Ten serious injuries and illnesses occurred on Walt Disney World rides in the second quarter of this year, according to the latest reports filed with the state.
Five such incidents were reported at Universal Orlando and one at SeaWorld. Wet ‘n Wild, Busch Gardens and Legoland reported no serious injuries.
The reports are part of an agreement major theme parks have struck with the state, which has exempted them from public ride-safety regulation. The parks report incidents that occur on rides and result in immediate hospital stays of more than 24 hours.
On the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a 26-year-old man reported back and leg pain and said he felt lightheaded. He later underwent heart surgery. Also on the roller coaster, a 50-year-old man felt ill with nausea. On the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, an 18-year-old man with a pre-existing health condition felt chest pain and numbness in his arm.
At the Magic Kingdom, a 41-year-old man felt ill and began shaking on the Walt Disney World Railroad. A 46-year-old woman felt ill, dizzy and disoriented on Space Mountain. A 70-year-old woman with a pre-existing condition became dizzy on the Haunted Mansion. A 67-year-old man with a pre-existing condition felt ill after exiting Tomorrowland Speedway.
At Epcot, a 69-year-old woman fell and fractured her leg while boarding Spaceship Earth.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a 70-year-old man with a pre-existing condition felt ill and had neck discomfort on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
A 65-year-old woman injured her knee in the Typhon Lagoon Surf Pool.
At Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, a 50-year-old woman fainted and a 59-year-old man suffered motion sickness on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. A 46-year-old woman felt neck pain on the Dragon Challenge.
At Universal Studios Florida, a 3-year-old had arm pain on Fievel’s Playland and a 46-year-old man with a pre-existing condition had a seizure on Men In Black Alien Attack.
On SeaWorld’s Manta, a 54-year-old man felt chest pain and shortness of breath.
Universal lifts blockout dates
A little more than a week after opening Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Universal Orlando has lifted blockout dates for the remainder of the summer.
That’s likely a sign that attendance is below expectation, said Duncan Dickson, a former Disney executive who’s now an associate professor at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Lifting blockout dates brings in people who might spend additional money on food or merchandise.
Blockout dates at Universal affect visitors with lower-priced passes. Typically those guests can only visit one park during the busiest times of year. Generally the park with the newest attraction is the one that’s off-limits. This year, the summer blockout dates were for Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where Kong just opened.
Universal had already lifted blockout dates during June, before Kong’s official debut.
Universal’s corporate owner, Comcast Corp., will report earnings Wednesday.
Prather heading state council
Former SeaWorld Orlando president Terry Prather been appointed to serve as the Florida Council of Tourism Leaders’ executive director.
The council, which is comprised of the former chairs of Visit Florida’s Board of Directors, creates a network of industry experts that the organization may turn to for expertise and experience.
Prather left SeaWorld in October after having most recently been a senior vice president.
With the council, Prather’s first effort will be to conduct an assessment identifying areas of focus for the council and developing a road map to better align the group with Visit Florida’s 2020 strategic plan.
Universal partnership
Universal Parks & Resorts has entered into a corporate partnership agreement with Christie Digital Systems USA. Christie will become the official projection system provider for the theme parks and CityWalk complexes.
Christie will be the preferred partner for projectors ordered, purchased, and installed by Universal at all domestic controlled venues. Christie will also supply software and professional services.
“Universal Parks & Resorts continues to push the limits of technology and innovation, and Christie is honored to have this long-term opportunity,” said Jeff Klaas, Christie’s Vice President of Sales — Americas, in a news release.
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