A recent ride disruption at Walt Disney World Resort’s Soarin’ Around the World attraction caused quite the stir among guests. Last week, dozens of riders found themselves stuck over 70 feet above EPCOT when the flight simulator suddenly stopped, leaving them suspended mid-air for over 30 minutes. To make matters more uncomfortable, one guest reportedly became ill and vomited during the unexpected pause.
Soarin’ Around the World, which first opened in 2005, offers Disney Park guests the sensation of flying over iconic landmarks around the globe. In 2016, it evolved from its original Soarin’ Over California theme and now has sister rides across Disney parks worldwide. The ride’s worldwide recognition means many are reluctant to miss it, but this recent incident might give some Disney Park guests pause.
TikTok user @kettlecornmakspam, one of the stranded Disney Park guests, shared a firsthand video from the broken-down Soarin’ Around the World.
“We have been up here for 30 min and someone barfed,” the video’s caption read.
@kettlecornmakspam we have been up here for 30 min and someone barfed #epcot #help #disney
Despite the chaos, Disney cast members efficiently managed the situation, safely evacuating all guests from the ride. As compensation, those affected were given two unrestricted Lightning Lane passes, allowing them to bypass lines on popular rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
“Update we got 2 free lighting lanes and rode Guardians twice in a row,” the TikToker later posted.
Walt Disney World Resort rarely issues public statements on ride malfunctions; this instance was no exception. However, Soarin’ Around the World reopened and resumed normal operations shortly after the incident.
Have you ever gotten stuck on a ride at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Share your story with us in the comments!
Please note that the story outlined in this article is based on a personal Disney Parks guest experience. No two guest experiences are alike, and this article does not necessarily align with Disney Dining’s personal views on Disney Park operations.
Been stuck several times on rides at WDW. Had a nice 45 minute nap while being stuck on Carousel of Progress. Got stuck on Spaceship Earth for 15 minutes just as our car had turned around backwards to head back down. Stuck for 30 minutes in front of Madame Leota in the Seance Room in Haunted Mansion. Thanksfully, I’ve never been puked on.
I love Soarin’ but the seats are uncomfortable (the angle of them and you can’t lean back). But this would be neat except for the getting sick part.
just a wonder what they did for the unlucky person who got puked on….???? Fresh clothes??? Clean up room ?? 2 lousy tickets for fast passes?????……. someone puked on me i would of been violently sick puking all over …….What is going on here Disney??? Seems alot of broken down rides lately…..hmmmm maybe they need to hire some folk who MAINTAIN these rides……