Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is facing a personal injury lawsuit tied to one of Magic Kingdom’s oldest attractions. A family alleges that a 2024 ride on the Haunted Mansion ended with one guest pinned by machinery at the unload area, freed only after crews removed track guards, and taken to First Aid in a wheelchair.
Disney was issued a summons in the case earlier this month. None of the claims have been proven in court, and the company has not commented publicly.
The Alleged Incident
According to the complaint, plaintiffs J. Johnson and C. Johnson were at Magic Kingdom on or about December 14, 2024, during a family vacation. The filing describes them as guests and business invitees of Disney at the time of the visit.
After riding the Haunted Mansion, the family was leaving the attraction when J. Johnson’s left pant leg became caught in a conveyor belt near the exit, the complaint states. The suit claims the belt pulled J. Johnson to the ground with considerable force.
The ride was eventually brought to a stop, and maintenance staff were called to the scene. However, the filing alleges they could not free J. Johnson until track guards were removed from the attraction. J. Johnson was then placed in a wheelchair and brought to Disney’s First Aid center, according to the complaint.
What the Family Is Seeking Damages For
The complaint outlines a long list of alleged harms to J. Johnson: bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, disfigurement and scarring, and aggravation of a previously existing condition. It also points to hospitalization and medical costs, lost earnings, and a diminished ability to earn money going forward. The filing characterizes these losses as permanent or continuing, and they are suing in excess of $50,000.
C. Johnson is named as a second plaintiff. The complaint claims C. Johnson has been deprived of J. Johnson’s love, affection, companionship, and assistance as a result of the injuries, a claim known as loss of consortium.
Summons Issued November 6
Disney was issued a summons in the case on November 6. The document is addressed to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. through its registered agent, Corporation Service Company in Tallahassee, and commands Florida sheriffs to serve the summons and complaint on the company.
Disney has 20 calendar days after service to file a written response with the court. The summons warns that missing that deadline could cost the company the case.
A Look at the Omnimover System
The Haunted Mansion has operated at Magic Kingdom since the park opened on October 1, 1971. It uses Disney’s Omnimover system, a continuous chain of Doom Buggies that does not fully stop during normal operation. Moving walkways at the load and unload areas let guests step on and off vehicles traveling at the same speed.
That setup has allowed the attraction to move enormous crowds for more than five decades, sending riders past the ballroom, Madame Leota’s séance, and the Hitchhiking Ghosts before returning them to Liberty Square. Cast members regularly slow or stop the system for guests who need more time to board or exit.
Have you ever been injured at a Disney theme park? Let us know in the comments below!
