A 53-year-old Filipino tourist died at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on Friday, August 29, 2025, after losing consciousness while riding the Frozen Ever After attraction. The man was pronounced dead at 11:30 a.m., approximately one and a half hours after the medical emergency began.
The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. as the tourist was riding the slow-moving boat attraction with his wife in the park’s World of Frozen themed area. His wife immediately alerted staff when she discovered her husband had fallen into a coma during the ride. Cast members arranged for first aid personnel to examine the man and perform CPR as the boat prepared to dock.
Emergency responders transported the tourist to North Lantau Hospital, where medical staff pronounced him dead despite resuscitation efforts. The wife informed emergency personnel and police that her husband suffered from hypertension and heart-related conditions that required regular medication and medical follow-ups.
According to police reports, the man had maintained a decade-long history of heart disease and high blood pressure, conditions that necessitated ongoing medical treatment and routine check-ups. The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong confirmed the incident and indicated it was coordinating with local authorities to assist the family in repatriating the man’s body.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort issued a statement addressing the death, with a spokesperson stating the resort “deeply regrets the passing of the guest.” The theme park confirmed that initial investigations determined the incident was unrelated to ride safety, attributing the death to the guest’s pre-existing medical conditions.
The resort spokesperson emphasized that accompanying family members reported the guest had a pre-existing medical condition and assured that the park would provide necessary assistance to his family during this difficult time. Officials stressed that their preliminary investigation showed no safety issues with the Frozen Ever After attraction itself.
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 boat ride guides guests through live scenes from the movie and maintains no age limits or height restrictions, making it accessible to visitors of all ages.
Following the incident, Hong Kong Disneyland announced that the Frozen Ever After attraction would be temporarily suspended from Sunday, August 31, through September 19 due to operational adjustments. Park officials clarified that this maintenance period had been scheduled prior to the tourist’s death and was not directly related to the medical emergency.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed its consulate general continues coordinating with local authorities and relevant institutions while respecting the family’s privacy during their bereavement. Officials indicated they were working to facilitate the repatriation process for the deceased tourist’s remains.
This incident represents a rare medical emergency at Disney theme parks worldwide, though park officials emphasized that the death resulted from the guest’s underlying health conditions rather than any mechanical or safety issues with the attraction. The resort maintained that all safety protocols were followed during the emergency response.
Police received the initial emergency report at 10:18 a.m. local time on Friday, with first responders arriving promptly to assist the unconscious tourist. Despite immediate CPR efforts by trained staff and emergency medical personnel, the man’s pre-existing cardiovascular conditions proved fatal.
The World of Frozen area, where the incident occurred, represents a significant expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland’s offerings and has been popular with visitors since its opening in late 2023. The themed land features multiple attractions and experiences based on the successful animated film franchise.
