ORLANDO, Fla. — A Pennsylvania woman has filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, seeking at least $50,000 in damages after she claims she was injured in a “stampede” on Main Street at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Debra O’Steen filed the lawsuit on August 12, 2024, in state court in Orlando, alleging that she sustained permanent injuries due to an uncontrolled crowd during a busy day at the theme park. The incident reportedly took place on June 25, 2024, when O’Steen was walking down Main Street as the park was “packed and extremely busy” ahead of an unspecified event.
According to the three-page complaint, O’Steen was knocked over in the crowd, resulting in what the lawsuit describes as “permanent injuries” that have caused her to lose earnings, experience mental anguish, and suffer from a “loss of ability to lead and enjoy a normal life.”
The lawsuit claims that Disney was negligent in failing to control the crowd, maintain safe premises, and adequately warn visitors about the potential dangers posed by the situation. O’Steen also emphasized that she was a “business invitee” at the time of the incident—a legal designation that refers to individuals invited onto a property for business purposes. Under Florida law, business invitees are afforded the highest level of legal protection, requiring landowners to maintain a safe environment and to warn invitees of any known dangers that might not be apparent.
O’Steen is seeking compensation for her medical expenses, lost wages, and the ongoing impact of her injuries. The lawsuit contends that these losses are “permanent or continuing,” and that she will continue to suffer in the future as a result of the incident.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit.
