Walt Disney World is facing a new lawsuit that dates back to a summer day in 2021. According to court papers, Eugene Strickland rode the Downhill Double Dipper water slide at Blizzard Beach on July 16 of that year. Strickland weighed 334 pounds at the time. The posted weight limit for the slide was 300 pounds.
The lawsuit states that once Strickland started down the slide, he hit high speed, flew into the air, and landed hard on a plastic surface at the end of the run. He says the impact caused serious and permanent injuries. Strickland claims he now lives with pain, scarring, and a loss of enjoyment in daily life. He is asking Disney for $50,000 in damages.
Disney has not released a public comment about the case. Theme park lawyers often review whether safety signs were clear and if staff members enforced the rules. Strickland argues that Disney should have taken extra steps to stop him from riding, given the clear weight restriction.
Legal experts say the court will consider several factors. These include the size and placement of warning signs, staff training, and whether guests are responsible for following posted rules. Until the case is heard, the Downhill Double Dipper remains open with the same weight limit in place.