A 53-year-old Filipino tourist died after losing consciousness while riding the Frozen Ever After attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on Friday, August 29, 2025, prompting an investigation that concluded the incident was unrelated to ride safety.
The man collapsed into a coma around 10 a.m. while on the slow-moving boat ride with his wife, who immediately alerted park staff when she discovered his condition. Cast members arranged for first aid personnel to examine him and perform CPR as the boat prepared to dock at the World of Frozen themed attraction.
Emergency responders transported the tourist to North Lantau Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:30 a.m., less than two hours after the initial incident. Hospital officials confirmed his death followed the medical emergency that occurred during the ride.
The victim’s wife informed emergency personnel and police that her husband suffered from hypertension and other heart-related conditions that required regular medical treatment and check-ups. Medical records indicated the man had maintained a decade-long history of heart disease and high blood pressure, necessitating consistent medication and follow-up visits with healthcare providers.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort conducted an initial investigation into the incident and determined that safety protocols for the attraction functioned properly. A park spokesperson stated that “our initial investigation has shown the incident is not related to ride safety.” The resort expressed regret over the guest’s passing and committed to providing necessary assistance to his family during this difficult time.
The Frozen Ever After ride, which opened in November 2023, operates as part of Disney’s first-ever themed land dedicated to the popular Frozen film franchise. The attraction welcomes guests of all ages and heights, though pregnant women receive advisories against participating. The slow-moving boat ride guides visitors through live scenes recreating moments from the animated movie.
Following the incident, Hong Kong Disneyland announced the temporary suspension of the Frozen Ever After attraction. The park’s website indicated the ride would remain closed due to operational adjustments from Sunday, August 31, through September 19. Park officials clarified that this maintenance schedule had been planned prior to the tourist’s death.
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong confirmed the incident over the weekend and announced coordination efforts with local authorities. Consular officials indicated they were working to assist the family in repatriating the man’s body to the Philippines while respecting the family’s privacy during their grieving period.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs released a statement acknowledging the consulate general’s ongoing coordination with relevant local authorities and institutions. Officials emphasized their commitment to providing support services to the deceased man’s family members who remained in Hong Kong following the incident.
Police received the initial report of the medical emergency at 10:18 a.m. local time on Friday. Officers documented statements from the man’s wife regarding his pre-existing medical conditions and the circumstances surrounding his collapse during the ride experience.
The incident represents a rare occurrence at Disney theme parks worldwide, where medical emergencies during attractions remain uncommon. Park safety protocols typically include immediate first aid response and emergency transportation arrangements to nearby medical facilities when health incidents occur on attractions.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort reiterated its commitment to guest safety while acknowledging that pre-existing medical conditions can contribute to health emergencies regardless of attraction safety measures. The park emphasized that initial findings showed no correlation between the man’s death and any mechanical or operational issues with the Frozen Ever After ride.
The World of Frozen themed area, where the incident occurred, opened as a major expansion to Hong Kong Disneyland in late 2023. The attraction features multiple experiences related to the animated film franchise, with Frozen Ever After serving as the centerpiece boat ride through various scenes and musical numbers from the movies.
