Riders Trapped On Universal Orlando Rollercoaster For Nearly One Hour
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on November 27, 2023 at 1:15 PM EST
A Universal Orlando rollercoaster broke down as riders were on the attraction, resulting in them being stuck for nearly one hour.
On Thanksgiving Day, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida broke down. The steel coaster features a 167-foot-tall vertical lift followed by a series of loops, twists, and turns. Riders got stuck near the top of the vertical lift after the breakdown.
They had to wait to be rescued by the fire department.
Universal Orlando Coaster Breaks Down On Thanksgiving Day
There were no injuries related to this incident, per the Orlando Fire Department, who spoke with FOX 35. The Orlando Police Department initiated the emergency call.
One park-goer, who noticed the rollercoaster was broken down, spoke with the news outlet. They said that they noticed other park-goers taking photos and videos of the ride, which made them notice the group stuck on the ride.
"We were walking out of the park as it was closing time and [saw] a group of people taking pictures of the Rip Ride Rockit. That seemed kind of odd until we looked up and [saw] the group stuck on the ride," Dennis Malesky told FOX35 Orlando. "Shortly after, the fire department arrived, but nothing seemed to be happening.
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"Universal employees made everyone who didn’t know anyone on the ride leave, as it was much after closing," Malesky added. "On our way out, we [saw] the car finally move. They must have been up there an hour.
"This is the only ride in the park I have not done yet, and needless to say, it will probably stay that way."
Universal Studios has yet to comment on the ride breakdown.
Universal Orlando Rides Has Hydraulic Fluid Leak
Earlier this year, The Blast reported on a serious hydraulic leak at one attraction in the Islands of Adventure theme park located inside Universal Orlando.
As Universal Orlando guests walked past the temporarily closed river raft ride earlier this year, they noticed something was a bit off with the water. Theme park news site Universal Parks News Today shared a video of the roaring waters, which looked strange. “The water at Jurassic Park River Adventure looks a little suspicious and the attraction is currently experiencing a delay. ?,” they tweeted alongside the video.
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Universal Orlando describes the “Jurassic Park” River Adventure attraction as, “One minute, you’re gliding along in your raft. The next, you’re face to face with a giant T. rex. There’s nowhere to turn. She’s bearing down on you and your only escape from her razor sharp teeth is to take the pitch-black plunge before you. Did we mention it’s an 85-foot drop?”
“Jurassic Park” River Adventure is located inside of Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando in Florida. For the most up-to-date information regarding theme park hours, temporary ride closures, and more, download the Universal Orlando app.
