Walt Disney made it known that he wanted Disney World to be for everyone — but we don’t think this is precisely what he meant.

When Magic Kingdom opened on the morning of Monday, September 18th, multiple lands in the park didn’t open with it. Actually, every single ride in Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square was listed as “temporarily unavailable” in the Disney World app. Fans began speculating wildly about what may have happened, but we never would have guessed that this unwanted guest was the reason for the holdup!

Bear with us, because we’ve got quite the story to tell that you might not believe. Disney World has had its fair share of wild animals in the parks but chances are Walt Disney didn’t exactly have this particular guest in mind when he welcomed everyone into the parks. According to WESH news, a bear was spotted in Magic Kingdom this morning and was the reason for the closure of nearly half the park. Sounds like one of the Country Bears didn’t take too kindly to the re-theme announcement and decided to stage a walkout.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission shared a statement, confirming the presence of a black bear in Magic Kingdom:

“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is aware of a black bear reported in a tree on Walt Disney World property at the Magic Kingdom. Biologists with the FWC’s Bear Management Program, as well as FWC Law Enforcement officers, are on scene. 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. The FWC reminds people that if you see a bear, to give it space and never approach or feed it. To learn more about bears and how to avoid conflicts with them, visit MyFWC.com/Bear or BearWise.org.”

Officials shared that the bear was seen in a tree and the FWC is actively working on removing and relocating the bear to a safe location for it.

With three lands completely out of commission, nearly HALF of Magic Kingdom was closed this morning. If you’re in Magic Kingdom today, you might notice that the wait times for some of the attractions in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland were higher than normal.

Disney released a statement indicating that they would be reopening the lands, but keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information on wait times and ride closures. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for bears!

NEW statement from Disney: “We are working with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and have made the decision to reopen Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland.”

“As shared by the FWC, staff are on site and working on capturing and relocating the bear.” https://t.co/yQAFHEbuaI

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 18, 2023

We’ll be on the lookout for more news throughout Disney World and beyond, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

 

Were you in Magic Kingdom during Beargate 2023? Tell us in the comments.

The post NEWS: A Bear Has Been Spotted in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog.