Theme Park Safety: Parks That Made Headlines for the Wrong Reasons

Key Takeaways:

Theme Parks Record Tens of Thousands of Injuries Annually

• More than 30,000 injuries are reported each year at U.S. amusement parks, showing that risk is real even in places meant for fun.

Accidents Occur Across Big and Small Parks Due to Mechanical Failures, Operator Error, or Poor Safety Protocols

• Examples like Action Park, Schlitterbahn, and Six Flags demonstrate that both the ride design/maintenance and operational oversight play a major role in preventing or causing serious harm.

Riders and Visitors Can Reduce Risk by Staying Alert to Ride Conditions, Restrictions, and History

• Checking ride age, maintenance, safety warnings, and the park’s accident history can help guests make informed decisions and avoid preventable injuries.

Legal Recourse is Possible After Theme Park Injuries

• Victims may need a personal injury lawyer to help gather evidence, document injuries, and pursue compensation if ride defects, negligence, or unsafe protocols contributed to the injury.

The Reality of Amusement Park Accidents

When you think about a trip to an amusement park, you’re probably picturing roller coasters, deep fried foods, and non-stop laughter. Theme parks are a great place to spend time with friends and family while enjoying some thrilling rides. However, it’s not always fun and games. Accidents in amusement parks happen more often than most realize. According to recent studies, there are over 30,000 amusement park injuries reported at amusement parks in the U.S. every year. That’s a staggering number of accidents for a place designed to deliver safe family fun. While most rides and attractions operate smoothly, accidents do happen, and some parks have a higher record of injuries than others. Whether it’s a mechanical failure, operator error, or simply poor safety protocols, the risks of amusement park activities are real. If you know where the dangers are more likely to happen, you can stay a little more alert and make smarter choices for yourself and your loved ones. Below are some U.S. theme parks that have a history of accidents. Knowing this information can help keep you safe when entering the premises.

8 U.S. Theme Parks with An Accident History

Before you buckle into your favorite roller coaster, it’s essential to know that not all amusement parks have the same safety records. Here are some theme parks that have made headlines for the wrong reasons.

Action Park (Vernon Township, New Jersey)

If you’ve ever heard the nicknames “Accident Park” or “Class Action Park,” you’re already familiar with Action Park’s infamous reputation. Operating mainly in the 1980s and 1990s, this New Jersey theme park became legendary for its poorly engineered rides and relaxed attitude toward guest safety. According to reports, the park logged hundreds of injuries each year, including broken bones, concussions, and, unfortunately, six deaths during its original run. One of the most notorious attractions was the Action Park Alpine Slide, a concrete track that sent riders flying off their sleds with minimal protection and caused frequent injuries at amusement parks such as severe friction burns, lacerations, and fractures. When you visit a park, assess the ride’s condition before hopping on. If it looks old and poorly maintained or the safety instructions seem vague, trust your gut and skip it.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark (Kansas City, Kansas)

Schlitterbahn was once famous for its massive water attractions, but that fame turned into tragedy in 2016. A 10-year-old boy tragically died while riding Verrückt, an attraction billed as the world’s tallest water slide. Designed to thrill but poorly engineered, the ride became the center of lawsuits and criminal charges against park officials, eventually leading to the ride’s demolition. If a ride sounds “record-breaking” or “extreme,” double-check if it has been inspected recently and don’t hesitate to ask staff about safety measures.

Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, California)

Located in Southern California, Six Flags Magic Mountain offers some of the world’s most intense roller coasters. But in 2022, a rider tragically died on the X2 roller coaster resulted in a fatal head injury to a rider, highlighting how even highly regulated parks can have devastating accidents. X2, a “4D” roller coaster with rotating seats and multiple inversions, is known for delivering an extreme sensory overload, which can push the limits even for healthy adults. This highlighted how theme park ride safety records can vary, even at well-regulated parks. Visitors often question: “Are amusement parks safe?” The truth is, even the biggest names carry risks. If you do visit, pay close attention to ride signs, especially those about heart conditions, back injuries, or motion sickness. They’re there for a reason.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon (Orlando, Florida)

Even Disney isn’t immune to accidents and has seen serious injuries. At Typhoon Lagoon, one of its popular water parks, multiple injury reports have surfaced over the years. In 2022, a Long Island woman filed a $2 million lawsuit after being severely injured by the park’s massive artificial wave in the Surf Pool. The Surf Pool creates 6-foot swells powerful enough to knock over and seriously injure unsuspecting swimmers, especially if they’re caught off guard or standing in the wrong zone. Water parks might seem more relaxed, but they carry real dangers. Always keep an eye on wave patterns, and don’t venture out too far if you’re not a strong swimmer. The case illustrates why theme park personal injury claims are more common than most visitors realize. Dangerous water parks are not limited to small venues—sometimes the most popular resorts face lawsuits too.

