A recent TikTok video has ignited a storm of controversy after a Universal Studios Orlando guest posted footage of themselves crossing the ride queue partition to slap a goblin animatronic inside Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The video, which quickly went viral, was captioned: “I was escorted out shortly after,” and has drawn significant criticism from Universal fans.
Guest Removed After Scandalous Behavior
In the video, the guest can be seen stepping beyond the designated area meant to keep guests at a safe distance from the Harry Potter ride’s animatronic figures and slapping one of the goblin figures, which play a key role in the Gringotts Bank scene. These lifelike goblins are integral to the ride’s immersive experience, helping to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to life.
The incident immediately sparked outrage from viewers who felt the behavior was both disrespectful and irresponsible. Hundreds of comments on the TikTok video condemned the guest, with one user commenting, “Good!!!! You should be banned for life!!!” Other fans echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the guest for disregarding the rules and potentially damaging an important part of the attraction.
Universal Studios Orlando, which is known for its focus on creating immersive environments with intricate designs, has strict policies regarding the handling of animatronics and ride props. The act of touching or disturbing these figures is prohibited for both safety and preservation reasons. The guest’s actions not only violated the park’s rules but also had the potential to damage the delicate animatronics that are key to the ride’s storytelling.
@caseylouis777 i was escorted out shortly after #universal #gringottsbank
Was This Guest Banned?
Following the incident, the guest claimed in their video caption that they were escorted out of the park by Universal staff. Although Universal Studios has not yet confirmed the exact details of the situation, such behavior is clearly a breach of guest conduct standards. In most cases, guests who engage in disruptive behavior are asked to leave the park to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for others.
The post has raised broader questions about guest behavior in theme parks and the importance of respecting the carefully curated experiences designed to ensure magic and safety. Universal Studios Orlando has not commented publicly about the specifics of the situation, but fans are already calling for stricter enforcement of park rules.
In the meantime, Disney and Universal fans alike have voiced their opinions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining respect for the hard work that goes into creating such immersive attractions. While some viewers may have found the incident humorous, it’s clear that for others, it serves as a reminder that theme parks, despite their whimsical nature, require everyone to follow the rules in order to keep the magic intact.
