7 Unbelievable Moments That Shocked Disney Parks

2024 has been a landmark year for Disney parks, with major announcements and thrilling new additions, but it’s also been marked by some wild and unexpected moments.

While Disney made headlines with fan-favorite closures like DinoLand U.S.A. and Muppet*Vision 3D, and new attractions such as a Coco (2017) ride at California Adventure and a Walt Disney animatronic at Disneyland, some of the most unforgettable events were the bizarre and chaotic incidents that took place across Disney resorts. From shocking guest behavior to wild animal sightings, here are the most outrageous moments that took over Disney Parks this year.

1. Guest Punches Winnie the Pooh (Shanghai Disneyland)

In a disturbing incident at Shanghai Disneyland, a guest struck Winnie the Pooh, sending the performer tumbling to the ground. The chaos unfolded with other Disney cast members rushing to assist, and even Piglet made a dramatic appearance to stare down the attacker. While it remains unclear what happened to the guest involved, we can only hope they were swiftly removed from the park.

9月22日， #上海迪士尼乐园 工作人员在表演中，有游客拍打维尼熊的头部，维尼熊一脸懵逼…… #ShanghaiDisneyland staff, a tourist slapped Winnie the Pooh on the head, and Winnie the Pooh looked confused…
byu/That-Jelly6305 inshanghai

2. Fight Breaks Out During Fantasmic! (Disneyland Resort)

Fantasmic! at Disneyland Resort has had its share of disruptions in 2024, and things took a chaotic turn when a fight broke out during its second showing of the evening in August.

Credit: Disney

A now-deleted TikTok video captured the altercation, showing guests standing, shouting, and pulling hair. Fortunately, security arrived to escort the fighters out, allowing the show to continue without further incident.

3. False Reports of Active Shooter (Disney World)

In August, Magic Kingdom Park was thrown into chaos when a fight, combined with a loud “popping” sound, sparked rumors of an active shooter. Visitors panicked, but the county sheriff’s office quickly clarified that there was no active threat, though the scare left many shaken.

@thevacationtailor

BREAKING DISNEY NEWS. A shooting scare at the Magic Kingdom caused a stampede at the Emporium at Walt Disney World. As of now it appears to be a false alarm that caused mass panic, however there is a large police presence and the situation is still fluid #wdw #magickingdom #axistravelgroup #breakingnews

♬ original sound – Mike💫TheVacationTailor

4. Guests Get Rowdy on Pixar Pier (Disneyland Resort)

In another incident at Disneyland Resort, a fight broke out on Pixar Pier, with three women attacking another while two young children looked on. One of the attackers justified the violence, claiming the woman had initiated the confrontation.

Credit: Becky Burkett

While no official updates were provided, the altercation likely resulted in the individuals being escorted out or banned.

5. Mickey Mouse Nearly Sets Himself on Fire (Disneyland Resort)

Fantasmic! had another close call when Mickey Mouse nearly set himself on fire during a fireworks scene. The pyrotechnics were timed to go off as Mickey reached the top of the stairs, but they went off prematurely, surrounding him in sparks.

Credit: Disney

Fortunately, Mickey acted quickly, and the incident ended without injury, giving this story a happier ending than the Maleficent incident in 2023.

6. Wild Monkeys Spotted on Property (Tokyo Disney Resort)

Tokyo Disney Resort became the center of an unexpected wild animal sighting in November 2024. Wild monkeys were spotted at the resort, sparking concern among staff. Thankfully, no monkeys were seen within the parks, but the incident had everyone on alert.

Credit: Disney Fanatic

7. Guest Goes Skinny Dipping at Port Orleans (Disney World)

In one of the more bizarre guest behavior incidents of the year, a woman was caught on camera skinny dipping in the Sassagoula River at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. Despite warnings about alligators and snakes, security quickly intervened, and the guest was allegedly trespassed from all Walt Disney World Resort properties.

Let us know your most unforgettable Disney park incident of 2024!