Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida, is a magical and enchanting destination that has captured the hearts of millions of guests from around the world since its opening in 1971. Walt Disney World Resort is not just a theme park; it’s a park full of imagination where dreams come true and childhood fantasies come to life. Disney World consists of four major theme parks, Magic Kingdom EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, each offering a unique and immersive experience for guests of all ages. Disney World is also home to two water parks Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
Magic Kingdom is the most well-known Disney World park. It features lands such as Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and several others. Guests can also spot Cinderella Castle when coming into the theme park. Magic Kingdom is home to attractions such as Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, TRON Lightcycle/Run, Jungle Cruise, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, “it’s a small world,” and several other exciting attractions.
Guests heading to EPCOT or Disney’s Animal Kingdom can experience learning in fun, exciting ways. EPCOT focuses on the future and learning about the land, while Disney’s Animal Kingdom features the animal kingdom, and guests can get up and personal while learning about different animals. EPCOT includes attractions such as Soarin’ Around the World, Living with the Land, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, Spaceship Earth, and many more attractions. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can view shows such as Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond show. Animal Kingdom includes attractions such as “It’s Tough to be a Bug!,” Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur, Avatar Flight of Passage, Kali River Rapids, and many more thrilling attractions.
Last but not least, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is dedicated to the world of movies and entertainment. It’s home to many thrilling attractions and immersive experiences. Some guests’ must-see attractions and lands include but are not limited to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Fantasmic!, Aerosmith Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and much more.
In a social media post, Guests were boarding Aerosmith Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster when they felt like they were strapped all the way in. Disney Cast Members walk around and check guests’ restraints before sending the ride off. However, this guest said they pulled down the lap bar and did not hear a click, and due to the guest being taller, they felt like their shoulders were too tall for it to lock in place. This guest tried to flag down the Cast Member to let them know they weren’t strapped all the way in when the Cast Member gave the all-clear and sent the attraction off. This guest started to panic and decided to slide down into the seat and was able to click the seat and lock it.
“Went to WDW last year and this has been on my mind because it was a bit scary. I was getting on the Rockin Roller Coaster and got in the seat. I was pulling down the harness or whatever you call it, one of the ones where it holds you down by the shoulders. Anyway, the cast member passed by and told me to pull it down, which I did but it didn’t click because I was tall and my shoulders were too high for it to lock properly. I was going to tell the cast member, but they were already gone and had signalled the other cast member to start the ride. I panicked and tried to get the cast member’s attention, but it was too noisy and they couldn’t hear. I quickly tried to scooch down in the seat to make room, which luckily worked and was able to lock it, and the ride started immediately after. It was pretty freaky.
My wife said there are probably safety warnings on the control panel that won’t let the ride start if my harness wasn’t locked though, so I didn’t have to worry.”
While this guest may have felt they were in danger, Disney Cast Members work hard to protect guests. Disney World rides and experiences are engineered with state-of-the-art technology, rigorous maintenance schedules, and strict safety protocols. Ride operators and cast members are trained extensively to ensure that every guest can enjoy the attractions safely.
In this case, the restraint may have seemed like it was not properly put in place, but there would have been a warning message if there was, indeed, any kind of malfunction.