Credit: Inside The MagicA developing story takes place when a possible situation unfolds inside the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
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Update: After hundreds of reports from Disney World guests about an “active shooter” inside of Magic Kingdom, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office put out the following statement:
ALERT: There is NO active shooter at
’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.
False Active Shooter Reported Inside Magic Kingdom at Disney World; Chaos Unfolds
What began as a typical night of magic and memories at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom turned into a scene of chaos and fear as thousands of guests fled in panic following an assumed active shooter situation on Main Street, U.S.A.
The incident, which occurred around 10 p.m. on Thursday, was later confirmed to be a false alarm by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. According to eyewitness accounts, the initial moments of the scare were nothing short of terrifying.
there was just a fucking stampede in magic kingdom i think people thought there was a shooter that was the scariest thing i’ve ever been in in my entire life – @smalltalkari on X
there was just a fucking stampede in magic kingdom i think people thought there was a shooter that was the scariest thing i’ve ever been in in my entire life
— s (@smalltalkari) August 30, 2024
i’m in magic kingdom rn looking up to see what happened was it really a gunshot? – @eternalswandas on X
i’m in magic kingdom rn looking up to see what happened was it really a gunshot?
— caroline. 🤍 (@eternalswandas) August 30, 2024
Families enjoying their evening at the park were suddenly thrust into a state of hysteria as word spread that there might be an active shooter on the premises. Videos posted on social media showed guests running for cover, hiding behind kiosks, and seeking shelter in shops and attractions, desperate to find safety. As the initial shock subsided, more details began to emerge.
Multiple reports of a gun scare at Magic Kingdom going through. Cops everywhere, tons of people backstage, monorails closed, items left on Main Street as families ditched everything to hide. Horrifyingly scary situation. – @coasterstudios on X
Multiple reports of a gun scare at Magic Kingdom going through. Cops everywhere, tons of people backstage, monorails closed, items left on Main Street as families ditched everything to hide. Horrifyingly scary situation. https://t.co/Zvp2vQiMSK
— Taylor Bybee (@coasterstudios) August 30, 2024
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded, working alongside Disney security to assess the situation. After a thorough investigation, law enforcement officials confirmed no active shooter. The cause of the chaos, it was determined, was a physical altercation that broke out between two individuals near the entrance of Main Street, U.S.A.
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Security incident at Magic Kingdom. Have a family member saying they are in lockdown.
Security incident at Magic Kingdom. Have a family member saying they are in lockdown.
— High Seas Poacher 2️⃣8️⃣☣️ (@MWetsoil) August 30, 2024
Possible shooting at Magic Kingdom! I am here with my family and the park is now lockdown
Possible shooting at Magic Kingdom! I am here with my family and the park is now lockdown
— Matthew Chaney (@Matthew39193667) August 30, 2024
went to magic kingdom today and there was literally a stampede because of a suspected shooter i thought that was actually going to be my last day. i was shoved out of the way and fell. mothers were crying looking for their daughters, people were hiding, it was so bad.
went to magic kingdom today and there was literally a stampede because of a suspected shooter i thought that was actually going to be my last day. i was shoved out of the way and fell. mothers were crying looking for their daughters, people were hiding, it was so bad. pic.twitter.com/NATeMuwceK
— D (@anxrosa) August 30, 2024
During the fight, a Disney balloon popped loudly, which many mistook for gunfire, triggering the mass panic.
The Sheriff’s Office stated around 11 p.m. EST, “After investigating the Disney World’s Magic Kingdom situation, we can confirm that there was no active shooter. The loud noise that caused concern was the result of a fight and a balloon popping. We urge the public to remain calm and allow our officers and Disney security to do their jobs.”
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
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
Despite the swift resolution, the incident has left a mark on those who were present. Social media platforms were flooded with posts from shaken visitors recounting their experiences and expressing relief and frustration over the night’s events.
Many were quick to praise Disney’s security team and local law enforcement’s rapid response, while others questioned how such a misunderstanding could lead to such widespread panic.
Disney World, long hailed as one of the safest places on earth, is no stranger to handling emergencies and maintaining the safety of its guests. The resort employs a comprehensive security system that includes visible and plainclothes security officers, metal detectors, bag checks, and extensive surveillance coverage.
Additionally, Disney collaborates closely with local law enforcement and has a range of emergency protocols in place to handle various situations, including potential threats.
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The resort, which welcomes millions of visitors each year, has a reputation for being meticulously prepared for any scenario. From natural disasters to medical emergencies, Disney World’s team of experts is trained to respond quickly and efficiently, minimizing risk and ensuring that guests can continue to enjoy their visit.
While Thursday night’s scare was ultimately a false alarm, it served as a stark reminder of the heightened sense of vigilance in public spaces, particularly in light of recent events nationwide.
from magic kingdom? they have it blocked off with police right now to my knowledge
from magic kingdom? they have it blocked off with police right now to my knowledge pic.twitter.com/uA687GPVKz
— D (@anxrosa) August 30, 2024
For many guests, the experience underscored the importance of staying aware and prepared, even in a place as magical as Disney World. As the dust settles and the park returns to normal operations, Disney World’s commitment to safety remains unwavering.
Guests planning to visit in the coming days can expect increased security measures and a continued focus on ensuring that every visit is as safe as it is magical.
The memory of the scare may linger for those present on Thursday night. Still, the quick resolution and absence of any real threat serve as a testament to the effectiveness of Disney’s security protocols. In a world where such incidents are becoming all too common, Disney World remains a beacon of safety and security, ready to respond to any challenge that may come its way.