Teen falls 50 feet on Disneyland ride; state finds no operational issues
Los Angeles Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- A 13-year-old boy climbed out of Disneyland's Tiana’s Bayou Adventure log flume ride and fell 50 feet, prompting an inspection by California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which found no operational issues and approved the ride to reopen.
- The teen fell headfirst down a waterfall behind the ride, was hospitalized as a precaution, and later released; the reason for his early exit from the ride remains unclear.
- The ride, formerly Splash Mountain and reimagined in 2024, does not have safety belts or lap bars, which is common for log flume rides to avoid trapping guests if boats overturn.
- Safety experts note that riders sometimes exit log flume boats in panic or due to behavioral factors, and while injuries are rare, the incident may lead to reconsideration of safety measures such as lap belts or attendants monitoring riders.
- Disneyland has not commented on whether it will implement additional safety precautions following the incident.
