Disney World in Orlando FL / Photo license: Creative Commons
Ashley Carter
Ashley is a staff writer for KLZ Radio. She enjoys reading and playing video games and recently became a member of the Colorado Army National Guard.
Shortly after the fireworks ended at The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World on Thursday, August 30, 2024, the park was placed in a lockdown situation.
According to articles on The U.S. Sun and Fox, a fight had broken out amongst guests waiting in line to board the monorail transportation system and what was described as a “popping” noise followed. Some social media personalities that are associated with Disney World News, such as Danielle Kelly (@thedapperdanielle) mentioned a rumor that one of the fighting guests had reached a hand into his pocket before the popping was heard.
The events caused panic among other park guests, and the rumor began to circulate of an active shooter. Guests outside The Magic Kingdom attempted to run back through the park gates, while guests inside were locked into shops and attempted to leave the park, causing Disney to begin lockdown procedures. Videos on social media show the chaos of the events.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office was quick to issue an official statement via X stating, “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.”
Disney parks take security measures very seriously, requiring guests to go through bag checks, hazard detection canines, and screening technology. Oftentimes guests are also pulled aside to conduct a secondary screening using metal detectors. These security measures are conducted at the Ticket and Transportation Center for guests that are parking, after guests taking buses and boats arrive, and in the deluxe hotels on property. The security measures ensure weapons, alcohol, and/or drugs are not brought onto Disney property at any time.
The parks are back to normal, operating at their normal hours as of Friday, August 30, 2024.
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
