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.”
Source: Orlando Sentinel
if you are in a fragile state you really should be looking up every ride before getting on it. its your responsibility to know what you sign up for.
Plus, there are enough videos and video bloggers on utube to know exactly what kind of a ride you’re getting and how rough or mild it might be
That’s really dumb. If they had read what the ride does online they would have known. I have spina bifida as well, but I read things ahead of time to know what I can and can’t ride instead of blaming others.
You can also You Tube every ride in the parks and see for yourself.
Shouldn’t have risked anything with a dip at all. Besides, it was only as “intense” as it was due to her condition. Easily one of the tamest drops in the whole resort.
If only there was a website to look at that rates ride intensity. Oh wait, there is. Man, maybe thats wrong so lets check a video. Huh, that’s available too.
Since when is it Disney’s job to police what people are each individually capable of handling themselves. If I have an allergy, its my responsibility to not order something with the allergy. Beyond that it becomes their problem.
I’m sorry she was possibly hurt by the exact drop thats been in place since Maelstrom.
This is a little ridiculous… People will look to get Disney compensation for anything… It was her own fault. Alarm bells should have went off when they said “small dip” because that’s what it is, it’s not Disneys fault that she decided to go on a ride with a dip when she knew she couldn’t handle it.
If you are told to stick with slow rides like “Small Word” why would you get on anything with a dip? Even a small dip would be a whootie.
I heard that ride is shut down at the moment, too.
Yeah I heard all the parks were too.
All the Parks are shut down
The seats only come to mid back. How did she hit her head on the seat?
That’s what I was wondering too.
my thought exactly, i don’t think it’s possible for someone even just 4′ in height to hit their head. That’s like one of the lowest benches in Disney Parks
Forget about hitting the head,is the way to milka big cow man!
If you just had brain surgery you probably shouldn’t be riding any rides period. That ride does not have a huge drop, but nonetheless she shouldn’t have been on it after brain surgery.
Thank you. I was going to say that but you beat me to it.
Ok, Let me just say WTH!!! 6 weeks after BRAIN surgery? Suppose on the plane ride down, assuming they did come by plane, they hit turbulence. Or if they drove, had an incident. I’m just scratching my head.
This should get throw out. There are things people should avoid and monitor themselves. If yoyr in a wheel chair with a chronic health issue and recent brain surgery you probably need to be a sight seer and not rider.
Makes more since than I imagined. Would this post surgery mishap be from a ride or another trauma. Disney is super at assisting any injury or making accident reports while in the park. I wonder if one was made getting off the ride. Still you shouldn’t travel to a theme park if you are thia medically fragile.
I have to agree! Why do that after brain surgery and blame a ride (heck, why not a jet for unforeseen turbulence??) I don’t think that Disney is to blame unless ride was not maintained or there was a safety negligence on their part.
I agree I had brain surgery due to seizures, believe me, this ride would not have hurt her, however, when she gets on that plane the intense air pressure will.
The doctor is the one who deserves to be sued, because it is his advice that the patient was following. Doctors are supposed to be cautious when advising patients.
The doctor is the only one who fully understands the patient’s condition. Disney can give general advice about rides but not specific medical advice. The patient is likely suing Disney rather than the doctor, because Disney is more likely to pay.
If I had to guess, the conversation was probably more like… Patient: I’m going to Disney. Doctor: It’s not something that I would recommend but if you’re determined to do it anyway, then keep to the slow, easy rides.
The doc may not even be familiar with the rides at Disney. The ultimate responsibility here belongs to the person who chose to get on the ride with known significant health issues.
I just recently posted a very similar opinion as Mark on another blog chat board and I would like to commend you on how civil the tone of your reply was to Mark. I certainly did not receive the same civility from the individual who replied to my post on the other board and ultimately blocked the person.
Thank you!
Well, we don’t even know if the person ever bothered to consult with her doctor at all regarding going to Disney in which case he would not be at fault at all. I realize we live in a overly litigious society, but I think a lot of it boils down to a person’s failure to take any personal responsibility for their own actions. No one forced this person to get on the ride. She chose to. A cast member cannot possibly know what this person is physically able to tolerate. Only she can decide that. She can own her own mistake.
If she had brain surgery prior to this she should had never been on
Maybe six weeks after brain surgery isn’t the best time to visit an amusement park?? Sounds more like irresponsible parenting to me..
