“Thrusted Erratically”: Twins Sue Universal Over Severe Injuries on New Harry Potter Attraction

For many theme park fans, stepping into a new park represents more than just a vacation — it’s an emotional milestone. The promise of groundbreaking attractions, immersive storytelling, and next-level technology is what drives travelers from around the world to Central Florida year after year. With Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe generating massive anticipation, guests have eagerly awaited the chance to experience what many consider the next evolution of themed entertainment.

The Wizarding World additions inside Epic Universe have been particularly meaningful to visitors. From intricately themed environments to ambitious ride systems designed to replicate magical movement, Universal’s approach to the Harry Potter franchise has consistently captured fan devotion. Guests often describe these attractions as the closest they can come to physically stepping into the stories they grew up with.

But even within the excitement, expectations around safety remain paramount. Theme park visitors trust that behind the spectacle and technological innovation lies a foundation of rigorous maintenance, testing, and operational oversight. When something disrupts that expectation, it can quickly shift the narrative from celebration to concern — especially when incidents involve high-profile attractions in newly opened lands.

Epic Universe Has Quickly Become One of Universal’s Most Ambitious Projects

Epic Universe represents one of the largest expansions in Universal Orlando Resort’s history, positioning the company as a major competitor in the ongoing theme park “arms race” across Central Florida. The park’s emphasis on cutting-edge ride systems and immersive lands has been widely viewed as a defining moment for Universal Destinations & Experiences and its parent company, The Walt Disney Company’s primary competitor in the region.

Among the park’s most talked-about experiences is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, an attraction marketed as a dynamic journey through the British Ministry of Magic. Universal describes the ride as an adventure featuring magical creatures, unexpected twists, and a ride system capable of moving guests in multiple directions simultaneously through omnidirectional lifts.

That level of innovation, however, often comes with operational complexity — something theme park enthusiasts closely monitor, particularly during a park’s early operating period.

Reports of Ride Interruptions Have Quietly Circulated Among Guests Online

In the months following the attraction’s debut, online discussions from parkgoers began surfacing across platforms like Reddit and among content creators documenting their visits. Some visitors described experiencing unexpected stops, extended downtime, and ride evacuations — occurrences not uncommon for technically advanced attractions but still notable for a brand-new flagship experience.

According to statements referenced in a news release from the Morgan & Morgan law firm, some guests allegedly reported being stuck on the attraction for extended periods after abrupt ride stops, including instances lasting over an hour. Opening-day downtime and intermittent maintenance closures were also discussed within online fan communities.

While ride interruptions can occur across the industry without resulting in injury, the persistence of guest discussions helped create a quiet undercurrent of concern surrounding the attraction’s reliability.

A Christmas Day Visit Turned Into a Legal Dispute for Two Guests

The situation escalated after twin brothers Derrick Burrough of Tennessee and Erick Burrough of Georgia filed separate lawsuits against Universal Orlando Resort, alleging injuries sustained while riding Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry on Christmas Day.

According to the lawsuits, the brothers were visiting Epic Universe with family when a malfunction allegedly caused their ride vehicle to stop abruptly. They claim they were “thrusted erratically” in their seats, resulting in significant neck and back injuries.

Represented by Morgan & Morgan, both brothers are seeking damages exceeding $50,000 and allege the incident led to physical impairment, medical expenses, lost wages, and a diminished ability to enjoy daily life. Attorney John Morgan stated in a news release that the attraction had allegedly experienced repeated malfunctions and hard stops since opening, adding that the lawsuits aim to hold Universal accountable for what the plaintiffs believe was a preventable safety incident.

Universal representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment at the time of reporting.

The Lawsuits Arrive Amid Broader Safety Conversations Surrounding Epic Universe

The legal action comes during a period of heightened scrutiny surrounding ride safety at Epic Universe. The lawsuits follow previous litigation connected to the Stardust Racers roller coaster, includingffected by the September death of Kissimmee resident Kevin Rodriguez Zavala after riding the attraction. His family later reached a settlement with Universal, and additional injury-related lawsuits were subsequently filed by other guests.

Within fan communities, reactions to the Harry Potter lawsuit have been mixed. Some social media users expressed concern over ride reliability, while others emphasized that incidents and lawsuits can occur across all major theme parks. Reddit discussions and commentary from content creators have continued to circulate, fueling ongoing debate among enthusiasts closely tracking Epic Universe’s early operational challenges.

What This Could Mean for Future Visitors Planning Their Epic Universe Trips

For travelers planning visits to Epic Universe, the lawsuit highlights the balance between groundbreaking innovation and the importance of guest confidence in ride safety. While legal filings represent allegations rather than confirmed findings, incidents tied to high-profile attractions often shape public perception and influence how visitors approach new experiences.

Theme park experts frequently note that newly opened rides undergo operational adjustments as teams refine performance and reliability. However, lawsuits and widely shared guest accounts can amplify scrutiny and raise expectations for transparency moving forward.

As Epic Universe continues welcoming guests, many fans are watching closely to see how Universal addresses operational concerns and communicates updates. The attraction itself remains a major draw, but the broader conversation surrounding safety and reliability is unlikely to fade quickly.

Have you experienced Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry or encountered unexpected ride downtime at Epic Universe? Share your thoughts and experiences as the discussion around this developing story continues.