Walt Disney World Resort’s iconic Monorail system was temporarily shut down following a false bomb threat, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The Monorail, which has been part of the Disney experience since 1971, is an essential mode of transportation around the Central Florida resort. It connects the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC), EPCOT, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The Monorail system, which has been in operation for over five decades, was one of Walt Disney’s visions for the future of transportation at Disney parks and around the world.
According to a law enforcement report obtained by WDWNT, the incident occurred when Adam Murphy, a 31-year-old guest from Deltona, Florida, was flagged for additional security screening before boarding the Monorail. While Murphy and his wife were going through the bag check process, Murphy allegedly told a Disney security cast member that his wife had a gun in her bag. His wife, who did not have a firearm, urged him to stop making such claims, but Murphy ignored her.
“I have a bomb,” Murphy allegedly said. Murphy’s wife pleaded with him to stop, but he reportedly told her it was his constitutional right to say whatever he wanted.
Following the threat, a Disney security cast member acted quickly, contacting a supervisor who called 911. As a result, the entire Monorail system was shut down. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Disney’s bomb detection dogs responded to the scene, thoroughly searching the Monorail and Murphy’s car. However, no bombs or other dangerous items were found. After the investigation was completed, the Monorail reopened and resumed normal operations.
Murphy was trespassed from Walt Disney World Resort and taken into custody. He was charged with “Violation of Florida State Statute False Report Concerning the Placing or Planting of a Bomb, Dynamite, Other Deadly Explosive, or a Weapon of Mass Destruction.” While in the back of the patrol car, Murphy allegedly claimed that he could yell the word “fire” when there was no fire, asserting that he was allowed to do so because it was his constitutional right.
Despite his arrest, Murphy denied the accusations, claiming that he was unfairly treated by both Disney security and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He called the allegations against him a “lie.”
Last month, the state’s attorney decided not to pursue charges against Murphy.
What’s your favorite Walt Disney World Resort transportation system? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
I do like the Monorail. A future mode of transportation & bein’ powered by electricity. Really gets people around the DW property quite a bit & usually or rarely there are a few hold-ups or minor flaws in the system that get people a little stirred up. But I don’t want to bicker too much about it. I’m also a longtime railfan & 9-time honorary certified student railroad engineer since 2010. Taken behind the throttle lessons on 6 small steam engines & 3 on diesels mainly in West Virginia, Virginia & in my state of NC. I follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps & go where trains take me anywhere around the nation. The WDW Railroad’s another way to travel around the park & enjoy listening to the train’s rhythm in motion. Even the rollercoasters are swell to ride on. Big Thunder Mountain & Space Mtn. They have different twists & turns & lots of climbs & hairpins with special effects. Hope on returning again for another Disney-themed visit if it’s on & near my birthday. I do enjoy meeting the Disney characters too. Thanks for listening.