Family Kingdom Amusement Park (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)

Family Kingdom might sound charming, but in 2021, Family Kingdom faced a lawsuit when a man was paralyzed after riding the Swamp Fox Roller Coaster—a wooden coaster known for its rough ride and intense jolts. Theme park lawsuits in the U.S. often involve spinal and head injuries, especially on older wooden coasters. While nostalgic, wooden coasters often deliver far harsher physical impacts than their steel counterparts, increasing the risk of injury, especially for those with preexisting conditions.

Icon Park (Orlando, Florida)

Icon Park made tragic headlines in 2022 when a 14-year-old boy fell to his death from the FreeFall ride, a towering drop attraction. This heartbreaking incident not only resulted in a $310 million jury award to the boy’s family but also led to the passage of the Tyre Sampson Act, aimed at tightening theme park ride safety record and inspections across Florida. The FreeFall ride was known for its breathtaking height, but faulty safety measures and seat restraint issues proved fatal. When you strap into a ride, always double-check that your harness or restraint is fully secure. If something feels off, say something; don’t let staff rush you into riding. The incident is now frequently cited in discussions about “recent amusement park accidents” and “what amusement park has the most deaths.”

Universal Orlando Resort (Orlando, Florida)

While Universal Orlando is one of the top vacation spots in the U.S., some of its most popular rides have been linked to amusement park injuries and health scares. In 2024 alone, the high-speed Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure caused multiple hospitalizations for chest pain and loss of consciousness. This ride, known for sudden accelerations and sharp turns, is physically demanding, even for healthy riders, raising ongoing concerns about theme park safety.

Kings Island (Mason, Ohio)

Kings Island has long been a staple for roller coaster fans, but its safety record is far from spotless. Over the years, the park has seen multiple serious amusement park accidents on rides like Son of Beast. Son of Beast, once the world’s tallest and fastest wooden coaster, was particularly infamous for causing neck and head injuries before it was permanently closed. Today, many visitors still ask: “Is Kings Island safe?”—a reminder that theme park safety concerns continue to shape the park’s reputation.

Tips for Staying Safe at Theme Parks

While you can do everything right—follow the rules, stay alert, and make wise choices—accidents in amusement parks can still happen. When they do, it’s essential to know that a theme park personal injury lawyer may be necessary to protect your rights and help you recover after injury. That said, there are some things you can do to minimize your risks and make your day at the park as safe as possible. Here are a few theme park safety tips to keep in mind, no matter which park you’re visiting:

• • Always follow posted ride restrictions: Height, weight, health warnings—these guidelines aren’t just suggestions. They’re based on real amusement park safety records and past incidents.

• • Listen carefully to staff instructions: Ride operators are trained to keep you safe. If they tell you to adjust your harness, hold a specific posture, or exit a ride a certain way, it’s imperative to follow their lead.

• • Stay hydrated and know your physical limits: Theme parks can be physically demanding. Between the heat, walking, and adrenaline, it’s easy to push yourself too hard without realizing it.

• • Supervise young children closely: Little ones can run away or attempt rides they’re not ready for. Keep a close eye on them, and make sure they’re always within arm’s reach in busy areas.

• • Speak up if a ride seems unsafe: If something doesn’t feel right—a loose seatbelt, a wobbly platform, a distracted operator—don’t wait to voice your concerns. It’s far better to skip a ride than risk serious injury at amusement parks.

Enjoy the Ride, But Be Prepared

Theme parks are all about thrills and family fun, but they’re not without risk. Some parks have much higher rates of theme park accidents and lawsuits than others. Knowing the park accident history, following safety rules, and trusting your instincts can help prevent many incidents. Still, accidents can happen even when you do everything right. If a theme park lacks the proper safety regulations or has a faulty ride, or is among the most dangerous amusement parks, there is little you can do to protect yourself. Thankfully, you have options if the unthinkable happens. If you or a loved one experiences an injury at a theme park, don’t face it alone. As your personal injury lawyer, RMD Law is here to help you fight for the justice and settlements you deserve in a theme park accident. Contact us today for any legal advice and support with your theme park lawsuit or injury claim!