FILE - In this Monday, March 16, 2020, file photo, the road to the entrance of Walt Disney World has few cars, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Two more unions have reached agreements with Walt Disney World over furloughs caused by the theme park resort’s closure during the new coronavirus outbreak. The agreements reached late Friday, April 10, apply to security guards and workers involved in facilities and operations. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - In this Monday, March 16, 2020, file photo, the road to the entrance of Walt Disney World has few cars, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Two more unions have reached agreements with Walt Disney World over furloughs caused by the theme park resort’s closure during the new coronavirus outbreak. The agreements reached late Friday, April 10, apply to security guards and workers involved in facilities and operations. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) John Raoux, Associated Press
Herb Scribner
By Herb Scribner
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Two tourists have decided to sue Disney and Universal after they were hurt on a pair of popular rides at the two parks, The Orlando Sentinel reports.

What’s the news:

  • A Texas man said in his lawsuit he hurt his back while riding the Hagrid roller coaster at Universal. The injury happened after the ride stopped for technical problems but then jerked forward without warning, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
  • The lawsuit reads: “In the middle of the ride, the passenger car came to a halt and stopped for a period of time due to technical difficulties. Suddenly, and without any warning that the ride was about to resume, the car aggressively lunged forward, causing plaintiff’s body to be violently and awkwardly thrown about the passenger compartment.”
  • In a separate suit, a Chicago woman, Amanda Peters, has filed a lawsuit against Disney after riding Epcot’s “Frozen Ever After” ride. Peters said she didn’t know about the drop at the end, leaving her shaken up. She hit her head on the ride, too. Her mother said Disney employees told Peters the ride would be gentle. Peters had asked about the ride’s safety beforehand because she uses a wheelchair and has spina bifida, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
  • The two lawsuits were filed separately. Each person seeks $30,000 in damages.
  • “We will respond to the allegations, as appropriate, in court,” Disney spokeswoman Erica Ettori said in a statement. 

More legal issues with Disney

  • Police officials said someone tried to break into Disneyland despite the park’s closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which I wrote about for the Deseret News.
  • Jeremiah Smith, a resident of Anaheim, allegedly jumped over the gate so he could go into California Adventure. Smith was reportedly found near the Guardians of the Galaxy’s ride.
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