Why Guests Are Suddenly Afraid to Leave Strollers Unattended at Disney

You might think the most unpredictable part of your Disney World day is whether or not it’ll rain. But if you’re heading to Animal Kingdom, you better keep an eye on your food… and your stroller.

A recent viral TikTok clip caught one of the park’s boldest “residents” in the act—a squirrel grabbing food off a guest’s table and taking off like it was late for a Lightning Lane reservation. It’s the kind of thing you laugh about until you realize it’s your popcorn bucket that’s gone missing.

@twisted_trails_nyc Squirrel Bandits at Animal Kingdom #disney #magickingdom #animalkingdom #fyp #funny #animals #funnyanimals #fypシ #foryoupage ♬ original sound – Twisted_Trails_NYC

The thing is, this isn’t a one-time event. Squirrels have become a common sight around outdoor dining areas at Animal Kingdom, and they’re not shy. With so many guests eating in open spaces and leaving bags of snacks unattended, these furry opportunists have learned exactly where to look.

It might sound funny—until you experience it yourself. And unfortunately, squirrels aren’t the only threat when it comes to losing personal items at the park.

Several guests have shared stories about returning to their strollers only to find items missing—and in those cases, the culprit wasn’t a four-legged critter. Popcorn buckets, Loungefly bags, diaper bags, even wallets have been stolen by other guests. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it can completely ruin someone’s vacation.

So whether it’s a hungry squirrel or someone trying to snag a souvenir, here’s how to protect your belongings at Disney World:

1. Don’t leave food out on the table.

Especially at Animal Kingdom, where wildlife roams freely. Even a sealed bag can be tempting to a squirrel or bird that’s gotten used to scoring treats from unknowing visitors.

2. Secure your stroller like it’s a locker.

Zip everything up, cover bags with a jacket or towel, and take anything valuable—like wallets, phones, or park-exclusive merch—with you when going on rides.

3. Don’t assume “it’ll be fine.”

Disney is one of the safest places you can go on vacation, but that doesn’t mean every guest is respectful. Even a quick ride can be enough time for someone to swipe something if the opportunity presents itself.

4. Use Disney lockers if you’re worried.

Lockers are located near the front of each park and can give you peace of mind if you’re carrying things you don’t want to lug around all day.

5. Keep an eye on your surroundings.

If you notice a squirrel acting suspiciously around your table—or a person lingering a little too long around stroller parking—it’s always okay to notify a Cast Member.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is designed to feel like you’re stepping into the natural world. And that means, well, you’re sharing space with nature. These moments with wildlife can be magical—but they can also catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention.

The bottom line? Keep your snacks—and your belongings—close. Because at Animal Kingdom, the jungle rules apply.