United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
False active shooter alert causes panic at Disney
The sound of a ‘popping balloon’ caused a chaotic stampede of theme park guests at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
It caused people to flee the area fearing in was a gunshot.
Panic soon spread with screams and talk of an active shooter.
It was especially unfortunate timing as the balloon popped right at the time two guests were in a physical altercation.
People took cover while others ran into shops.
Police were on the scene quickly and the sheriff’s department confirmed in a X post t there was no active shooter.
“A fight occurred, and a ‘popping’ sound was heard that we believe was a balloon. Guests began running and that’s how the active shooter rumor started.”
Video footage posted online showed guests trying to exit Magic Kingdom, and others hiding out in shops.
Normal park operations were able to resume a short time later, a Walt Disney World spokesperson said.
“We appreciate the response of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to quickly assess and clear the situation,” Walt Disney World said in a statement Thursday evening.
Related News Stories:
Related News Stories: Walt Disney World shuts down park reservations ahead of hurricane Magic Kingdom: 'Popping sound' sparks false active shooter report 'Popping' Balloon at Disney World Caused False Shooter Panic: Police Magic Kingdom panic : r/WaltDisneyWorld Panic erupts at Disney's Magic Kingdom when false active shooter ... 'Active Shooter' False Report Sends Magic Kingdom Into Lockdown ... Disney Releases Statement After False Active Shooter Report at ... R A W S A L E R T S on X: " #BREAKING: A False Active Shooter ... Panic erupts in Times Square when motorcycle backfiring causes ... Chaos at Magic Kingdom: Fight, 'popping sound' prompt false active ...
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations