A couple from Pennsylvania has lodged a federal lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, alleging unsafe conditions at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom contributed to a serious injury that has affected their lives significantly. Deborah and Matthew Montgomery filed their civil complaint in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania on August 6, citing an incident involving an electrical mobility scooter at the theme park.
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The lawsuit arises from an event that took place on August 7, 2024. Deborah Montgomery, who experiences chronic arthritis and is classified as disabled, rented an Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) during her visit to the popular attraction. The couple was queuing for the “Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid” ride, a leisurely experience inspired by Disney’s animated classic from 1989, when the accident allegedly occurred.
According to the complaint, the couple entered the queue around 3:00 p.m. and navigated through the serpentine line without disruption. However, as Deborah approached the boarding area, she claims that the floor sloped dramatically near a themed wall, causing her left foot to become wedged in a nearby crevice. This hazardous condition allegedly resulted in her sustaining a fractured fibula, as well as injuries to her foot and ankle.
The lawsuit claims that the steepness of the floor exceeded safety regulations by a significant margin, with a noted slope of 20%, compared to the permitted maximum of 5%. Additionally, the claim states that the ground slanted sideways at 14%, which is seven times steeper than the acceptable side slope of 2%. According to the Montgomerys, these unsafe design standards demonstrate a violation of Disney’s own safety regulations.
As a result of her injuries, Deborah Montgomery reports experiencing chronic pain and has been largely confined to the first floor of her home for over a year. The impact of this incident extends beyond Deborah; her husband Matthew claims to have faced emotional distress, loss of income, and a diminished quality of life since the accident.
The couple is seeking a jury trial and has requested damages exceeding $75,000. They argue that the injuries Deborah sustained not only caused her severe physical pain but also significantly altered their day-to-day lives.
Both the Montgomerys’ attorney and representatives from Disney have been approached for comments regarding the case, but no statements have been made public at this time. The outcome of this lawsuit may set important precedents concerning safety standards at amusement parks and the obligations of such enterprises to protect their patrons.
As the case unfolds, it highlights ongoing discussions about the safety protocols in place in tourist attractions and the accountability of major corporations like Disney. The Montgomerys’ experience underscores the vulnerabilities faced by individuals with pre-existing health conditions when navigating public spaces and attractions that may not be fully accommodating.
Disney’s reputation as a family-friendly destination, renowned for its safety and guest experience, is being scrutinised in light of this incident. The central issue remains whether the park’s design choices comply with safety regulations and whether sufficient measures are in place to safeguard visitors from preventable injuries.
As the couple awaits trial, the broader implications of their claims reflect concerns over accessibility and safety measures in entertainment venues, prompting a call for further scrutiny and potential reform.