With its sweeping views above the castle grounds, battles against fire-breathing dragons, and thrilling encounters with Dementors, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has been a crown jewel of Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort. Yet, for some visitors, the magic has come with moments of real-world discomfort.
The attraction’s sophisticated robotic arm system, combined with physical sets and immersive screens, is designed to place guests right into the heart of a wizarding adventure alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione. But behind the magic, the attraction’s complex technology has come under increasing scrutiny due to reports of guest injuries and ride malfunctions.
One of the latest legal challenges involves a case filed by Casey Causey, who claims that on July 2, 2023, he was suspended in the air—tilted backward and to the right—for close to an hour when the ride allegedly broke down mid-journey. The incident took place in the heart of the Wizarding World, and according to the lawsuit, the attraction was operating in a defective and unsafe condition.
The legal filing accuses Universal Orlando Resort of widespread operational negligence. It states that the park failed to maintain the attraction, implement working emergency backup systems, or train staff for effective crisis management. Causey also alleges the ride was allowed to continue running amid ongoing “rolling power outages,” potentially exposing guests to unnecessary risk.
Additionally, the complaint argues that Universal knowingly kept the attraction open despite a history of ride issues. Causey’s legal team claims the park’s motivation was profit-driven, prioritizing guest throughput over ride safety. The suit goes so far as to describe Universal’s conduct as “wanton, willful, and reckless.”
This isn’t the first such report to surface. In April 2022, four guests at Universal Studios Hollywood experienced a similar malfunction on the same attraction. Their ride vehicle reportedly froze mid-flight, locking them into a tilted position for nearly an hour before evacuation. Court documents suggest the guests endured both physical and emotional distress as a result.
Another Orlando guest described being stranded during the ride’s sequence and later subjected to scenes playing out of sync—resulting in motion sickness and confusion. The guest called the ordeal a “nightmare scenario.”
In the latest case, Causey is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, citing physical harm, emotional trauma, and ongoing medical concerns. The complaint details a host of issues ranging from scarring and disfigurement to pain, suffering, and a diminished quality of life. A jury trial has been requested.
Meanwhile, Universal continues expanding the Wizarding World’s footprint. The newly opened Epic Universe theme park, debuting to the public on May 22, introduces an all-new themed area inspired by the Ministry of Magic. The expansion brings next-gen experiences and a brand-new attraction: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
While fans continue to flock to these immersive worlds, recent incidents serve as a reminder that even the most advanced attractions come with challenges behind the scenes.
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