A rumor about an active shooter sent guests scrambling for the exits at Magic Kingdom on Thursday night.
Just before the park’s 10 p.m. closing time, guests began posting about the scare, reporting that some people were screaming “shooter,” leading to other guests to begin running towards park exits.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in a X post at 10:43 p.m. eastern time that what actually happened was that a fight had occurred, and then “a ‘popping’ sound was heard that we believe was a balloon. Guests began running and that’s how the active shooter rumor started. There is no active shooter.”
ALERT: There is NO active shooter at @WaltDisneyWorld’s Magic Kingdom. A fight occurred, and a “popping” sound was heard that we believe was a balloon. Guests began running and that’s how the active shooter rumor started. There is no active shooter. pic.twitter.com/TRKLs3NglC
— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) August 30, 2024
Various guests posted photos and accounts from inside the Magic Kingdom, saying the panic led to some guests being allowed out of the park through backstage areas typically off-limits to anyone but Disney employees. Multiple guests reported being temporarily kept inside stores along Main Street U.S.A.
literally next in line for the monorail at magic kingdom, florida when everyone starts screaming and guards and shouting to get down. what on earth is going on? america is not for the faint hearted
— elly’s version 💛 (@ellysversion_) August 30, 2024
I have loved ones there (who are currently safe) and they said it’s concentrated to around Main Street, and people were getting pushed and shoved everywhere, kids crying… absolutely awful pic.twitter.com/nISOl1vp44
— Taylor Bybee (@coasterstudios) August 30, 2024
you guys i’m at magic kingdom and they sent us backstage and there are lots of police. i’m scared af 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/MVvwc0Bj7m
— figment (SAVE MUPPETVISION * 3D) (@niksenergyadv) August 30, 2024
we saw shoes on the floor, knocked over strollers, it was kinda insane. seemed like a thing where ppl got scared and it was like mass hysteria pic.twitter.com/FmABzJKtMt
— riv @ animating (@vertesei) August 30, 2024
A Disney World spokesperson said in a statement to the media: “We appreciate the immediate response of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to quickly assess and clear the situation. Normal operations have resumed and the park is now closed for the evening.”