Teen Falls 50 Feet on Disneyland Ride After Exiting Vehicle; State Finds No Operational Issues
ANAHEIM, Calif. — A 13-year-old boy fell roughly 50 feet down a waterfall on Disneyland’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride Sunday evening after climbing out of his moving log boat, Disneyland Resort officials and state investigators said. The ride was later cleared to reopen after California regulators found no operational or mechanical problems.
The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on the log flume attraction in Disney California Adventure. According to park officials, the boy exited the ride vehicle before it reached the final 50-foot drop. He then tumbled down the water-covered track and waterfall. Cast members immediately stopped the ride.
The teenager was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation as a precaution. He was released later that evening with no serious injuries, according to multiple reports.
State inspection clears ride
California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s Amusement Ride & Tramway Unit inspected the attraction following the incident. The agency determined there were no operational issues and approved the ride to reopen, Disneyland officials said.
The ride remained closed for the rest of Sunday and reopened after the inspection was completed. Disneyland Resort stated that the attraction continues to operate normally.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which replaced the former Splash Mountain in late 2024, is a log flume ride that does not use lap bars or seat belts. This design is standard for many traditional log flume attractions, though the Florida version of the ride at Walt Disney World includes a lap restraint.
Ride design and guest behavior
Disneyland officials have not publicly detailed why the boy left the vehicle. The park has emphasized that guests are instructed to remain seated throughout the ride.
Video of the incident has circulated online, showing the teen tumbling down the drop. Disneyland has not released an official statement beyond confirming the facts of the incident and the state inspection results.
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health did not immediately respond to additional questions about the inspection beyond confirming that no operational issues were identified.
Context on theme park safety
Theme park rides in California are subject to regular inspections by the state’s amusement ride unit. Major incidents typically trigger immediate investigations and temporary closures while regulators review operations and maintenance records.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has been operating without prior reported safety incidents since its opening. The ride features a narrative based on Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” and includes a significant drop as its finale.
Disneyland Resort, which is owned by The Walt Disney Company, maintains that guest safety is its top priority. Park officials have previously noted that most ride-related injuries at theme parks result from guests not following safety instructions.
No criminal charges or citations have been reported in connection with the incident.
The ride remained open as of Wednesday with normal operations, according to Disneyland’s website and visitor reports.
