A black bear unexpectedly appeared at Florida’s Magic Kingdom in Disney World, resulting in the temporary shutdown of multiple attractions. This adult female bear was subsequently safely apprehended by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Details surrounding the bear’s capture, including its specific location and condition, have not been disclosed by the FWC. However, plans are in place to relocate the bear in or around the Ocala National Forest, approximately 90 minutes north of the Walt Disney World Resort.
The bear’s presence initially came to light on a Monday morning when it was spotted in a tree near Magic Kingdom. In response to this unexpected visitor, several areas and rides on the west side of the park had to be temporarily closed. These closures affected portions of Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square. Even popular attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean were temporarily unavailable to visitors.
Walt Disney World promptly confirmed its collaboration with the FWC to ensure a safe resolution to the situation. Following their coordinated efforts, the theme park subsequently announced the reopening of Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland at Magic Kingdom.
While ride closures are not entirely uncommon due to various factors, the simultaneous closure of multiple attractions is a rare occurrence. Fortunately, most of the rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom were back in operation by early afternoon. The only exception was the Walt Disney World Railroad, which remained closed.
FWC spokesperson Lisa Thompson underscored the importance of allowing bears the space they need to move along naturally, highlighting the need to balance wildlife encounters with visitor safety. The incident serves as a reminder that the magical world of Disney occasionally intersects with the natural world of Florida’s wildlife, creating moments of unexpected wonder for both parkgoers and the resident fauna.
