A man visiting Disney from the Philippines died on Thursday morning after suffering a medical emergency on Frozen Ever After, the park’s new boat ride based on the 2013 film Frozen.
The incident occurred just after 10 a.m. while the guest was riding with his wife. When the boat returned to the dock, cast members immediately provided assistance and performed CPR before the man was transported by ambulance to North Lantau Hospital. He was pronounced dead at approximately 11:30 a.m.
According to reports, the guest had a history of heart disease and high blood pressure, for which he had been taking medication.
Hong Kong Disneyland Responds
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort expressed condolences following the man’s death. The park stated it would provide necessary assistance to his family. Preliminary investigations found the incident was not related to the safety of the attraction.
Ming Pao also reported that the resort shared its regrets and confirmed support for the family. Officials reiterated that the ride itself was operating normally.
Frozen Ever After first opened at EPCOT in 2016, replacing the Maelstrom boat ride in the Norway pavilion. The dark ride quickly became a signature attraction, featuring animatronics of Anna, Elsa, and Olaf alongside new arrangements of songs from the film.
In 2023, Hong Kong Disneyland introduced World of Frozen, the first themed land fully dedicated to the franchise. The area includes its own version of Frozen Ever After as well as Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, a family coaster, along with shops, dining, and detailed mountain backdrops that immerse visitors in the world of Arendelle.
Medical Emergencies in Theme Parks
Though rare, medical emergencies do occur at Disney parks worldwide. In 2024, a family visiting Disneyland Paris reported that a grandfather experienced a heart attack during their trip, leaving relatives temporarily stranded while navigating medical logistics.
At Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, a guest shared in December that a member of their party required urgent medical attention while waiting for Storybook Land Canal Boats. They praised staff for quick action in providing hospital transport but criticized the difficulty of exiting the park afterward.
“Why are they making me walk through Disneyland out to the tram?” one member of the group said on TikTok. “I stood in the tram line for at least 20 minutes…and then I had to get to the parking garage. Mind you, I’m not from California, so I have no idea where I’m going. They gave me an address of where to go, and that was it. They left me stranded trying to get to the hospital…My husband was out of surgery before I even got to the hospital.”
The recent tragedy in Hong Kong underscores how unforeseen health events can unfold even in carefully managed environments. Disney has not announced any operational changes to World of Frozen following the incident.
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