A Florida man, Eugene Strickland, is suing Walt Disney World for negligence, claiming he suffered “permanent catastrophic injuries” after riding the Downhill Double Dipper water slide at Blizzard Beach in July 2021.
Strickland, who weighed 334 pounds at the time, exceeded the ride’s weight limit of 300 pounds. According to the lawsuit filed on May 29, 2025, Strickland became “momentarily airborne” due to the ride’s “exhilarating speeds” and design, causing his inner tube to dislodge and resulting in a forceful landing on the slide’s hard plastic surface. This led to severe injuries, including scarring, disfigurement, and ongoing physical and emotional pain.
Strickland’s lawsuit alleges that Disney failed to maintain a safe environment, neglected to enforce the weight limit, and did not properly warn visitors of the potential dangers. The case is set for a jury trial in May 2027. Disney has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit.
