In July 2021, Eugene Strickland decided to ride Disney’s Downhill Double Dipper, a water slide at the Blizzard Beach water park in Bay Lake, Florida. On the attraction, which the Walt Disney World website says are “side-by-side high-speed slides that bring out your competitive streak,” Strickland caught air. Thanks to the speed he was going at, and possibly his weight, he launched into the air and the inner tube slipped away from his body. But without the tube acting as a cushion, the man landed right on the plastic surface of the slide. Strickland said he “suffered serious bodily injury” on the ride. He filed a lawsuit on May 29, 2025, nearly four years after the incident, and is seeking more than $50,000.
In addition to physical injuries, Strickland said the incident caused mental anguish.
In his complaint, Strickland said he has experienced “pain, suffering, disability, scarring, disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life.” Strickland claims that Walt Disney World was negligent and failed to maintain safe premises. He alleges the company was aware of the safety hazard and the “concealed trap” that led to his injuries. He claims the park did not warn him of the dangerous conditions.
Strickland exceeded the weight limit by more than 30 pounds.
What makes the story more interesting is that the ride is designated for people who are 300 pounds or under. At the time of the incident, Strickland weighed 334 pounds. We’re not sure, though, if he knew of the weight limit before getting on the ride. Maybe he knew and decided to try his luck.
In a statement to People, Strickland’s attorneys wrote: “Our client was severely injured on a ride at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. He has filed a lawsuit alleging it was the defendant’s lax safety measures and oversight that contributed to those injuries. We are pursuing justice for him and working to hold Disney accountable for their alleged negligence.”
Disney has not commented on the case.
Strickland claims he is still dealing with the aftermath of the incident nearly four years later. Disney has yet to comment on the case. Strickland may have to live with his injuries for a few more years — his trial against the company is scheduled to begin May 2027.
