Walt Disney World is facing a lawsuit from a Florida man who claims he sustained severe injuries while riding a waterslide at the resort’s Blizzard Beach water park nearly four years ago. The plaintiff, Eugene Strickland, alleges that Disney’s negligence led to “permanent catastrophic injuries” during his July 2021 visit.
According to the lawsuit filed on May 29, 2025, Strickland, who weighed approximately 334 pounds at the time—exceeding the ride’s 300-pound weight limit—rode the Downhill Double Dipper waterslide. He asserts that he became momentarily airborne due to the slide’s design and speed, causing his inner tube to dislodge and resulting in a forceful landing on the slide’s hard surface. Strickland claims this incident led to serious physical and emotional injuries, including pain, disability, scarring, and mental anguish.
The lawsuit accuses Disney of failing to maintain safe premises and adequately warn guests about the slide’s weight restrictions and potential hazards. Strickland contends that the park was aware of the “safety hazard” but did not take appropriate measures to address it or inform visitors, effectively creating a “concealed trap.”
Strickland is seeking $50,000 in damages, citing ongoing suffering and a diminished quality of life resulting from the incident. The case is scheduled for a jury trial in May 2027. As of now, neither Disney representatives nor Strickland’s attorney have provided public comments regarding the lawsuit.
This case adds to a series of recent legal challenges faced by Disney’s water parks. In a separate incident, a woman filed a lawsuit after allegedly sustaining injuries on the Humunga Kowabunga slide at Typhoon Lagoon, claiming that the ride caused severe internal injuries due to the force of water and lack of proper warnings. Another lawsuit involves a guest who reportedly suffered brain damage after losing consciousness on the same slide, with allegations pointing to inadequate safety measures and absence of lifeguards.
These incidents have raised concerns about the safety protocols and maintenance practices at Disney’s water attractions.Legal experts suggest that the outcomes of these cases could have significant implications for the company’s operational standards and guest safety policies moving forward.
