Credit: Michael Gray, FlickrA family has filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, alleging that a visit to one of Magic Kingdom’s most famous attractions ended with a guest trapped in machinery at the ride’s exit and wheeled away to First Aid.
The complaint centers on the Haunted Mansion, the Liberty Square favorite that has welcomed guests aboard its Doom Buggies since Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971. Now, more than five decades into its run, the attraction is at the heart of a personal injury case that Disney is being formally asked to answer.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs, identified as J. Johnson and C. Johnson, were visiting Magic Kingdom on or about December 14, 2024, as part of a family vacation. The filing describes them as guests and business invitees of Disney at the time.
The family rode the Haunted Mansion that day. The complaint states that as they exited the attraction, J. Johnson’s left pant leg became caught in a conveyor belt near the ride’s exit area.
The lawsuit claims J. Johnson was pulled to the ground by the conveyor belt with considerable force. The ride was eventually stopped, and maintenance staff were called in to help. However, the complaint alleges that crews were unable to free J. Johnson until track guards were removed from the attraction itself. J. Johnson was then placed in a wheelchair and taken to Disney’s First Aid center, according to the filing.
Injuries and Damages Claimed
The complaint lists a wide range of alleged harms suffered by J. Johnson, including bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, disfigurement and scarring, and the aggravation of a previously existing condition. It also cites hospitalization and medical expenses, lost earnings, and a reduced ability to earn money in the future.
The filing states these losses are either permanent or continuing. A second plaintiff, C. Johnson, is also part of the case. The complaint claims C. Johnson has lost the love, affection, companionship, and assistance of J. Johnson as a result of the injuries, a claim commonly known as loss of consortium.
Disney Served With Summons
On November 6, Disney was issued a summons in the case. The document, directed to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. through its registered agent, Corporation Service Company in Tallahassee, commands Florida sheriffs to serve the summons and complaint on the company.
Under the terms of the summons, Disney has 20 calendar days after being served to file a written response with the court. The document warns that failing to respond on time could result in the company losing the case. Disney has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. None of the allegations have been proven in court.
How The Haunted Mansion Works
The Haunted Mansion runs on Disney’s Omnimover system, a continuous chain of Doom Buggies that never fully stops during normal operation. To keep guests moving, the attraction uses moving walkways at both the loading and unloading areas, allowing riders to step on and off vehicles traveling at a matching pace.
It is a design that has helped the Haunted Mansion carry huge crowds for decades, ferrying guests past the ballroom, Madame Leota’s séance, and the famous Hitchhiking Ghosts before depositing them back into Liberty Square. Cast members routinely slow or stop the system to assist guests who need extra time to board or exit.
What This Means for You
Guests riding any Omnimover attraction, including Haunted Mansion and Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, should keep loose clothing, bag straps, and footwear clear of the moving walkway, and can always ask a cast member to help before stepping off.
Have you ever suffered an injury while at one of the Disney theme parks? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!
