Patrons of Wonderland Amusement Park in Ontario, Canada, Experience Terrifying Incident on Lumberjack Ride

Spencer and Mackenzie Parkhouse Share Their Harrowing Experience

Wonderland, an amusement park located in Ontario, Canada, made headlines recently when passengers on the Lumberjack ride were left hanging upside down for nearly 30 minutes. According to a spokesperson from the park, the incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. and was resolved by 11:05 p.m. Medical professionals assessed the passengers, and the ride remains closed as an investigation is underway.

Details Provided by the Parkhouse Siblings

In an exclusive interview with Insider, Spencer and Mackenzie Parkhouse, who were trapped on the ride, along with their parents who were present during the interview, recount their experience on that fateful night. Here are their stories:

Mackenzie – Competitive Dancer, 15 Years Old

My name is Mackenzie, and I’m a 15-year-old competitive dancer from Toronto, Ontario. When I’m not dancing, I enjoy playing golf and spending time with my friends.

Spencer – 11 Years Old and Enthusiastic Hockey Player

I’m Spencer, an 11-year-old boy who absolutely loves playing hockey. Spending time with my friends and family is my favorite thing to do.

Revisiting the Fateful Night at Wonderland

On that Saturday, we visited Wonderland with a group of eight friends who invited us to the Halloween Haunt event. We enjoyed riding various attractions until we decided to go to the haunted house. However, the line was too long, so we opted for the Lumberjack ride instead.

The Unexpected Turn of Events

As we boarded the ride, it started off like any other thrilling adventure, but soon, it took a horrifying turn. The ride suddenly went fully upside down and came to an abrupt stop. At first, we couldn’t believe it and thought it was part of the ride – a prank maybe. But after a minute passed, we realized we were genuinely stuck, and panic set in.

Desperate Moments and Unexpected Bonding

The park employees operating the ride weren’t providing clear updates or explanations for the situation, which added to our distress. Passengers started screaming and voicing their frustration, while we were left hanging upside down, feeling dizzy and in pain.

Being fully inverted meant the weight of the seatbelts pressed down on our legs, causing bruises and discomfort. The blood rushed to our heads, turning some passengers’ faces red. We did our best to comfort each other and fellow riders, assuring them that everything would be okay.

A Chaotic Scene: Red Faces and Upside Down Vomiting

The scene around us was surreal and chaotic. We observed fellow passengers turning red, crying, and even vomiting upside down. It was a distressing experience, but also oddly comforting to know we were not alone in this ordeal.

The Long Wait and Uncertainty

The park employees sporadically asked if everyone was okay, but they provided no information about when we would be rescued. We felt helpless, enduring the unknown, not knowing if help would arrive or how long it would take.

A Welcome Relief and Emotional Aftermath

After what felt like an eternity, we were finally brought down from the ride. However, the emotional impact persisted. We were crying, struggling to catch our breath, and still in shock. The memory of seeing the guy in front of us crying while hanging upside down remains vivid.

Post-Incident Experiences and Demands

Medical Evaluation and Calming Concerned Loved Ones

Once on the ground, medical professionals assessed us for any immediate concerns and offered water bottles to help with the shock. Our parents were frantic with worry, but our dad managed to calm us down over the phone.

Coping with the Aftermath

Despite the ongoing psychological impact, we are trying to regain a sense of normalcy in our lives. School, dance classes, and spending time with friends contribute to our healing process, even if the incident still haunts our thoughts when we go to sleep.

Bonding with Others and Seeking Reassurance

We’ve shared our ordeal with friends at school, some of whom continue to experience headaches. While we are no longer scared, we have made a pact to avoid similar rides in the future.

Frustration with the Park’s Response

The park later provided us with a Fast Pass ticket and offered a free meal as compensation for our ordeal. However, we didn’t think that was sufficient given what we endured. We feel we deserve more, such as a season pass or unlimited tickets for the year. Furthermore, we want reassurances that such incidents won’t happen again, as the fear of a repeat occurrence remains deeply unsettling.