Forbidden Journey Lawsuit
A Florida man has filed a lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort, alleging he was injured and suffered emotional distress after being stranded mid-air on the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride for approximately an hour.
Incident Details
The plaintiff, Casey Causey from St. Johns County, claims that on July 2, 2023, the ride abruptly stopped, leaving his cart tilted backward and to the right. It reportedly took about an hour to reposition the cart to an upright position. Causey alleges that the incident caused him physical injuries and mental anguish. He is seeking damages exceeding $50,000, citing negligence and premises liability.
Allegations Against Universal
The lawsuit asserts that Universal Orlando was aware of prior issues with the ride but failed to take appropriate action to prevent such incidents. It claims the park continued to operate the attraction despite known risks, and failed to provide adequate warnings or implement necessary repairs.
Ride Background
“Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” is a motion-based dark ride located in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The ride uses robotic arm technology to simulate flying through various scenes from the Harry Potter series. It has been a popular attraction since its opening in 2010.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time Universal has faced legal action related to the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride. In a separate case, a 74-year-old woman was awarded $7.25 million after suffering a spinal injury while exiting the ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. The jury found that the park was negligent in ensuring her safety.
Universal’s Response
As of now, Universal Orlando has not publicly commented on the lawsuit filed by Casey Causey. The case highlights ongoing concerns about ride safety and the responsibilities of theme parks to protect their guests.