Multiple Injuries Reported So Far in 2024 Across Several Orlando-Based Theme Parks, Only the Big Names Included

Orlando, Florida, stands as a magnetic hub of entertainment, drawing crowds from around the globe to experience the magic and thrills of its unparalleled collection of theme parks. Seamlessly blending fantasy, adventure, and innovation, Orlando’s theme parks offer a kaleidoscope of experiences that cater to every taste and preference, ensuring that visitors of all ages create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

At the crown jewel of Orlando’s attraction lineup, the Walt Disney World Resort reigns supreme, enchanting guests with its expansive wonderlands.

Each of its four main parks is a marvel in itself: Magic Kingdom, with its iconic Cinderella Castle and beloved characters; Epcot, where technological innovation meets cultural diversity in the World Showcase and Future World; Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a celebration of all things showbiz and entertainment; and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a mesmerizing fusion of nature and imagination.

Across town, Universal Orlando Resort stands tall as a beacon of thrills and cinematic magic. Home to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, this resort immerses guests in the worlds of their favorite movies and stories.

From the spellbinding Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where visitors can wander through the streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, to the adrenaline-pumping rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Universal Orlando is a haven for movie buffs and thrill-seekers alike.

Related: Decades Old Orlando Theme Park Demolished as New Project Takes Over

For aquatic wonders and marine marvels, SeaWorld Orlando offers a unique blend of education and entertainment. Guests can witness awe-inspiring performances by majestic marine animals, ride exhilarating roller coasters like Mako and Kraken, and even engage in hands-on interactions with dolphins and sea lions.

Meanwhile, LEGOLAND Florida Resort caters specifically to younger visitors with its colorful LEGO-themed attractions, water park, and interactive experiences that ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike.

Beyond the thrilling rides and enchanting characters, Orlando’s theme parks are a testament to human creativity and storytelling prowess. Whether embarking on a safari adventure in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, exploring the depths of the ocean at SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove, or marveling at the intricate details of Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, guests are transported to worlds where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, leaving them captivated and inspired.

Orlando’s theme parks are not just destinations; they are gateways to realms of wonder and excitement, inviting visitors to embark on unforgettable journeys filled with magic, thrills, and endless possibilities.

Following is a hub for fun and adventure; each theme park in Orlando, especially the big names like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, and Universal Orlando Resort, is incredibly occupied with safety. After all, if someone doesn’t have a memorable or magical time, they likely won’t return.

For this reason, when you visit parks and places like Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom, and Discovery Cove, you’ll find many safety rules and regulations in place. These are to protect visitors to the numerous Orlando theme parks and water parks around central Florida.

To better understand the injury trends around some of the best theme parks in the world, the MOU Exempt Facilities Report releases each quarter highlighting injury numbers from every theme park location in Orlando. These numbers are provided to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Related: Here’s What They’re NOT Telling You About Universal Orlando’s Newest Theme Park

The first for 2024 has just dropped, with initial reports suggesting 10 total injuries between Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Universal, and LEGOLAND in the first quarter of the year. Although no injuries were reported out of SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and LEGOLAND, Disney World and Universal Orlando were not as lucky.

1st Quarter 2024 (January – March 2024)

Disney World

1/4/24 Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, 73 yom, guest with pre-existing condition lost consciousness after experiencing the attraction

1/6/24 TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom, 46 yof, guest had head pain and nausea after experiencing the attraction

1/13/24 Kilimanjaro Safaris Expedition at Animal Kingdom, 63 yof, guest injured her leg while exiting the ride vehicle

1/23/24 Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom, 32 yof, guest lost consciousness while riding the attraction

1/24/24 Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, 70 yof, guest fell and injured her leg loading into the attraction

2/18/24 Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios, 68 yof, guest with pre-existing condition felt shortness of breath after experiencing the attraction

2/27/24 Summit Plummet thrill ride at Blizzard Beach, 29 yom, guest with pre-existing condition lost consciousness after experiencing the attraction

3/20/24 Frozen Ever After at EPCOT, 44 yof, guest with pre-existing condition had a seizure after experiencing the attraction.

Universal

3/13/24 Doctor Doom’s Fearfall at Islands of Adventure, 56 yom, altered level of consciousness (pre-existing condition)

3/26/24 Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios 3-D, 38 yom, altered level of consciousness

(The following report is a compilation of data collected from the exempt facilities and reflects only the information reported at the time of the incident. Due to privacy-related concerns, the Department does not receive updates to initial assessments of a patron’s condition)

As you can see from the data above, Walt Disney World received the most reported issues and incidents, many of which seem to be connected to pre-existing conditions. Although it’s ultimately unclear what some of the reported injuries entail, such as “altered level of consciousness,” given the number of visitors that Walt Disney World, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Universal see each quarter, the fact that there are only 10 reported injuries is surprising.

Related: Guest’s Death at Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom & Other Injuries Make Disney World the Most Dangerous Theme Park Resort in Florida

Considering the amount of work companies like Disney and Universal do to ensure guests’ safety, the numbers may not be as shocking as one would initially think. When visiting Orlando theme parks, safety is paramount. These parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, prioritize guest safety through various measures.

From ride maintenance to trained staff and clear safety instructions, visitors can enjoy their time at these attractions with peace of mind. Additionally, maintaining personal safety by following park rules, staying hydrated, and wearing sunscreen is essential to fully enjoy the memorable experiences these theme parks offer.

This Isn’t the Entire Story

Although the numbers presented by the MOU report are promising in the sense that they do provide a look inside what’s happening at both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, they don’t paint the entire picture of what’s happening around Orlando theme parks.

Sure, these are the “big boys,” but anyone driving down I-4 will wonder, what about all the smaller spots like Icon Park? The question is a reasonable one, especially considering the death of a teenager at this particular place during Spring Break a year ago.

With that in mind, Inside the Magic also has questioned whether or not some of the “big players” could be misreporting their numbers. This comes after the Orlando Sentinel “shared that as claims of misreporting continue to stack up against the Parks, ride safety advocates are fighting for more transparency,” in reference to the same MOU Exempt Facilities Report last year.

Although you’re less likely to experience injury at one of the bigger brands, it’s tough to consider that the smaller theme parks aren’t held to the same standard in terms of reporting, at least not by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers. Is it because it’s obviously safer to visit the larger park in Orlando? You be the judge.