A wild bear spotted at Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort, reportedly there in search of food, has been safely captured.
Sightings of a wild bear at Magic Kingdom on Monday morning stunned cast members and guests and resulted in the closure of three of the park’s themed lands–Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square. The areas were closed and then blocked off in an effort to keep guests and cast members, as well as the bear, safe until officers with Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) could arrive to survey and address the situation.
Officials with the Wildlife Commission confirmed that the bear was seen in a tree on Disney’s property on Monday. They are working to relocate the bear with plans to release her in or around Ocala National Forest following her capture by biologists with the commission as part of the FWC Bear Management Program.
Sightings of the wild animal prompted the closure of three of Magic Kingdom’s three lands, as well as several attractions, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Country Bear Jamboree, The Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Pirate’s Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, Swiss Family Treehouse, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Walt Disney World Railroad.
Just before 1:00 p.m. ET, Disney World made the decision to reopen Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland though the bear had not yet been removed from the premises. Approximately 15 minutes later, officers were seen carrying a large black figure in a white tarp. The animal was not harmed and will be relocated to an area near Ocala National Forest, less than two hours away from Disney World.
“In most cases, it is best for bears to be given space and to move along on their own, but given this situation, staff are working on capturing and relocating the bear. During the fall, bears are more active as they search for food to pack on fat reserves for the winter. This particular bear was likely moving through the area searching for food.”
One of the most beloved attractions at the Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World Resort is Peter Pan’s Flight. This enchanting ride allows guests to soar above the lands of Neverland alongside Peter Pan, the mischievous boy who never grows up. As one of the original attractions at Walt Disney World Resort, Peter Pan’s Flight continues to captivate visitors with its magical storytelling and immersive experience.
Unfortunately, it was also the alleged sight of a young Guest’s injury this past May.
Peter Pan’s Flight debuted in 1971 with the opening of Magic Kingdom, becoming an instant success among Disney enthusiasts. Inspired by Walt Disney’s classic animated film, “Peter Pan,” this attraction takes riders on a whimsical journey through scenes from the movie, allowing them to relive their favorite moments from the story. The ride is a popular choice for families visiting the Park due to its calm nature and slow-moving ride vehicle.
Unfortunately for New Jersey man Daniel Blanco and his son, their ride was anything but relaxing. Blanco has alleged that his son sustained injuries while riding the attraction on May 18, 2023. The lawsuit, which was filed in the Orange County Circuit Court, states;
“When the ride operator announced it would be starting back up, the ride jerked and slammed Plaintiff’s head into the ride carriage. The whiplash was not a part of the normal ride; it was a malfunction and caused Plaintiff severe and permanent injuries.”
Unfortunately, this is not the only lawsuit that Disney has faced this year from Guests. Not long ago, a woman filed her own lawsuit after she was allegedly shut between the doors of Disney’s Monorail.
It is clear from all accounts that Disney probably wishes for the lawsuits to come to an end once and for all.
Magic Kingdom is finally getting its first lounge, and the location’s Pirates of the Caribbean theme will add to the excitement of the new guest experience at Adventureland.
An exciting new addition is coming to Adventureland at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, per Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty. On Saturday morning, Beatty took to the stage during the live Destination D23 event held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort near Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. The new experience will be the first-ever lounge-type location in the park.
Peg-Leg Pete, the so-called “Barker Bird” in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, will finally make his swashbuckling return to Adventureland after being forced to walk the plank in 1975.
The new location will be inspired by Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean and will have the look and feel of a tavern. It won’t only be a place for food and drinks with a swashbuckling theme; it will also serve to extend the experience of Pirates, allowing guests to dive deeper into the story of Captain Jack Sparrow, his scurvy crew, and the adventures they have on the high seas.
No specific date was revealed for the completion of the new dining location, as Imagineers are currently in the design process for the tavern. More details will be shared in the future.
There are currently four different Star Tours – The Adventure Continues attractions, one in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, one in Disneyland Park, one in Tokyo Disneyland, and one in Disneyland Paris.
Star Tours – The Adventure Continues is an exciting and interactive ride, taking guests on an immersive 3D tour across the galaxy, where they’ll come face-to-face with the galaxy’s greatest heroes, and its greatest enemies…
This attraction is widely beloved and is even cited as being a better Star Wars ride than Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (depending on who you ask, of course). That being said, a huge change is coming to all four versions of this beloved ride: Ahsoka Tano is coming to each Star Tours across the world.
Ahsoka Tano is Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan. A major character in the Clone Wars series, Ahsoka’s popularity only grew until she appeared in The Mandalorian (portrayed by Rosario Dawson).
Now, the character has her own show: Ahsoka, and it’s just been announced that she’s set to appear in Star Tours.
Currently, we don’t know exactly what her role will play in the attraction. But we do know that we’re excited to see this new storyline!
This raises the question: Could a storyline involving Din Djarin and Grogu (also known as the Mandalorian and Baby Yoda) also come to Star Tours? Maybe someday.
After all, it’s a vast galaxy out there, and anything can happen!
