A bizarre evacuation inside Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion is raising serious questions about guest safety after riders were reportedly told to exit their Doom Buggies on their own and find the nearest exit without assistance from Cast Members.
The incident, which occurred during a breakdown near park closing, has gone viral thanks to video footage showing guests stranded inside the attraction while an announcement plays over the loudspeaker.
“We can no longer assist you at this time.”
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What has many Disney fans concerned isn’t simply that the attraction broke down. Ride stoppages happen. Instead, it’s what guests were told to do next.
According to video recorded during the incident, an announcement informed riders:
“We can no longer assist you at this time. We ask that you hop out of your buggy and find the nearest exit.”
Guests were then instructed to locate a latch on the left side of their Doom Buggy and release it themselves.
For many observers, that statement raises more questions than answers.
Haunted Mansion Guests Told To Exit Ride Vehicles Themselves
The footage shows work lights illuminating portions of the attraction as Disney prepared to clear the ride.
Guests can be heard discussing how to exit their vehicles while the announcement provides instructions on locating the release mechanism.
The head of Madame Leota in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland – YouTube, Los Angeles Times
Ordinarily, Disney attraction evacuations involve Cast Members entering the ride path and personally assisting guests out of ride vehicles before guiding them to designated exits.
That did not appear to happen here.
Instead, riders were reportedly instructed to release their own restraints, exit the vehicles, and make their way toward an exit route.
While some Disney fans viewed the incident as a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Haunted Mansion, others immediately began questioning whether the procedure was appropriate.
What About Elderly And Disabled Guests?
Perhaps the biggest unanswered question involves guests who may not have been physically capable of carrying out those instructions on their own.
Haunted Mansion serves thousands of guests every day, including elderly visitors, guests with mobility limitations, and individuals who rely on wheelchairs or mobility scooters throughout their visit.
The new Ghost Bride in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland – YouTube, Los Angeles Times
What happens if one of those guests is unable to simply “hop out” of a Doom Buggy?
What if a rider has difficulty walking?
What if a guest is injured while attempting to climb out of the vehicle?
And what if riders are stranded in elevated portions of the attraction like the attic where exiting could present additional challenges?
The new version of the Ghost Bride in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion – YouTube, Los Angeles Times
The announcement reportedly instructed guests to find the nearest exit, but for many visitors that instruction may not be nearly as straightforward as it sounds.
Most guests have never seen the attraction with the lights on and would have little understanding of the ride’s backstage pathways or evacuation routes.
Simply telling guests to find an exit raises legitimate questions about how Disney intended to accommodate riders who needed additional assistance.
“Find The Nearest Exit” Is A Strange Message For Disney
Disney has built its reputation on carefully controlled guest experiences and highly structured safety procedures.
That’s why the language used in the evacuation announcement stands out.
“We ask that you hop out of your buggy and find the nearest exit” sounds remarkably different from the carefully managed procedures Disney guests have come to expect.
A screenshot showing the exterior of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland – YouTube, Best Life and Beyond
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Even more striking is the statement that Cast Members could no longer assist riders at that time.
The company has not publicly explained why guests were instructed to evacuate in this manner or what circumstances led to the decision.
As of this writing, Disney has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
Another Example Of Disney Remaining Silent
The company’s silence is likely to remind some fans of another high-profile safety incident.
Last year, a ferryboat collision at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom reportedly resulted in 19 guests being transported to local hospitals according to reports from Orlando-area news outlets.
While local media covered the story extensively, Disney never publicly provided an explanation of what occurred and did not publicly address any of the questions raised in the aftermath.
Now, with guests questioning why Haunted Mansion riders were apparently instructed to exit the attraction without Cast Member assistance, Disney once again appears content to let speculation fill the void.
A ferry Boat sails across the Seven Seas Lagoon toward Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: That Park Place
To be clear, there is currently no indication that anyone was injured during the Haunted Mansion evacuation.
However, the incident has exposed a question Disney has yet to answer: If guests are being told to leave ride vehicles and find the nearest exit on their own, what exactly is the plan for those who can’t?
Until Disney provides additional information, that question is likely to remain at the center of the conversation surrounding the strangest Haunted Mansion evacuation Disneyland fans have seen in years.
How do you feel about this Haunted Mansion evacuation? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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