List of incidents at Walt Disney World

Sculpture at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa dedicated to a boy killed by a wild alligator there in 2016. Note the rope barriers and signs warning of dangerous reptiles in the background, which were erected throughout Walt Disney World due to this incident.[1]

This is a summary of notable incidents that have taken place at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The term "incidents" refers to major injuries, deaths, loss (or injury), or significant crimes related to the attractions themselves, or personal altercations and incidents between the theme park guests and employees. Attraction-related incidents usually fall into one of the following categories:

  • Negligence on the park's part, either by ride operator or maintenance.
  • Negligence on the guest's part—this includes refusal to follow specific ride safety instructions, or deliberate intent to break park rules.
  • The result of a guest's known or unknown health issues.
  • Acts of God, which include generic accidents (e.g. slipping and falling) that are not the direct result of an action on anyone's part.

According to a 1985 Time magazine article, nearly 100 lawsuits are annually filed against Disney for various incidents.[2] Florida theme parks are required to notify the state of any ride-related injuries or illnesses that require a hospital stay of at least 24 hours.[3]

  1. ^ Stump, Scott (August 8, 2017). "Disney World Unveils Lighthouse Sculpture to Honor 2-Year-Old Boy Killed by Alligator". Today. Archived from the original on December 2, 2022. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  2. ^ "No Mickey Mousing Around". Time magazine. March 11, 1985. Archived from the original on January 20, 2008. Retrieved December 18, 2006.
  3. ^ Russon, Gabrielle (July 17, 2018). "Florida theme parks document visitors' health problems in new report". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 18, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.