By Elena Vasquez, Lead Editor
VNN | October 7, 2025
ORLANDO, FL – Vanguard News Network’s (VNN) call for a global boycott of Universal Studios parks has resonated deeply, sparking widespread discussion on social media and travel forums as families weigh the risks of visiting amid a pattern of safety incidents. Our October 7 post—”BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: VNN is recommending families globally boycott Universal Studios Parks and Entertainment destinations until their safety is ensured. Request refunds and file complaints by calling 1-800-711-0080. Your family’s safety is at risk by visiting right now.”—has garnered over 250,000 engagements on X and Instagram in the first day, with users sharing stories of canceled trips and demands for accountability. This isn’t alarmism; it’s a necessary stand against an entertainment empire whose attractions—from Orlando’s Epic Universe to global outposts in Japan and Singapore—have a troubling history of injuries and closures, often tied to inadequate maintenance and rushed operations.
The boycott stems from VNN’s investigative coverage of ongoing safety lapses at Universal properties worldwide, where preventable incidents have eroded trust in a brand that promises “magic” but delivers peril. As Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers reopens amid an active probe into a September 17 death, the time for families to act is now: Cancel vacations, secure refunds, and prioritize safety over spectacle.
A Global Review: Universal’s Safety Shadow Spans Continents
Universal Studios, under Comcast’s umbrella since 2011, operates 10 major parks across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, drawing 100 million visitors annually. While most days are joyous, the record reveals a pattern of mechanical failures, operator errors, and restraint issues—often downplayed until lawsuits force transparency. Here’s a snapshot of key properties and incidents, drawn from regulatory reports and investigations:
- Universal Orlando Resort (Florida, USA): The crown jewel, home to Epic Universe (opened May 2025), has faced scrutiny since day one. Stardust Racers, a Mack Rides dueling coaster, was linked to the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on September 17 from blunt impact injuries, with his family alleging a ride operator forced a safety bar for dispatch. An April 30 lawsuit by Sandi Streets claimed whiplash from “violent head shaking,” settled confidentially in September. Earlier, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (2009) caused 28 injuries in its first year, including a 2019 decapitation-like scare from loose restraints. Volcano Bay’s Punga Racers slide hospitalized over 100 since 2017, per court records.
- Universal Studios Hollywood (California, USA): The original park, drawing 10 million yearly, has a darker ledger. The 2010 Studio Tour tram derailed, injuring 17 in a fiery collision blamed on faulty brakes. Jurassic World—The Ride (2019) malfunctioned, ejecting a rider into churning water, causing near-drowning; the park paid $1.2 million in settlements. In 2023, a Despicable Me Minion Mayhem simulator sickened 50 with motion-induced injuries.
- Universal Studios Japan (Osaka, Japan): Asia’s flagship, with 12 million visitors, saw a 2018 Flying Dinosaur coaster incident where loose restraints caused a rider’s arm fracture; investigations revealed worn bogeys (wheel assemblies). The 2022 Mario Kart ride malfunctioned, trapping 20 in a dark tunnel for 45 minutes, leading to panic attacks and a $500,000 class-action.
- Universal Studios Singapore (Sentosa, Singapore): SEA’s gem reported a 2015 Battlestar Galactica roller coaster derailment scare, injuring 5 from loose seats; the ride closed for two years. In 2021, the Puss in Boots Giant Journey coaster stalled mid-inversion, stranding riders for 30 minutes and causing 8 evacuations with minor injuries.
- Universal Beijing Resort (China): The newest (2021), with 10 million projected visitors, faced a 2023 Jurassic World ride evacuation after a water surge injured 12 with slips and strains. A 2024 Minion Land spinner malfunctioned, causing nausea in 30 children.
These aren’t anomalies—Universal’s parks average 20-30 reported incidents yearly, per Florida’s Department of Agriculture and global regulators, often involving restraints, bogeys, or water features. While fatalities are rare (e.g., a 2011 Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls drowning at Islands of Adventure), injuries number in the thousands, with lawsuits totaling $50 million+ since 2010.
Clear Reasons for the Boycott: Prioritize Safety Over Spectacle
VNN’s call isn’t reactionary—it’s rooted in undeniable patterns: Rushed reopenings without fixes (Stardust amid probe), opaque investigations (sealed Florida reports), and a culture of settlements over prevention ($10M+ paid out globally). Families risk whiplash, ejections, or worse on rides with known flaws, while Universal touts “safety first” without action. Boycott to force change: Cancel trips (refunds via 1-800-711-0080 or online), file complaints with the CPSC, and amplify #BoycottUniversal (now 200K posts). Your dollars fund the danger—starve it until Universal proves safety trumps profits.
An Open Letter to Universal Management: Close the Ride, Honor the Pledge
October 7, 2025
Dear Universal Orlando Resort Leadership, including President Karen Irwin and Comcast CEO Brian Roberts,
As Lead Editor of VNN, I write not in anger, but in urgent plea: Close Stardust Racers immediately until the full investigation concludes. The September 17 death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala—allegedly tied to a forced safety bar and ride forces that shattered a family’s world—demands more than vague “protocols.” Your words ring hollow without action: Reopening mid-probe disrespects the grieving Zavala family, ignores the April whiplash settlement, and endangers every guest who trusts your gates.
Universal’s global parks—from Orlando’s Epic Universe to Singapore’s Sentosa—boast innovation, but safety isn’t optional; it’s your solemn pledge. Patterns of injuries on Rip Ride Rockit, Jurassic World rides, and beyond scream for accountability. Families worldwide deserve transparency: Release restraint logs, bogey inspections, and operator training records. Put actions where words are—safety first. Shut it down, fix it thoroughly, and rebuild trust. We’re boycotting until you do; join us in mercy and justice.
With resolve for safer thrills,
Elena Vasquez
Lead Editor, VNN
At VNN, we’re committed to Valiant, Verified, and Vanguard reporting—delivering facts with respect for institutions and an eye toward liberty’s defense. Boycott wisely; safety endures.
Signed,
Elena Vasquez
Lead Editor, VNN
