Disney Fireworks Lawsuit Alleges Child Suffered Permanent Eye Injury as Result of Falling Debris

Lawsuit claims Disney proceeded with a fireworks display at Magic Kingdom, despite known risks that burning debris could reach guest areas within the park.

A Florida parent has filed a lawsuit stating that falling fireworks debris struck their child in the eye during a nighttime display at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom theme park, causing permanent injuries.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Vicken Mouchlian, acting as the parent and natural guardian of the minor child, identified as S.M., in Orange County Circuit Court on December 26. It names Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S. Inc. as the sole defendant.

Although amusement parks like Disney’s Magic Kingdom draw millions of visitors each year, prior reports indicate that at least 30,000 people are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms annually for theme park–related injuries, raising ongoing concerns about safety oversight at these destinations.

According to Mouchlian’s filing, the incident involving the child occurred on December 3, 2025, while S.M. was riding the Tomorrowland Speedway attraction on Disney’s property during a park-sanctioned fireworks display.

The lawsuit alleges that Disney organized and conducted the nighttime fireworks display near the Magic Kingdom while knowing that burning debris, embers or other pyrotechnic remnants could drift into guest areas. According to the complaint, wind, weather and launch conditions increased the risk that these materials could travel beyond designated safety zones.

During the display, the complaint claims that pieces of falling fireworks or burning material descended into the area over or near the Tomorrowland Speedway, striking S.M. in the eye. As a result, the child allegedly suffered painful and permanent injuries.

Court filings state that S.M. was a business invitee at the time of the incident, placing a legal duty on Disney to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn guests of known or foreseeable dangers.

Disney Firework Injury Allegations 

The lawsuit brings premises liability claims against Disney, alleging the company failed to take reasonable steps to protect guests from falling fireworks debris.

Among the allegations, the complaint claims Disney failed to:

• Establish or enforce adequate fallout or exclusion zones
• Monitor wind, weather and atmospheric conditions
• Modify, suspend or relocate fireworks operations when conditions posed risks
• Shield guest ride vehicles and attraction areas from falling debris
• Warn guests or temporarily close attractions during fireworks displays

The complaint also alleges Disney failed to properly train and supervise employees and contractors responsible for fireworks safety, and failed to conduct adequate risk assessments of guest areas during pyrotechnic operations.

“Defendant, breached its non-delegable duty owed to Plaintiff by (1) negligently failing to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition by failing to correct a dangerous condition about which the defendant either knew or should have known, by the use of reasonable care, and (2) negligently failing to warn the plaintiff of a dangerous condition about which the defendant had, or should have had knowledge greater than that of the plaintiff.”

— Vicken Mouchlian v. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S. Inc.

As a result of the alleged negligence, the lawsuit claims the child suffered permanent bodily injury, physical pain, mental anguish, disability and a diminished ability to enjoy life. The filing also seeks compensation for medical treatment, future care needs and other losses.

The case brings a single count of premises liability against Disney and seeks compensatory damages, costs and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

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