See how Disney is handling the black bear situation at the Magic Kingdom

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No, it’s not Pooh bear! See what Disney is doing to handle it.

Rough Morning at the Magic Kingdom

This morning, September 18, several rides failed to open at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The list of lines not operating is long! Liberty Square, Adventureland, Frontierland, Main Street U.S.A. and Fantasyland are all affected! This leaves a short list of attractions that are open.

The list everything currently not operating:

Big Thunder Mountain
Hall of Presidents
Jungle Cruise
Liberty Square Riverboat
A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasures of the Seven seas
Swiss Family Treehouse
Tom Sawyer Island
Walt Disney World Railroad
Enchanted Tiki Room

Confirmed: Bear Sighting

We later learned that a bear was confirmed to be in a tree near Big Thunder Mountain. And, no, not Pooh Bear! Of course, this caused all attractions in Frontierland and surrounding lands to be closed. Disney needed to ensure the safety of Guests, Cast Members, and the bear.

In keeping half the park closed, wait times in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland rose quite steadily throughout the morning. Hopefully Guests have been able to stick to their touring plans and make adjustments as needed.

It’s now a little after 12:30 pm, and Disney seems to finally have the situation under control. Nearby attractions are beginning to open, but the area near Big Thunder Mountain is still closed.

Statement

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it is aware of reports of a black bear spotted in a tree. They shared the following statement.

“Biologists with the FWC’s Bear Management Program, as well as FWC 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.”

But given this situation, staff are working on capturing and relocating the bear.
FWC

Disney then shared: “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.”