One of Universal’s most popular rides, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, is facing backlash after multiple guests filed lawsuits claiming injuries.
The ride, a central attraction at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, first opened at Universal Orlando Resort in 2010 and combines physical sets, animatronics, and advanced projection technology to transport guests into the magical world of Harry Potter.
However, the attraction is now facing legal issues after the latest in a list of incidents.
Issues Facing Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
While the ride is widely praised, it has also raised concerns over guest safety. Guests have reported various incidents on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – some more serious than others.
In April 2024, four people filed a lawsuit against Universal Studios Hollywood. They claimed they were left stranded on the ride for over an hour in April 2022, resulting in severe injuries. The lawsuit alleges that the park’s negligence caused the guests to suffer injuries for an “unreasonable and dangerous amount of time.” Plaintiff Debra Biane reportedly required surgery and has struggled to fulfill her duties as a wife. The couple also claims emotional distress from witnessing each other’s injuries.
In 2023, a 26-year-old male rider suffered the “inability to speak” after riding the attraction at Islands of Adventure. A separate incident in 2024 involved a 78-year-old guest who experienced “dizziness/loss of consciousness” while on the ride. These incidents have contributed to growing concern about the safety of the attraction.
In 2022, a grandmother also filed a lawsuit after a divider in the queue area allegedly fell on her hand, causing persistent pain.
The Latest Lawsuit
The latest lawsuit was filed by Pamela L. Morrison, a guest injured while boarding the ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. Morrison, described as the “adventure grandma” in her family, struggled to latch her safety harness properly. After being asked to disembark, she fell when attempting to step off the moving platform, leading to a crushed spine. Morrison was rushed to the hospital and spent four days being treated for her injuries.
Morrison’s lawyer, Taylor S. Kruse, argues that the incident could have been prevented had Universal’s team followed proper safety procedures. “This case comes down to really just three things: One button, five seconds, and the rest of Pamela Morrison’s life,” Kruse said. He claims that employees failed to stop the moving platform after Morrison’s harness malfunctioned, and that the floor’s design and poor lighting contributed to her fall.
Kruse also criticized Universal for not training staff to properly accommodate guests. He argued that Morrison should have been directed to a test chair before boarding the ride. In defense, Universal’s lawyer, Edward E. Ward Jr., stated that Morrison’s injuries were the result of a “misstep.”
The lawsuits surrounding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey raise serious questions about safety protocols at Universal’s theme parks. As the attraction remains a fan favorite, the ongoing legal battles highlight the importance of proper guest safety and staff training.
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