Walt Disney World Faces Another Water Park Lawsuit for ‘Permanent Catastrophic Injuries’

Gretchen McDermid

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A person zooms downhill on the Double Dipper water slide, emerging triumphantly under a red finish line sign that proudly says "FINISH" in multiple languages. The vibrant green slides and lush trees provide a stunning backdrop to this exhilarating descent.

Walt Disney World Faces Another Water Park Lawsuit for ‘Permanent Catastrophic Injuries’

In a recent Walt Disney World lawsuit, a man is now asking for damages after exceeding the weight limit of a Blizzard Beach water slide and falling off his inner tube.

Man Files Lawsuit For Falling Out of Inner Tube at Blizzard Beach

A person zooms downhill on the Double Dipper water slide at Blizzard Beach, emerging triumphantly under a red finish line sign - Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

According to an article from local Orlando News 6 WKMG, a man has now filed a lawsuit against Disney for what is being called “dangerous conditions” at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.

Eugene Strickland visited Blizzard Beach Water Park in July 2021. During his visit, he chose to ride on the Downhill Double Dipper, despite exceeding the slide’s posted weight limit. Strickland reportedly weighed around 334 pounds at the time of the incident, while the Downhill Double Dipper has a weight limit of 300 pounds.

Downhill Double Dipper at Blizzard Beach

Downhill Double Dipper is a slide at Disney’s Blizzard Beach where guests can race each other in pairs down twin waterslides. Guests are seated on an inner tube and drop down a 50 foot hill. The description of the attraction on the Walt Disney World website describes how guests “plummet 50 feet downhill at exhilarating speeds.”

Blizzard Beach Lawsuit

According to the description in the lawsuit, Strickland became “momentarily airborne” as a result of the slide and his inner tube became dislodged:

While sliding down… (Strickland) became momentarily airborne as a result of the ride’s “exhilarating speeds” and design, resulting on Disney’s inner tube becoming forcibly, suddenly, and unexpectedly dislodged from underneath (Strickland’s) body.

Strickland vs. Disney, via News 6 WKMG

Disney's Blizzard Beach water park - Melt Away Bay and Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach

Strickland claims that as a result of his inner tube becoming dislodged, he landed on the surface of the Blizzard Beach slide and is now suffering from “permanent catastrophic injuries.” The public lawsuit does not go into more detail about the nature of these injuries.

Strickland is now suing Disney for negligence and failing to maintain a safe premises, saying the waterside had “dangerous conditions” that were not addressed. His lawsuit is currently asking for over $50,000 in damages.

This is not the first time Walt Disney World has been faced with a lawsuit over its water parks. Just this April, a woman filed a lawsuit after she was struck by a “mammoth” wave in the Surf Pool at Typhoon Lagoon. Back in 2023, a couple also filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney World for a “painful wedgie” after riding Humunga Cowabunga.

Frequently asked questions about Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

What is Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park?

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is a ski-resort-themed water park at Walt Disney World featuring thrilling slides, a lazy river, and family-friendly attractions for all ages.

What is the Downhill Double Dipper at Blizzard Beach?

The Downhill Double Dipper is a high-speed, side-by-side racing waterslide at Blizzard Beach where guests race each other down a 50-foot drop in inner tubes.

Will Blizzard Beach be open in 2025?

Yes, Blizzard Beach is now open for the 2025 season along with Disney’s other water park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

Do Disney tickets include Blizzard Beach?

Standard Walt Disney World theme park tickets do not include entry to Blizzard Beach unless you purchase the Water Park and Sports option or a Park Hopper Plus ticket.

Does Disney’s Blizzard Beach have a lazy river?

Yes, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park features a relaxing lazy river called Cross Country Creek that winds around the entire park.

How much does it cost to go to Blizzard Beach?

As of recent pricing, a one-day ticket to Blizzard Beach costs around $69 for adults and $63 for children, but prices may vary by season and promotions.

Can Disney Resort guests get into Disney water parks for free?

Yes, there is a water park benefit for 2025 resort guests. Disney Resort guests staying at one of the “Disney Resorts Collection Hotels” can enjoy water park admission on check-in-day, included with your stay. This may continue into 2026, so check back for more details. 

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