She’s 36yrs old
Here’s a thought.. go on you tube ahead of time and maybe watch a video of the actual ride before getting on it! Something one would think they would do if their body was in such a fragile state as hers! 🤦♀️ This is just an excuse to sue Disney!
what I’m impressed with his you have brain surgery six weeks prior to the trip and you’re going on rides! After that, you are suing Walt Disney world for a ride that has a drop in it! Brain surgery hello moving around on the brain is not good to begin with the add-on you have spina bifida once again on a ride that moves. I’m not going to go on a roller coaster in a body cast and Sue that amusement park for being a dumbass while in pain. Maybe you should have taken a little bit more time to heal. I’m not a cold-hearted person, I just hate seeing people who work hard and those who are trying to take advantage of the situation. I’ve seen it too many times and I’ve just had enough. That’s why I work four jobs and stand up for what I believe in
Wow, I simply cannot believe people nowadays. Peoples point of view differ and for everyone stating it’s a small it was probably 10x worse for her at no fault of anyone. Her Dr. stated, by the read, that she was good to go after 6 weeks, I would have waited a little longer and/or not gotten in any rides you cannot visually see for yourself or done extensive research, like look at videos or ask other patrons, Disney cast are so used to it for them it’s nothing. I hope she doesn’t get a dime and stop this madness of one suing big or small when they are not to be hold accountable. Good for Disney for not settling and permanent ban her!
Oh no! This fragile snowflake should be kept inside at all times. No more Disney.
When you’re standing outside the queue area, you look up and see a cave mouth like opening. The ride boats pass this spot. When they pass, you can hear screaming. I have yet to hear screaming from It’s A Small World, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure or the train.
I went to Walt Disney World 80 days after kidney transplant surgery. I avoided most of the big thrill rides, but I do anyway. I chose to ride Space Mountain, and it was a bit uncomfortable due to the lap safety set up. I was much farther out from surgery. I can’t imagine riding so soon after brain surgery.
Whatever happened to personal responsibility?
Wait that’s the EXACT same drop as in Maelstrom. This person is greedy.
No, watch a video of the ride, no one can judge your interpretation of a drop.
Yep… Just had brain surgery 6 weeks prior and thought “Hey, let’s go to Disney to ride the rides.” Cast members don’t know anything about what she can or can’t physically handle. She needs to take responsibility for her own stupidity.
No that is the person’s fault… 6 weeks post brain
surgery?! then if they would have stopped her she would sue for discrimination….
Someone wanting a free hand out ,, and you wonder why those types of people never will have anything or be anything , they spend there whole life for a hand out or free ride ,
If my doctor said “rides like it’s a small world” and a cast member tells me there is ANY DROP AT ALL I am not riding it. I’m sorry, but cast members are not your doctor. If you are told by a doctor to ride things like it’s a small world only, and you said yes to a drop, that is on you 100%.
I can understand how that drop might be too much for someone with a neck issue.
But if there was any doubt about it whatsoever, why didn’t they have another member of the party try it out ahead of time and report back if they thought it would be okay?
That’s very bad to hear but in all honesty anyone coming out of brain surgery should in my opinion avoid all risks. Even getting off of the tram can be dangerous for anyone if you miss a step.
I’ve went of trips with people who have heart conditions, but you can easily be cautious. If there’s a ride we’d not been on yet but seemed safe/tame enough, I’d still give it a try first. I can’t place blame on the person coming out of brain surgery to make the decision but her family should be a little more responsible.
The best plan would’ve been to go during off season, mid-week and just enjoy the sites of the park. There are great shows, music, and cast members dressed up that I’m sure would do their best to make it an enjoyable experience.
Rofl, good luck getting anything.
From what i heard the mouse doesn’t settle they’re one of a few companies that doesn’t mind taking you to court, and i can see why. They have an army of lawyers and near endless cash stream they can drag this for years.
This is discussing if you’ve just had surgery then why ride just another frued trying to get money 😠😠😠
Another sad soul looking for money. Disneys been closed for over a month and now she wants to come and bring something about get out of here seriously
First of all I am only 5’2 and my head doesn’t hit the back of the seat. I am a person WHO DOES NOT DO DROPS….the make me nauseous. I would hardly call the slight drop on the ride excessive!!! It is our responsibility as patrons to to research out your vacation and what capabilities you do and not have. I for one am not going on splash mountain, rock n roller coaster, tower of terror…..because of the drops. I would never put the responsibility of judging a ride on a cast member. Everyone’s definition of drops, speed etc is different. Seems like everyone nowadays feels entitled to free money. Nobody is responsible for their own actions or decisions….they need to blame and profit off of others.
The judge should throw this case out.
If you have a medical condition and you have concerns before even going on a ride you should probably just skip it out, instead of trying to blame others and assume every cast member should be responsible for knowing if the ride is to intense for your fragile body! You know your body don’t be the guy that ruins it because you want to point and blame others, instead of take responsibility!
