On Monday, September 18, Walt Disney World Resort guests headed to the Magic Kingdom to enjoy a day of fun. However, when they arrived and walked through the gates, they were shocked that nearly half of the theme park was closed. Magic Kingdom cast members informed guests that they were unable to access Liberty Square, Frontierland, and parts of Adventureland. They were not able to enjoy the rides, attractions, restaurants, or shopping.
What was even more shocking was the reason those areas were closed.
A bear had been discovered, and not one from Country Bear Jamboree! A live bear was discovered, reportedly in a tree, on Tom Sawyer Island!
Disney called in the FWC — the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — and they were quick to respond. A professional crew came to the park and prepared to catch the female bear, so they could relocate her to a safe environment.
As the FWC worked safely and diligently, it released a statement, keeping guests and fans informed.
“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is aware of a black bear reported in a tree on Walt Disney World property at the Magic Kingdom. Biologists with the FWC’s Bear Management Program, as well as FWC Law Enforcement officers, are on scene.”
After the situation was assessed, Disney determined that it was safe to reopen parts of the theme park that were closed.
“We are working with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and have made the decision to reopen Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park.”
Thankfully, we can report that the bear has been captured and is set to be relocated.
The Magic Kingdom bear has been captured. Courtesy: WESH 2 News pic.twitter.com/gdwAGjldDh
— Mickey Views (@MickeyViews) September 18, 2023
Many wondered why a bear would venture into an area like the Magic Kingdom. The area is often crowded with people, and bears typically like to stay as far away as possible. FWC professionals said that the bear was most likely looking for food as it prepared its body to hibernate for the upcoming winter. Bears eat enough before winter hits, so they have enough fat to last them as they sleep the winter away.
The FWC says that, in most cases, it is best to give the bear the space it needs and let it leave on its own. However, due to where the bear was located, it was necessary for the FWC to come in and remove the bear so both the animal and those at the Magic Kingdom were safe. The FWC has not yet said where they are planning on relocating the bear.
The following attractions were closed when the park opened — Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Country Bear Jamboree, Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Pirate’s Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, Swiss Family Treehouse, and Tom Sawyer Island. The Walt Disney World Railroad was also only stopping at a couple of locations.
According to the My Disney Experience app, all rides and attractions that were closed at park opening are now open, except for the Walt Disney World Railroad, which is not stopping for guests at Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Main Street, U.S.A.
