KEY POINTS
- A performer dressed as Tigger collapsed from suspected heat exhaustion during a Shanghai Disneyland parade in 35°C heat.
- Witnesses attempted to fan air through the costume's mouth opening as park staff moved the performer to a medical facility
Shanghai Disneyland is under fire after a performer dressed as beloved character Tigger reportedly collapsed from heat exhaustion during a sweltering midday parade — while still wearing the oversized headpiece. Despite guests' attempts to help, the park's rigid policy on costume removal remained in place, fuelling online outrage and calls for reform.
The incident unfolded on 3 August, just hours after the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau issued an Amber Rainstorm Warning at 11:23 a.m., signalling that temperatures in many districts would climb past 35°C. Nevertheless, the scheduled parade proceeded as planned.
Collapse in the Heat Draws Shock and Concern
According to witnesses, the performer fell to the ground around noon, mid-performance, as the parade wound its way through the park. Guests nearby rushed to help, and park staff arrived within moments.
Disney officials later stated that the performer was taken to the park's medical facility within two minutes of exhibiting signs of distress, where a nurse provided care before being transferred to the hospital.
Throughout the ordeal, the headpiece remained in place. According to Disney's performer guidelines, costume characters are not permitted to remove their headgear for guests, to maintain the illusion for children and visitors.
Bystanders filmed the scene as other guests tried to fan air into the mouth opening of the Tigger costume.
'Why didn't they take the headpiece off?' one shocked visitor asked in a clip shared on social media. 'Surely a person's health comes before character.'
Questions Over Policy
The strict policy quickly became the focus of online debate in China and beyond. 'Is this policy reasonable if it could lead to fatalities?' read one widely shared comment on Weibo, China's equivalent of X/Twitter.
When contacted for clarification about the rule, Shanghai Disneyland staff said they were awaiting instructions from management and could not comment further.
Andy Ann, a venture architect, added his voice to the criticism in a LinkedIn post: 'Shanghai Disneyland hit 35°C today and sadly, a performer inside the Tigger costume collapsed from heatstroke. And they don't allow them to remove the headgear, even during medical emergencies, due to contract terms. Perhaps it's time for Disney to reassess and revamp its outdated policies. Let's build parks that care about the safety of the performers and not torture them in exchange for our happiness.'
Disney's Response to Mounting Pressure
Following the incident, Shanghai Disneyland announced that it would review its operations during high temperatures. Measures include reducing parade sizes, adjusting performance times, and limiting outdoor activities to ensure the safety of performers and guests.
In a brief statement, Disney said: 'The health and safety of our cast members and guests is our highest priority. We are working to adjust schedules in line with weather conditions.'
However, the statement stopped short of addressing whether the headpiece rule would be changed in light of the medical emergency.
Heat Risks in Theme Parks: A Global Concern?
Experts in occupational health say this incident highlights a broader issue in theme park safety. Costume performers, particularly those in heavy, full-body suits, are at a high risk of heat-related illnesses. Internal suit temperatures can soar well above 40°C during summer performances.
'If your policy is putting staff at risk of serious injury or death, then the policy is wrong,' commented one occupational health consultant.
So far, the condition of the Tigger performer has not been publicly disclosed. But the haunting footage of the collapse — and the unanswered question of why the headpiece wasn't removed — has sparked global concern and scrutiny of performer safety at Disney parks and beyond.
