Credit: UniversalA controversial TikTok video posted by a guest at Universal Studios Orlando has sparked a significant amount of backlash after the visitor crossed the line in the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride queue and slapped an animatronic goblin. The video, which quickly gained traction online, showed the visitor stepping over a partition and interacting with the goblin figure, a key part of the ride’s immersive experience.
The TikTok, which was captioned, “I was escorted out shortly after,” captured the visitor’s act of slapping the goblin animatronic as part of the queue, which is designed to replicate the Gringotts Bank experience from the Harry Potter films. The goblin animatronics are a crucial element of the ride’s set design, intended to enhance the immersive atmosphere of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
What Was This Guest Thinking?
The incident has triggered outrage among Universal Studios fans, with many expressing anger and disappointment over the disrespectful behavior. Hundreds of comments on the video condemned the act, with one user stating:
“Good!!!! You should be banned for life!!!”
Many fans felt the behavior was not only disrespectful to the hard work that went into designing the animatronics but also a safety concern, as interacting with delicate figures can cause damage to the attraction.
@caseylouis777 i was escorted out shortly after #universal #gringottsbank
Universal Studios Orlando has a clear policy prohibiting guests from touching, interacting with, or disrupting animatronics and ride elements. This is to ensure both the safety of the guests and the preservation of the ride’s integrity. By violating these rules, the guest risked damaging valuable and highly detailed figures that contribute to the attraction’s overall success.
Shortly after the video was shared, the guest revealed in the caption that they were escorted out of the park by security. While Universal Studios has not officially confirmed details about the incident, such behavior is a clear violation of the park’s guest conduct policies, and it is likely that the security team intervened to maintain order and ensure that other guests’ experiences were not affected.
Video Ignited Debate
As the video continues to be shared, fans of Universal Studios and the Harry Potter franchise have voiced their opinions, condemning the act and reaffirming the importance of respecting the attractions. Universal Studios Orlando is known for its attention to detail, and incidents like this remind visitors that the magic of the theme park depends on everyone adhering to the rules that keep the experience special.
In the wake of the controversy, Universal Studios is expected to continue reinforcing its policies to ensure that all visitors enjoy a safe and magical experience. While some might have found humor in the incident, others are taking this as a reminder of the importance of respecting the carefully crafted world that Universal Studios works hard to create.