When stuck on an attraction, when is it okay to call 911

[casinocolin]

There’s a story in the Orlando Sentinel this morning about a ride-stop and subsequent guest evacuation on the new Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure park. Ride-stops and walk-offs happen all the time at theme parks, particularly with new attractions, so this wouldn’t be a story, except for a this time a guest called 911.

If you’ve been on HPFJ, you know that there are points in the ride where your position on the ride is practically upside down on your back. This is made possible by the Kuka robo-arm technology the attraction uses. If you’ve seen the Sum of All Thrills attraction at EPCOT you know the range of movement. The guest who dialed 911 was stuck in an awkward position and began to feel uncomfortable when he called for help.

This raises a couple questions. I know they tell you to empty your pockets when riding HPFJ, so how did that guest have access to his mobile phone? Did the guest attempt to communicate with ride operators before calling 911? How long of a wait did the guest experience in that awkward position before calling 911? How is guest evacuation handled on HPFJ? Do they bring ladders to each car, or are the cars capable of being manually moved to pre-determined unloading stations like in Peter Pan? If the latter, what happens in case of fire?

I am hoping Universal has good answers to all the ride safety questions, but since there is no state or industry organization that certifies a guest safety plan, we have to take their word for it. Which brings me back to my point for this post. What would make you call 911 if you were on an attraction that stopped?

 

[paulh]

we were at Bush one time and one of there rides(think montu?)broke in mid flight and the brakes cut in holding it upside down on the loop for 1/2 an hour
They got a siccor lift in to get them down done by the fire brigade
Once in las vegeas just after they had installed the new rides on the stratoshere which shoot you out over the edge on a angle it got stuck in the out position they were there for a couple of hours(they got great upgrades as compo)
It hapens and they have plans in place but hopefully not when were on them
Paul

 

[2Tiggies]

I wouldn't bother because I am sure more than one person called 911 anyway.

 

[tinkandonaldfans]

despite being told to empty their pockets guests always take things on board with them.

i used to work for a big theme park here in the uk and phones were always being lost on the ride because they ignored the warning!

as for calling 911, i wouldn't bother because the ride operators and engineers are the most capable people to help in this situation! rides break down all the time with people on them!

these kinds of rides are put through such rigorous tests to the point where they are probably one of the safest places to be! obviously things can go wrong but this is what all the staff are trained to be able to deal with!

 

[disney_princess_85]

Once in las vegeas just after they had installed the new rides on the stratoshere which shoot you out over the edge on a angle it got stuck in the out position they were there for a couple of hours(they got great upgrades as compo)

I would've been terrified!

 

[whatcateydid]

I'd call 911 if someone was hurt and there was no way of getting the CM/staff's attention. I'd call if I could smell burning, or if I was pretty sure they'd closed the ride and left me in there! To be honest, it'd have to be pretty serious before I'd risk dropping my phone!

 

[JonFozz]

Their 1st call was to their lawyer!