What To Do if Disney’s Magic Kingdom Goes on Lockdown

If you’ve been keeping up with the latest news coming out of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, you already know about the supposed shooting incident that took place this week. Although this was thankfully a false alarm, that doesn’t mean guests shouldn’t know how to stay safe.

Chaos erupted from the Magic Kingdom after an incident involving a popping balloon and an altercation at the monorail, forcing the park to initiate lockdown procedures. Naturally, hundreds of guests were scared, confused, and understandably upset as their magical night came to an abrupt ending.

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That being said, it’s still important to know what to do in emergency situations like this. Disney has an admirable dedication to guest satisfaction and safety, but there are still some steps. Guests can take to keep themselves safe without giving into mass hysteria.

Staying Safe at Walt Disney World

A false shooting report at the Magic Kingdom this week led to a massive scare among Disney Park guests as they scrambled to evacuate. NBC News shared the following report that revealed there was no active shooter on the property, along with a statement from Orlando law enforcement.

The report reads,

A fight and a “popping” sound led to a stampede at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on Thursday after park guests believed the noise was caused by an active shooter, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

In a post on X, the sheriff’s department confirmed that there was no active shooter present at the Orlando theme park.

“A fight occurred, and a ‘popping’ sound was heard that we believe was a balloon,” it said. “Guests began running, and that’s how the active shooter rumor started.”

Although the report was false, that doesn’t mean Disney isn’t prepared with how to handle emergency situations like this. Given today’s social culture, gun violence awareness is an unfortunately topical subject, but that doesn’t mean Disney World isn’t a safe place.

On the contrary, Disney has extensive security measures in place to keep guests safe at all times, including metal detectors, additional security officers, and protocols in place should the need for action occur.

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The Walt Disney World Resort makes this statement for any concerned parties still hesitant about making their next Disney trip.

“Walt Disney World Resort takes a comprehensive approach to security across our property that includes some measures that are visible and others that are not. This includes the presence of uniformed police officers, specially trained hazard detection canines, security screening technology, bag checks and other measures.”

While Disney’s commitment to security and safety is reassuring, that doesn’t mean they aren’t prepared should things go sideways. In the highly unlikely event of a violent emergency, Disney has the “A, B, C Plans” laid out should the need arise.

Entertainment writer and Disney reporter Jim Hill shares a full layout of these protocols and how the cast members are prepared to evacuate and protect guests should something like this occur. However, that doesn’t mean guests can’t do their part as well.

What You Can Do

Although there was no actual shooter on the property, this week’s report demonstrates the dangers of mob mentality. Hundreds of guests rush to the exit, trampling each other in their way, and only added fuel to the fire.

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This is how trips are ruined and how people get hurt, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Should any guest find themselves in a hazardous situation like the one that happened this week, they can still take action to exit the park safely.

The first step is to remain calm, Disney has protocols in place in the event of an emergency, and they are trained professionals. They practically have a plan for any sort of disaster; let them handle it.

Second, Disney park guests should proceed to the exits as directed. While a full park evacuation or accelerated closure is a rarity, they have happened in the past. Rushing towards the exit helps no one, and could end up with someone getting hurt.

Above all, the most important thing any guest can do in the event of an emergency is listen to the cast members. Disney has a team of trained staff who know exactly what to do should a dangerous situation occur, and it’s their job to ensure guest safety and satisfaction.

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True emergencies at the Walt Disney World Resort are fortunately rare, but that doesn’t mean guests should stop using common sense. The phrase “keep calm and carry on” might’ve become a meme some time ago, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come in handy on occasion.

Were you at the parks when the false shooting occurred? Let us know in the comments down below!