The intensity of the various attractions featured across Walt Disney World can vary from person-to-person, depending on their prior exposure to attractions, any existing medical conditions, or even what you had to eat or drink that day. You should always pay attention to any warning signs or inquire with Guest Relations regarding any rides you should skip, or precautions you should take. While some attractions may seem like gentle dark rides, when it comes to rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Frozen Ever After, unexpected drops may have serious consequences for those who aren’t prepared for them, as described in one of the latest lawsuits to hit Disney.
According to Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel, a 27-year-old Chicago-area woman is suing Disney after riding Frozen Ever After in the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT. Amanda Peters, who uses a wheelchair and has spina bifida, made sure to check in with Cast Members before riding the attraction on January 12, but was assured that the ride was gentle and only featured a “small dip.”
If you look at the verbiage used on the attraction’s landing page within the Walt Disney World website, it lists the attraction as a dark slow ride with a “small drop.” Peters had undergone brain surgery six weeks prior to her trip, but was given clearance by her doctor to travel so long as she avoided anything intense and opted for only slow-moving rides like “it’s a small world.” The lawsuit alleges that the online ride descriptions misinformed the family, and that Cast Members were not properly trained.
The ride’s drop led to Peters experiencing a “violent backlash”, hitting her head on the seat and causing mental fog with slurred speech and neck pain. Her family has scheduled an MRI to understand the full extent of the potential damage.
Peters is seeking over $30,000 in damages within the Orange County Circuit Court. Disney has stated that it will “respond to the allegations, as appropriate, in court.”
