On Thanksgiving, a young boy jumped out of a Grizzly River Run raft and into the ride water, forcing Disneyland Resort firefighters and cast members to initiate an emergency response. Guests on the Disney California Adventure Park attraction were evacuated while the water was drained, allowing first responders to safely access the restricted ride area and rescue the child.
Grizzly River Run is a thrilling river rapids-style attraction in the Grizzly Peak area at Disney California Adventure Park. Although the attraction resembles a natural river, the water hides tracks and mechanical systems that guide the ride vehicles along the course. These features make the water extremely dangerous for swimmers or anyone attempting to walk or stand in the channel. In 2016, four people died on a similar river rapids attraction at Dreamworld in Australia after a malfunction caused two rafts to collide.
Viral Video of Thanksgiving Incident on Disneyland Ride
Last week, TikTok user @therichbabymomma posted a video showing a Disneyland Resort firefighter holding onto the boy as he leaned against one of the ride rafts. Other footage showed him splashing in the water and moving between the vehicles. According to the TikToker, the child removed some of his clothing and defecated in the ride water during the ordeal.
@therichbabymomma It’s Thanksgiving day at Disneyland And this kid jumped in the water and shut down grizzly river run ! #disneyland #californiaadventure #thanksgiving #onthisday
After the clip surpassed a million views, the user added that her family was stuck on Grizzly River Run for more than ninety minutes while cast members drained the attraction and firefighters tried to coax the child out:
“Thanksgiving in this kid decided to take a little swim in grizzly River run. Take off his clothes and then proceeded to take a 💩 .. the mom was around, but didn’t care too much and was super unhelpful.. meanwhile my kids were stuck on the ride for an hour and a half”
Another Disney Park guest, @destiinybbyy, supported this version of events in the comments.
“I was on the ride about to get off when they stopped the ride and I saw when the child jumped into the water. Mom showed no sign of even trying to get her son out of the water. It seemed like she wanted to put all the burden and responsibility onto the Disney staff (which they did an amazing job on handling the situation). She was just standing and watching him play in the water while all the staff would bring toys and stuff to try to get him out of the water. He even got to climb onto our vehicle which was so dangerous as he couldave fell and hit his head on the metal bar. He was also pulling down his pants and began undressing and mom wouldn’t say anything and just watched.”
Other social media users claimed the family was banned from Disneyland Resort, but that report could not be independently confirmed.
Debate Erupts Among Disney Parks Fans
The event sparked arguments about parenting, responsibility, and safety at the Disney parks. Some criticized the mother for not assisting with the rescue, while others empathized with her, suggesting the child may be on the autism spectrum and driven by sensory-seeking behavior.
“For the people saying that if he’s on the spectrum it shouldn’t matter, you obviously don’t know what a parent goes through with a child with a disability,” @kitty_scorsese wrote. “At times our kids are super fast that even when we are helicoptering them they get away fast.”
“I have two children on the spectrum and they would never because I would NOT let that happen…,” @tiffanyawinkelnutte argued.
“How about holding the parents accountable as well,” @cali.banjoplayer9 replied.
Ride Reopens After Extended Shutdown
Grizzly River Run eventually reopened after the water was drained, the child was recovered safely, and guests were escorted off the rafts. Disneyland Resort has not released an official statement about the incident.
Should Disneyland Resort ban this family from its theme parks? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments.
