Shocking Universal Studio Stories That Will Put Anyone Off For Life

The Very Real Mummy's Curse

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In 2004, a Florida guy fell about 4 feet from the loading platform of the Revenge of the Mummy ride into the tracks below as he tried to get onto the ride. With severe head injuries, he was transported to the hospital for surgery, but tragically passed away once he got there. Nope from me!

The Beloved Dragon Challenge

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The duel aspect of the Dragon Challenge is what people loved the most, but it ended up disastrous for some. After one rider was blinded, another was left with severe face and leg injuries after being struck by an object. They eventually decided to pull the duel aspect of the ride indefinitely.

E.T. Phone Hospital

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You might've thought that considering the reputation of Universal, they would be careful and meticulous when designing and running their rides. Yet, just in 2019, an 11 year old was subjected to an accident on the E.T. Adventure Ride, causing his foot and leg to be crushed.

E.T. Take Me Home

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The E.T. ride has seen its fair share of disastrous outcomes in the past, and there was another that happened in 2011. It was a case of another stranded ride, where 11 guests were forced to wait on uncomfortable flying bicycles and were eventually rescued by a fire crew.

The Ghostly Presence of Frank Sites

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The Universal Studios' opening weekend in 1915 was attended by thousands of people from all over the nation who had gone to watch. Studio head Carl Laemmle staged a flying display to wow the crowds but stunt pilot Frank Stites tragically died when he either fell from his aircraft or ejected. Some have since seen his spirit wandering the studios!

The Incredible Heat Attack

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Something disastrous happened back in 2003 while a woman rode the Incredible Hulk ride. 34 years old at the time, the woman seemed to suffer a heart attack while on the ride, and was rushed to hospital. Unfortunately, she later died as a result from the experience.

Universal CityWalk shootings

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When a club fight broke out at the Universal CityWalk, officers attended the scene to find out what was going on. Subsequently, one of the guests causing a ruckus shot his gun into the crowd, which consequently led to his death after the officers shot him on sight.

Death of an employee

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Back in 2016, a ride technician started his day like any other, but unfortunately, he wouldn't end it. That same day, while working on the Men in Black attraction, the employee unfortunately passed away, and (to this day) it's still not certain how it happened.

Unusual computer glitches

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Back in 2019, there was an unusual computer glitch that led to some very unhappy studio guests! After queuing up to ride the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, 12 guests were left bemused after a computer glitch caused the ride to go into safety mode, leaving them stranded for 2 hours before help came.

Another stranded ride!

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Universal Studios have had their fair share of stranded guests, and it happened to 11 guests back in 2013. The unsuspecting group were ready for the thrill of their lives on the Transformers ride, but actually ended up being stranded! Luckily, there were no injuries.

Escape from Gringotts took a bit longer than expected

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If you thought that ride glitches couldn't get any worse, well... in 2014, the Escape from Gringotts ride at the Wizarding World malfunctioned, leaving even more rides stuck atop the ride waiting for some assistance. It was yet another call to the fire fighters to get them down.

The Great Escalator Ride

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In 2008, an escalator at Universal Studios unexpectedly reversed direction, sending the visitors tumbling down the flight of stairs. Best part is, it wasn't even a ride! It resulted in severe injuries for at least 8 people at the studios (among many others who have been injured!).

The evacuation of 132 people

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Back in 2010, The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey roller coaster really did attract everyone. People traveled to the Universal Studios just to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However, 132 passengers didn't expect to be stuck on the ride for an hour. There were no reported casualties, and the ride was operational the next morning.

The Great Universal Fire

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Not many know that a large fire broke out on a Universal Studios backlot in 2008, threatening several attractions as well as huge video and audio vaults containing priceless movies and albums. It took firemen 17 hours to put out the blaze and it caused so much destruction.

Not enough translations around the park, leading to death!

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In December of 2016, a 38-year-old man became unwell while seeing Skull Island: Reign of Kong and later died. On the park seat where he had been waiting for his loved ones, they discovered his body. His relatives hold Universal responsible for his death because of the absence of translated signage.

