In the heart of The Wizarding World at Universal Orlando Resort, a magical mishap has cast a shadow over one of the park’s most celebrated attractions. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, housed inside the iconic Hogwarts Castle, has long captivated guests with its seamless blend of immersive screens, elaborate physical sets, and innovative animatronics. But for some visitors, the enchanting flight has taken a troubling turn.
The ride, renowned for its robotic arm system that simulates flight through dazzling storytelling and edge-of-your-seat thrills, has seen several high-profile incidents involving unexpected breakdowns mid-ride. Most recently, a new lawsuit filed by guest Casey Causey alleges he was left hanging—literally—after a ride malfunction on July 2, 2023. According to court filings, Causey was suspended midair, tilted backward and to the right, for nearly an hour before being safely escorted off.
The complaint accuses Universal Orlando Resort, its vendors, and its staff of failing to ensure proper ride maintenance and safety protocols. Causey contends the attraction was in a defective state and that Universal permitted operations during known rolling power outages. He further claims the park lacked functioning backup generators and adequately trained staff to handle emergencies of this nature.
Perhaps most concerning, the lawsuit alleges that Universal was aware of previous ride issues but chose to keep the attraction open, placing guest safety second to business interests. Causey’s legal team asserts that Universal acted with “wanton, willful, and reckless” disregard.
This isn’t the first time the beloved Hogwarts adventure has encountered complications. A separate incident at Universal Studios Hollywood in April 2022 saw four guests stranded midair on the same ride system. Court documents from that case report the ride vehicle came to an abrupt halt, locking riders in an awkward, tilted position for over 30 minutes before being slowly repositioned and evacuated.
Another visitor at Universal Orlando Resort described their experience as a “nightmare scenario,” citing an hour-long delay inside the attraction, followed by an out-of-sync motion sequence that induced nausea and disorientation.
The claims highlight the complexities of high-tech, screen-based ride systems that merge real-world effects with simulated movement. As theme parks continue pushing storytelling boundaries, these technical setbacks reveal the growing need for robust operational safeguards.
Causey is seeking more than $50,000 in damages, citing physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term medical issues. His filing details pain, disability, disfigurement, and a reduced enjoyment of life, alongside financial losses tied to medical expenses and missed work. A jury trial has been requested.
Despite these concerns, the Wizarding World continues to grow. Universal’s newly opened Epic Universe theme park welcomed guests on May 22, featuring the fresh Ministry of Magic land. The expansion introduces the all-new E-ticket attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, offering guests an entirely new magical adventure.
Have you experienced unexpected moments on a Universal ride? Let us know your story in the comments!
