Universal's 'Harry Potter' Ride Condemned, Legal Action Taken After Yet Another Injury

The dream of any hardcore fan is to step into the world of their favorite film or novel, which is exactly what made – and still makes to this day – the Wizarding World of Harry Potter such a phenomenon.

First opened at Universal Orlando Resort in 2010, this invited guests directly into the magic of the universe created by JK Rowling, recreating iconic landmarks such as Hogwarts Castle, the Hogwarts Express, and the snowy rooftops of Hogsmeade Village.

While the Wizarding World has since expanded to include a second area at neighboring Universal Studios Florida, featuring Diagon Alley and Gringotts Bank, and will soon introduce a third hub at Epic Universe, many still regard the original land as the most iconic – especially following the addition of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Of course, it was inevitable that any land with Hogwarts Castle as its landmark was going to take the crown. It helps that Hogwarts Castle is home to one of Universal’s most groundbreaking attractions, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

This innovative dark ride uses a mix of physical sets, animatronics, and state-of-the-art projection technology to take guests on an adventure with Harry, Ron, and Hermione (Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson), soaring over the castle, dodging dragons, and escaping Dementors in the process.

The queue is as impressive as the attraction, to the point that Universal Studios Japan has incorporated a walkthrough of the line area as its own individual offering. This features iconic locations like Dumbledore’s office and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, with multiple cameos from the cast.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Sparks Controversy

But while the ride remains extremely popular with fans over a decade since its opening, it’s also faced its fair share of controversy.

Multiple guests claim to have been injured on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey over the years. In April 2024, it was reported that four people were suing Universal Studios Hollywood – which opened its own version of the attraction in 2016 – over reports that they were left stranded on the ride for over an hour, causing multiple injuries.

As per documents obtained by PEOPLE, the four riders “were left in a position which subjected them to severe injuries for an unreasonable and dangerous amount of time” in April 2022.

The complaint alleges the park’s “negligence” led to severe injuries, medical expenses, and general damages, with specific amounts to be determined at trial.

Plaintiff Debra Biane reportedly required significant medical treatment, including surgery, and has been unable to fulfill her duties as a wife to her husband, Gerald Scott Biane. The couple also claims to have suffered serious emotional distress from witnessing each other’s injuries.

In 2023, an injury report revealed that a 26-year-old male rider came off Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey with the “inability to speak” at Islands of Adventure. A separate report in 2024 cited an incident in which a 78-year-old experienced “dizziness/loss of consciousness” on the same attraction.

Meanwhile, in 2022, a grandmother filed a lawsuit against NBCUniversal Media LLC after a divider in the queue area allegedly fell on her hand, causing an injury that led to persistent pain. Her complaint argued that the park was to blame as it should have known the poles weren’t effectively secured and could have fallen, injuring guests in line.

Yet Another Lawsuit Hits The Ride

Another lawsuit has been filed against Universal in regard to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

According to Law 360, a female guest – who is regarded as the “adventure grandma” in her family – was injured at Universal Studios Hollywood after trying to board the attraction.

A California jury heard that after sitting in the ride vehicle, plaintiff Pamela L. Morrison’s safety harness wouldn’t latch into place. Universal team members then asked her to disembark, but Morrison – who didn’t realize in the dark that the platform was moving – fell after reaching the stationary ground, causing her to tumble backward.

Morrison was reportedly rushed to hospital, where she spent four days being treated for a crushed spine. Lawyer Taylor S. Kruse claimed that this has put an end to her status as the “adventure grandma” and that the incident could have been avoided had the Universal team members on duty followed procedure and paused the moving platform when Morrison’s harness didn’t work.

“This case comes down to really just three things: One button, five seconds, and the rest of Pamela Morrison’s, life,” Kruse said.

A safety expert set to testify will argue that the floor’s design and poor lighting made it hazardous for Morrison, especially when employees instructed her to step off. Kruse also stated that at least six employees had access to a button to stop the conveyor belt within five seconds, which should have been pressed when Morrison’s safety harness failed.

Kruse stated that instead of assisting, two employees “literally turned their back” as Morrison stepped off the ride, leaving her confused about what to do. He added that she had never been asked to leave a ride due to “her size” and argued that better-trained employees should have noticed her size and directed her to a test chair before she boarded the ride.

Meanwhile, Edward E Ward Jr., who is representing Universal City Studios LLC, has told the jury that Morrison’s injuries were the result of a “misstep.”

Have you ever had an unfortunate experience at a theme park?