s medical device was not disclosed, but the incident underscores the importance of Universal’s health and safety warnings for guests with medical conditions.
In another case, a 68-year-old man reported feeling dizzy after riding the Trolls Troller Coaster in Universal’s new family-friendly DreamWorks Land. This coaster, which is designed for younger visitors and families, is relatively mild compared to some of Universal’s more intense thrill rides. However, even gentler rides can sometimes cause discomfort for certain individuals, especially those who are older or have preexisting conditions.
Several other adults reported similar issues after riding Universal’s more intense attractions. Popular rides such as Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts saw guests experiencing dizziness and motion sickness. These attractions are known for their dynamic ride systems, which include fast-paced sequences, sudden drops, sharp turns, and sometimes immersive 3D effects, all of which can trigger symptoms of vertigo or motion sickness in some riders.
Revenge of the Mummy, for example, is an indoor roller coaster that features dark environments, sudden high-speed launches, and jolting stops, which can disorient guests who are sensitive to motion. Similarly, Jurassic Park River Adventure includes a dramatic plunge at the end of the ride, which can contribute to feelings of dizziness or disorientation. Meanwhile, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts combines 3D visual effects with roller coaster elements, creating an immersive but intense experience that can sometimes overwhelm guests.
While Universal Orlando Resort provides safety and health warnings for each attraction, including recommendations for those who may be prone to motion sickness or have other health concerns, these incidents illustrate that even with precautions, some visitors may still experience adverse effects. It’s important for guests to carefully review the ride advisories and make informed decisions based on their own physical conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Universal provides safety and rider warning signs at the entrance of each attraction to help guests determine which rides are suitable for them. These signs outline specific health and safety requirements, which vary by attraction. Guests are encouraged to read these warnings carefully. “You know your physical conditions and limitations. If you believe your health may be at risk or that a pre-existing condition could be aggravated, it is advised not to ride,” Universal advises.
Thankfully, no incidents were reported at SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland Florida, or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during this period.
This news comes after Universal Orlando Resort unleashed incredible information today regarding the future of Epic Universe.
Epic Universe will be Universal Orlando Resort’s third theme park in Florida and is set to feature five brand-new themed lands: Celestial Park, How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic.
Alongside these immersive lands, Universal will introduce three new hotels—Terra Luna, Stella Nova, and Helios Grand Hotel—which will open in phases leading up to the park’s debut. The Stella Nova hotel is set to welcome its first guests on January 21, 2025, followed by Terra Luna on February 25, 2025. Although a specific opening date for Helios Grand Hotel has not been announced, it is expected to open later in 2025.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Universal aims to have Epic Universe “fully open as early as Memorial Day weekend 2025,” which would put the park ahead of schedule. This accelerated timeline suggests that tickets for the new park could go on sale soon, though Universal has not yet confirmed an official opening date. As always, plans may evolve, but excitement for the park’s debut continues to build.
Disney World Also Reports Several Injuries
At Walt Disney World, injuries were also reported.
Two Disney World guests suffered seizures recently — a 38-year-old man after riding the Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Magic Kingdom and a 53-year-old woman during the Kilimanjaro Safaris Expedition at Animal Kingdom. These incidents were among several medical emergencies reported in the latest state theme park injury report.
In another case, a 79-year-old woman fell while exiting the Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom. The Tomorrowland Speedway attraction requires guests to step out of low-seated cars, which can be a challenge for some visitors, especially older guests or those with limited mobility. While the extent of her injuries was not detailed, her fall highlights the importance of exercising caution when disembarking from certain rides.
Additionally, a 70-year-old woman reported feeling motion sickness after riding the classic Space Mountain roller coaster at Magic Kingdom. Space Mountain is known for its dark, fast-paced twists and turns, which can sometimes trigger dizziness or nausea, especially for older adults or those sensitive to intense motion.
Another medical incident occurred at Epcot, where a 68-year-old man, who had a preexisting health condition, reported feeling chest pain after riding The Seas with Nemo and Friends. This ride, while generally gentle and aimed at families, can still present health risks for guests with certain medical conditions.
The most alarming report involved a 5-year-old boy who experienced a cardiac event after riding Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster. On September 9, the boy stopped breathing and had a seizure while on the ride. His mother revealed that her son had a previously undiagnosed heart condition, which contributed to the medical emergency. The ride itself, featuring fast drops and sharp turns, is one of Epcot’s more intense attractions, but it is unlikely that the boy’s condition was triggered by the ride alone.
Fortunately, Disney staff and fellow guests quickly intervened, helping the family during the crisis. The boy was taken for immediate medical care, where he underwent surgery for his heart condition. His family has since shared that he has made a full recovery and is back to his “happy old self.”
These incidents serve as a reminder that while Disney World is a place of fun and excitement, guests with preexisting conditions or those prone to motion sickness should always take extra precautions, read all ride warnings, and consult medical professionals if necessary before enjoying certain attractions.
Have you ever been injured at a theme park?
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