Disney Around the GlobeFeaturedNews

Disney Parks Plunge Into Chaos as Major Rides Break Down

Disney guests expecting a full day of attractions instead encountered a series of unexpected closures and delays. Several rides were shut down without warning, forcing evacuations and leaving many visitors frustrated after long waits in line.

Disney parks are usually known for their efficiency, but mechanical and digital malfunctions do occur. Earlier this month, a global cloud outage caused wait-time displays to disappear at Magic Kingdom Park, and similar problems have affected systems across other international locations.

A woman with two children at Magic Kingdom during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Credit: Disney

Ride Closures and Evacuations at Disney

This time, the issues arose at Disneyland Paris, where multiple attractions went offline. “Multiple times we have been in a queue for a ride, and it gets cancelled [due to] technical difficulties. Flight Force 3x, Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Mountain… What a way to have a good experience…” one guest shared on Reddit.

Guests were also evacuated from Phantom Manor and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Phantom Manor broke down and had to walk out with pics and the lights on
byu/Bod1973 indisneylandparis

One parkgoer described: “We were in the middle of the trip (according to the cast) so some of them got into the water wearing waterproof overalls… from there we step out from the boat and walk, it was a path outside the regular park area.”

Pirates of the Caribbean entrance at Disneyland Paris
Credit: Disney

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was among the most notable closures.

Despite a refurbishment earlier this year, the coaster has struggled with recurring breakdowns. Often regarded as one of the best versions of the ride worldwide, it has nevertheless developed a reputation for shutdowns and evacuations. Reports suggest another closure for refurbishment may even be on the horizon for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, often considered Disney’s least impressive roller coaster, also drew criticism. Previously Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster before being re-themed for Avengers Campus, the ride has long been called rough and uncomfortable by guests. There have even been suggestions that executives were dissatisfied with its performance, though no changes have been confirmed.

Guests ride Avengers Assemble: Flight Force next to Captain Marvel and Iron Man
Credit: Disney

Managing Guest Expectations

Technical issues are an unavoidable reality at theme parks, but they can be especially disruptive for visitors who only have a limited time in the resort. Disneyland Paris provides updates through its mobile app, and scheduled refurbishments are announced in advance.

Even with interruptions, the resort continues to offer entertainment through parades, stage shows, and themed dining across both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.

The Frozen Ever After attraction at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

Expansion projects, including a Frozen-themed land, are also set to enhance the guest experience in the future (even if Disneyland Park is, once again, receiving the short end of the stick with no new attractions).

Have you noticed increased downtime at Disney parks lately?

Author

  • Chloe James

    Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles