Credit: Dick Thomas Johnson, FlickrA guest at a Universal Studios theme park fell victim to a major $1,000 theft while riding one of its most popular attractions.
For decades, Universal has served as Disney’s number-one rival in immersive, themed entertainment. What started as Universal Studios Hollywood – which itself was originally just a backlot tour – has evolved into multiple theme parks dotted across the globe, all inspired by the magic of the movies.
Today, its biggest resort is in Florida, next to Walt Disney World Resort. Universal Orlando Resort features three theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe, the latter of which only recently debuted to guests.
Outside of the United States, its most popular theme park is Universal Studios Japan. Home to the original SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, as well as its own version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park, it attracts millions of guests a year.
As with any popular theme park, that can mean that incidents happen – just like a guest who fell victim to a major theft at the park while riding Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, an interactive attraction based on the Mario Kart video games.
Race your way to victory! Iconic Mario Kart courses have been brought to life with cutting-edge technology. Challenge enemies with shells! Aim for the finish line with Mario and Peach! The world’s first interactive Mario Kart theme park ride will leave you with a rush of adrenaline!
Guest Falls Victim in Universal Studios Japan’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
As reported by USJ 1, a female Taiwanese tourist visited Universal Studios Japan carrying 170,000 yen ($1,174) in cash. While riding Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge at approximately 10 a.m., the guest forgot about their bag containing the cash, as well as their credit cards and passport, and left their belongings on the ride.
After realizing this, the guest went to Universal Studios Japan Team Members and asked them to retrieve security footage, which showed that Team Members had found the bag shortly after the woman got off the ride. The employee then asked guests if it belonged to anyone, and one guest falsely claimed it was theirs.
Security used the footage to identify the suspect, who denied taking the money. While they soon found her bag and passport in a restroom trash can, the cash remained missing until Team Members contacted local police.
Once police officers arrived, they searched the suspect, and the money was located. “I was very grateful to Universal Studios Japan for their kind and quick response,” the tourist reportedly told a Taiwanese outlet in an update. “Let’s praise the goodness and warmth of Osaka Universal Studios.”
While this kind of incident is rare, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard of someone falling victim to theft at a theme park. Guests have complained that theft is on the rise at Disneyland Resort, and one guest shared his experience of leaving Disneyland Paris due to constant pickpocketing attempts.
Have you ever been the victim of theft at a theme park? Let us know in the comments!