After this morning’s failure to open three of the lands in Magic Kingdom, it has now been confirmed that a black bear was spotted in a tree, causing the delayed openings.
Black Bear in a Tree at Magic Kingdom
According to Scott Gustin on X (formerly known as Twitter), The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has shared that it is aware of reports of a black bear seen in a tree at Magic Kingdom.
Biologists with the FWC’s Bear Management Program, as well as FWC officers, are on scene.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
A statement by Disney was shared shortly afterward, via Gustin on X:
We are working with The Florida Fish and 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.
Walt Disney World official statement
According to WDWMagic, Cast Members noticed the bear before the park opened to guests this morning, meaning that the areas did not have to be cleared, and the lands were kept closed when the rest of Magic Kingdom opened at 9 a.m.
At the time of press, the following Magic Kingdom attractions are still closed as a result of the bear sighting:
- The Hall of Presidents
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Walt Disney World Railroad – Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Since our last report, the following rides have opened up after their initial morning delay:
- Haunted Mansion
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Jungle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
Per WDWMagic, Magic Kingdom has nearly fully reopened after half of the park was closed earlier today. Currently, the area around Big Thunder Mountain remains closed.
At this time, A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasure of the Seven Seas, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and Swiss Family Treehouse are not listed with wait times or as “temporarily closed” on the My Disney Experience App, so your mileage may vary as to whether or not these offerings are operational.
Did this bear sighting impact your visit to Magic Kingdom today? If so, share your thoughts and experience with us in the comments.
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