Disney World Guest, 54, Dies After Medical Emergency on Iconic Ride

A Walt Disney World guest died after going into cardiac arrest while riding the iconic “It’s a Small World” attraction. The 54-year-old man died April 24 while aboard the 10-minute Fantasyland boat ride and had a pre-existing heart condition, according to a new Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services report. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The death marks the second fatality linked to the gentle Disney attraction. In December 2014, a 22-year-old woman with a pre-existing health condition also died after passing out on the ride. Earlier this month, guests were forced to evacuate the attraction after smoke filled the building when a portable phone charger inside a visitor’s bag caught fire. No one was injured in the incident, and guests praised employees for reacting quickly. According to the New York Post, the Florida theme park has recorded around 70 deaths since opening in 1971, with most attributed to natural causes or pre-existing medical conditions. The Daily Beast has reached out to Walt Disney World for comment.

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