Walt Disney World Epcot Discussion Thread

[CoastinKatie]

I am in shock that this happened. I guess I am kind of luck and unlucky in this situation.

My son is 4 years old and is 44 inches tall. His dad is 6'3, i'm 5'7. So he will be tall when he gets older. But in the same situation, he won't ride anything. He is autistic, and he refuses to go anywhere near ANY ride but a swing. And that took over 6 months to get him used to that.

Just today, I took him on the Carousel in the mall...he screamed the entire time. But when it comes to autistic kids, if they can become tolerant to something, then it's ok, just getting him to do it, is a challenge.

I don't know why the parents took him on the ride. I don't know maybe they thought it was a "tame" ride. I don't know. I am deeply sorry it had to happen. A little boy lost his life, and it shouldn't have happened. If he met the height requirement, then he was able to ride, but I agree with whom ever said, it should be the parents responsibility to ride first to see if they think their kid could take that kind of stress.

Katie, my thoughts and prayers are out to that family in their darkest hour.

[SharkTumsSite Admin]

I'm going to throw support to Ted and Shari as well. I really have to believe that there is some underlying medical condition here, or even like the goliath or indiana jones women, even something like a bad blood vessel that no one could have known about.

This is sad no matter who's fault it is, but I also agree that just because a child is TALL enough, does not mean they are ready for the ride. For example Dallas has been tall enough for X for almost 2 years and we will still not put him on it!

Elissa "bring back horizons!" Alvey

[coasters 4 meCoaster Berry]

I have to go with you people. i was probably something to do with a medical condition.

Or else maybe because he was so young that his body couldnt take the G-Forces. I have been on it, just after 2 months after opening, and it is a pretty extreme ride. The G-Forces are really intense, but I loved it.

What reputation to you think this will have on Disney. I know it is a one of event but do you think they will close it or will it remean open?

--Ryan: Regrett to hear this tragic incident :Berry--

[Sir ClinksalotBitch Please!]

Wow, how very sad.

But I'm with Elissa. Just because a child is old enough for something, doesn't mean they should be riding it. Just like Dallas, Amanda has been tall enough for X for awhile now, but she's not ready for it. Quite honestly, I would take her on any B&M I've been on with multiple inversions before I would take her on X.

Somebody on MiceChat is reporting that the ride has already reopened. Can anybody confirm? Seems too soon IMO, even if it had nothing to do with the ride. If this was a pre-existing thing, it could have happened on anything with G forces.

My guess is that the rides height requirement will go up to at least 48", although that wouldn't have prevented this from happening.

[MeteornotesKeeper Of The Carnivorous Bees!]

This is indeed sad, but like others have said, there was likely an underlying medical condition that was previously unknown that caused this. As far as height restrictions go, I think they only take into account that someone will fit correctly into a restraint system, not whether or not the ride may be too intense for someone.

I have to say, though, that Disney goes way beyond what anyone would expect notifying people about the intensity of the ride. There are signs everywhere, and multiple announcements are made about it, so I don't think anyone could get on the attraction and not have some idea that it's fairly intense...

dt

[SharkTumsSite Admin]

^It might not be too soon if they haven't released all of the details to the public.

Maybe we're all right, there was a condition, case closed...and since that's not all dramatic and bad the news just hasn't reported it yet.

Elissa "Still would rather have Horizons back!" Alvey

[CoasterFanaticThe Resident Smart-Ass]

That thing costs $200 Million? Are you serious?!

Yep. Actually estimates range from 150-200 Mil. The attraction was originally supposed to be sponsored by Compaq, but HP inherited it after the companies merged.

For those of you who don't know much about "SPACE", this is a great resource
http://www.wdwmagic.com/space_pavilion.htm

[EpcotLovaCarowinds is My Lover.]

I love Mission: Space, I really really do.

I love the graphics, the ride queue, the overall ride experience, its just one of my favorite rides ever. And if they seriously decide to get rid of this ride people really need to get a brain check and understand that sometimes people that go to theme parks are idiots and do not take responsibility for themselves or their families.

I dont see what the big deal about safety in Mission: Space anyway, I have never found it too intense. Sure, its an intense ride but it is a high-tech thrill ride and it warns you repeatedly that you may hurl, black out, or other medical matters.

I feel sorry for the kid who died as he obviously had some idiotic parents.

[coaster1"Excuse me, miss, may I pound my large rooster into your donkey?"]

Personally I aggree it was pre-exisiting or the kid was just so wigged out by the ride, he brought it on by a panic attack.

My mother said she checked with my sister 4 times before they rode yesterday and was quite aware of the warning of how intense the ride is. So I blame the parents mainly .. seems like maybe Disney should make a required age for this attraction as a precaution .. sure it may piss some people off .. but it's for the good in the long run. Most haunted houses I've seen have age requirements due to how intense they are, most are 14+ .. so if they can, why not Disney?

[HattuchiliNot Everyone In Germany Wears Lederhosen and Eats Sauerkraut]

I agree with Ted. I think a 4 years old child is definitely to young for a ride with this intense! However, no one knows what is really happend with this child. Up to now there are only speculations!

--Sören