Technical and mechanical problems cause issues and an evacuation at Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is Disney World’s flagship park, but that doesn’t mean it is immune to problems. The park is experiencing several technical and mechanical issues causing Guest frustration, an evacuation, and increased work for Cast Members.

Touch Points at Entrance

Once you step off the monorail, bus, or the ferry boat one of the first things you will do at Magic Kingdom is go through security and the touch points at the entrance.

The security checkpoints are a breeze now that Disney upgraded the detectors. You take out anything that is metal like an umbrella or stainless steel water bottle and simply walk through the detectors.

The entry touch points used to be very simple too since they temporarily paused the finger scanners. However, those are back now as Disney relaxes many of the health and safety protocols in place.

Despite the added step, it is still very easy to get through…unless the system is having issues. That is exactly what happened today, September 22. According to our sources, many Guests had issues at the scanners. Typically if it is a widespread issue like this, Cast Members will use their iPads to get you into the park.

In the past, we have seen that system down as well, and Guests are just let in without needing their Magic Band scanned.

DAS System

Not only are the touch points at Magic Kingdom’s entrance having issues today, but the DAS system is also experiencing park-wide issues.

If you are unfamiliar with DAS (Disability Access Service), it allows Guests who otherwise cannot wait in a physical line to receive a return time. The return time depends on how long the current wait is, but the person and the entire party will receive a return for that attraction for the current wait time minus 10 minutes.

This system will receive an overhaul soon which will eliminate the need for people using the service to walk to each attraction. Now, everything will be done on the My Disney Experience app, and Guests needing the service will actually be able to pre-register.

We received word that the DAS system is down, and Cast Members have to write down return times on paper for people to return later. Typically, the Cast Member is able to distribute the wait time by scanning the person’s Magic Band and putting the time on the account.

Mad Tea Party

Finally, over in Fantasyland, there are some mechanical issues with the Mad Tea Party attraction. Around 11:15 am or so today guests were evacuated off the attraction, and Cast Members were turning Guests away.

Mechanical Cast Members appeared on the scene shortly after to try to figure out and resolve the issue. While this issue is likely unrelated to the technical issues mentioned above, it is still a pretty rough day at the Magic Kingdom.

Could these issues be related to the Genie testing currently taking place in the parks? Will we see the new system debut soon? Are you at Magic Kingdom today? Have you experienced any issues? Tell us about them in the comments below or on Facebook.