Injuries can happen anywhere, even in theme parks. 

Visits to theme parks like those at the Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Studios Orlando are such happy occasions that visitors often “turn off their brains” to the real world and instead live in the theme park bubble. However, being in that bubble can sometimes lead to disaster if someone stops paying attention to their surroundings, even in the most seemingly innocuous of situations. 

In looking over the statistics of injuries at Florida’s theme parks provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, we noticed some interesting incidents that involved rides that we wouldn’t have expected. 

*A Quick Note: We are by no means attempting to make light of these injuries, and wish full recovery and the best to those who suffered them*

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

There are few more serene and calm theme or amusement park attractions than a carousel. However, like any large piece of machinery, even the serene carousel in Magic Kingdom can be very dangerous. Back in February of 2022, a 74-year-old woman slipped while getting off of the attraction, falling and injuring her hip. 

Alien Swirling Saucers

If one were to run down the list of potentially “dangerous” rides at Hollywood Studios, Alien Swirling Saucers probably wouldn’t be high on the list. It was in September 2022 however, when a 59-year-old guest with a pre-existing condition suffered injuries to their toes on the attraction. 

Tomorrowland Speedway

Outside of young children who get a rush from “driving” for the first time, there probably aren’t too many people who would describe the Tomorrowland Speedway as a thrilling attraction. The 27-year-old woman who went into labor and gave birth after riding the Magic Kingdom ride in September of 2022 probably found it pretty thrilling, though. 

Carousel of Progress

We love the The Carousel of Progress, but in reality, the attraction is far from what anyone would describe as thrilling or potentially dangerous. In fact, many people see the show’s best use as a venue for an air-conditioned nap. However, the show was a much less positive experience for an 80-year-old woman who fell and injured her right leg within the rotating theater. 

Pirates of the Caribbean

Despite featuring a comparatively small drop, Pirates of the Caribbean isn’t a ride that would often top lists of most thrilling attractions, even in the relatively tame Magic Kingdom. However, even as docile as the ride may appear, a 75-year-old woman experienced cardiac symptoms after riding it in 2023. 

Tomorrowland Speedway

Returning to the Tomorrowland Speedway, in 2023 a 41-year-old man suffered a fractured elbow while exiting one of the attraction’s cars. 

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Moving from Disney to Universal – – specifically the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure – – we have one of the odder descriptions of injury we came across. A 26-year-old man suffered an “inability to speak” after riding the attraction. 

Spaceship Earth

Back at EPCOT, the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth is often thought of as the epitome of slow-moving, non-thrilling EPCOT edutainment attractions. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be dangerous. In January of 2024, a 70-year-old woman injured her leg on the attraction’s landing platform. 

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall and Transformers: The Ride 3-D

We’ve grouped these two Universal rides together, as within weeks of each other in the spring of 2024, both saw guests – – a 56-year-old man and a 38-year-old man respectively – – suffer “altered levels of consciousness” due to “pre-existing” conditions. 

These are just a sampling of the injuries that occurred at Orlando’s theme parks over the last couple of years. Keep them in mind next time you’re at the parks. Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of Disney and Universal. 

The 10 Rides That Cause the Most Injuries in Disney World

Have you ever suffered an injury at a Disney or Universal theme park? Let us know in the comments below.