Last night guests at the Magic Kingdom panicked when they heard sounds mistaken for gunshots. This happened last night around 10PM and it led to guests reportedly stampeding to get out of the area.
A video posted on X shows the Emporium after guests rushed out. Merchandise is on the floor and even a stroller is left behind.
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
stampede @ magic kingdom and we got forced into the buildings then evacuated… apparently suspected gunshot but we didnt hear anything pic.twitter.com/7EPdFA6Gxd
— riv @ animating (@vertesei) August 30, 2024
The cause of the sound is believed to be a balloon popping after a fight had broken out.
Reports have come in that people were getting shoved and pushed, as people rushed to get out. Others say they heard people yelling “shooter.”
Police were on the scene and the monorail was shut down.
Scariest experience of my life, waiting in the queue to get on the monorail and everybody starts screaming and shouting and everybody dropping to the ground. Suspected gun scare at Magic Kingdom
— Jamie Tomlin (@JamieTomlin_) August 30, 2024
A popping sound at Disney’s Magic Kingdom caused “mass hysteria” as visitors mistook the sound for a gun shot. Authorities say it was likely a balloon that caused the noise. pic.twitter.com/3CRrGlPmRg
— USA TODAY Video (@usatodayvideo) August 30, 2024
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
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
The Orange County Sheriffs Office did issue a message saying there was not an 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
Disney is already in a lawsuit over a “stampede”
This brings me to another point. Disney is currently in a lawsuit with a woman who claims she was permanently injured due to stampede-like behavior from guests trying to get to one of the parades or shows. A situation like this sounds much worse and I have a feeling we might learn that many people were injured during this misunderstanding.
This all happened late at night, as the park was closing. While it isn’t as crowded then, many are in the Main Street U.S.A. area on their way out of the park. It was probably congested when people panicked.
Disney has issued a statement.
A Disney spokesperson has issued a statement after the situation happened, thanking the Orange County Sheriff’s Office but not addressing the issue or the possible injuries.
“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.”
Hopefully there weren’t a lot of injuries.
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