A boy nearly lost his foot

Image Source/ Universal Orlando

Back in 2004, another 11 year old became the subject of a gruesome ride malfunction, and almost lost his foot! While riding the Men in Black ride, the kid accidentally got his foot wedged between the ride itself and the loading vehicle, which could've been disastrous.

Someone took Jaws a bit too seriously

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A 39-year-old guest went over a damaged railing at Universal Studios in Florida and was injured when he hit his head during the dive! Anthony Salamone was riding the Jaws attraction with his family when the accident happened. The mechanical shark that starred in the Jaws attraction almost clipped his face.

Someone just close the E.T. ride down!

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A man fell dramatically from the E.T. Adventure attraction in October 1996. He fell off the ride's platform and suffered injuries after a fall of 10 to 12 feet. It's surprising to say that he got away without any severe injuries, as it could have resulted in a fatality.

Tight gaps make for children's feet

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You'd think that Universal Studios would be all fun for little kids, but that's not necessarily the case. A little girl, aged four at the time, suffered foot injuries in June 2006 when she departed off the Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster. Her foot became wedged between the station and the moving train.

Monsters, monsters and more monsters!

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You might not think that the monsters Universal Studios use are scary at all, but some people do find them terrifying! In 2002, a woman was beckoned from the audience as part of the Horror Makeup Show. She was so frightened by one of the on-stage monsters, that she dove head first off the stage and into the steps, knocking her unconscious.

Erratic studio visitors

Image Source/ Orlando Weekly

The Universal Studios are no stranger to casualties. Back in 2011, a 33 year old guy was reported on for behaving somewhat erratically on none other than the Universal CityWalk. Park officers came to detain him, but ended up tasering him instead. This led to his death!

Cloudy with a chance of vegetable oil

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On June 13th, 2008, a malfunction caused the passengers on a Simpsons ride to be doused with vegetable oil. Visitors at Universal Studios were given access to locker rooms and showers, as well as the option to change into clean clothing.There were no reported injuries, and the mystery of the extra vegetable oil remains unsolved.

Yum, refrigerant liquid

Image Source/ Universal Orlando

In 2012, some employees got more than they asked for when ordering some staff lunch. Three employees of the Captain America Diner complained that they were feeling sick and were brought to the hospital. Apparently, a refrigerant leak in the kitchen is said to have contaminated their food.

Fake Police Officers

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In 2014, a Florida guy was apprehended at Universal Studios for posing as a police officer. David J. Littlefield presented a phony badge while disputing with a security supervisor at Universal Studios in a parking garage over whether or not he was allowed to consume alcohol on the grounds.

The risk of e-cigarettes

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Nobody really considers the risk of an e-cigarette, but people really should know not to take them on a ride. An electronic cigarette burst, causing burn injuries to a 14-year-old child and an adult male aboard the Hogwarts Express. The girl's face, arm, and leg were all hurt.

So, why do these accidents happen?

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There's many reason that these accidents can happen while riding attractions at Universal Studios. With their eight themed areas, including rides, dining areas and other attractions, it's not wonder that something drastic would happen from time to time, resulting in bodily injuries and death.

Human error

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A high number of incidents at amusement parks can be traced back to operator mistake on rides. Usually, it's the operators failure to follow the security and safety guidelines accurately. Carelessness on the part of an operator, such as abruptly ending a ride, is an example of human error.

Poor maintenance

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Naturally, a theme park as big as Universal Studios will have many rides that feature a lot of machinery which need to be serviced on a regular basis. This is due to the fact that even minor mechanical failures pose serious health and safety risks. Problems with maintenance usually happen when rides are kept adequately.

Ignoring safety regulations

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Large parks like Universal Studios are excluded from Florida's safety standards on the recommendation of the state's Department of Agriculture. Although, it's in everyone's interest to follow established safety procedures even if they are free from government safety inspection.

Inadequate safety equipment

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There are so many things that can go wrong at a park as big as Universal Studios, so loads of equipment is required. Due to the hazards and dangers linked with park machinery and without the proper equipment vacationers have no safety net in the event of an incident.