If you were told to ride slow rides like “It’s a Small World,” you probably shouldn’t ride a ride that has in it’s description, “small drop.” I mean, just the word, drop, doesn’t really relate to the instructions made by her physician to ride only, slow rides. Sounds to me like someone was looking for a payday and unfortunately, she’ll probably get it and then Disney will pass the bill down to the rest of us by charging EVEN more for admission. 🙄
Picture the commercial:. Amanda Peters, you just had brain surgery 6 weeks ago, what are you doing next? I’m going to Disney world. OMG, what were you thinking. Drop your lawsuit.
A money grab is all this is.
I’m guessing they need the money, but even a small drop on an easy ride would have to do, just to make some kind of case. I would think the monorail would be a safer option in that case… I hate that it would have caused damage, but why risk a small drop in the meantime?
$30k? For such a small amount she is hoping Disney settles out of court and she walks away with $19k after attorney fees. It’s effective most of the time, however the mouse seems to prefer court to eradicate these low level suits as a lesson. She is more than likely just wasting time.
Free money is what it’s about. That’s been the new America. Believe it started over 20 yrs ago with someone suing McDonalds over their hot coffee beeing to hot.
No, the McDonald’s lawsuit was legitimate. The coffee was kept at a temperature above what was appropriate and burned a woman to the bone. McDonald’s was rightfully found at fault. They have worked very hard to trick people into thinking they were not, or that it was a frivolous lawsuit. Guess they succeeded with you.
Guess they did. Just like anything else, depends who you believe even after reading both sides of the case. There are articles written by different people with different opinions regarding the case, some of which are attorney’s. There will be articles written on this Frozen ride incident, no matter how it turns out, people will disagree. I personalky try not to be nasty with people when our opinions differ though. Hope you’re safe and healthy and maybe we”ll see each other in Disney at the Frozen ride when all this ends.
How ridiculous.
Blaming someone else for their own wrong doing. ‘Drop’ or ‘small drop’ means DROP. (And it is small with VERY little chance of hitting your head). Id class it as more of a ‘ramp’ than a drop. People need to start taking responsibility for their own actions. I mean personally if I had brain surgery 6 weeks prior to a trip id either postpone the trip or not put myself at risk on ANY rides.
I generally fall on the side of defending Disney when it comes to lawsuits like these, but I do feel compelled to mention that this ride is not as gentle as it once was when it first opened. Having ridden it twice now – first when it was new, and again just last December – I was surprised at how rough and jerky the boat was at certain points during my last ride, even unrelated to the small drop. My 80-year-old mother even glared at me mid-ride and said, “I thought you said this was gentle!” While it’s no E-ticket, please be forewarned that it’s no Small World either.
Someone should smack this person upside the head. It would be harder than what happened on the Frozen ride.
People just suck.
If you just had brain surgery, how about you avoid ANY ride with ANY drop? The fact that she would get the n any of the rides is ludicrous.
All i see here is easy money, and no sense of responsibility.
Should have enough “spine” to say you know what… this is too much. Not everything in life is catered to everyone. Know your limits.
I hate that she got hurt on the ride, but she should have done her research before going. Honestly, I don’t know if I would go to Disney World anyways 6 weeks after brain surgery even if it was cleared by my doctor. I rode Frozen Ever After back in March a couple weeks before the parks shut down, it was only a small drop and I even sat in the very back of the boat, where the end of it goes up higher and I did not hit my head on anything. All the seats are mid-back level. I do not believe that this case is just. She took the risk herself, knowing that there was a drop, even though it was small. Disney did not falsely describe the ride by any means. She should not win this case.
In a wheelchair, suffering from spina bifida, 6 weeks post brain surgery…… Let’s go to Disney!!
Give me strength!
C’Mon people!
Sounds like someone is looking for attention. I just don’t understand why you would travel to an amusement park after just having surgery. she knew something like this could happen and she went anyway. it’s her fault, not disney’s.
Her lawyer says it’s not about the money.
I have a bridge I could sell you!!!!
Going to WDW 6 weeks after brain surgery was the first mistake. There is such a movement in the past 20 years that “I can do anything and Disney better make it possible for me” I’m getting sick to death of it. Common sense comes first, then you got out and play afterwards.
Of course she is when the ride clearly states that people with spinal issues shouldn’t ride it. She is clearly seeking a pay day. What a peice of work.
Her doctor said she can go on Small World, which has no drops whatsoever. The cast members said there was a small drop. When will people take responsibility for their own actions.
She just had surgery. She did not follow her doctors advice to stick to rides like It’s a small World. Just like if I asked someone if the food is spicy, what is spicy to me might not be spicy to you. Dips on rides are going to be different for each person. Especially, if you are fragile from surgery.
I hope the lawsuit just costs that lady money. She is exaggerating if she calls that more than a small dip!
Violent drop? Your head will never hit the seat unless you’re a small person. Lol