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This year has been a big one for Disney parks, with the company gearing up to make major changes from Anaheim to Hong Kong.
While Disney has revealed heartbreaking closures of fan favorites like DinoLand U.S.A. and Muppet*Vision 3D, it’s also announcing exciting new additions such as a Coco (2017) ride at California Adventure, a complete overhaul of Walt Disney Studios Park, and even a Walt Disney animatronic in Disneyland.
Credit: Disney
But when we look back on 2024, we’re not too sure these announcements are the things we’ll remember most. From wild guest antics to unexpected character escapades, we’ve compiled the most bizarre moments that rocked Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and beyond in 2023.
Guest Punches Winnie the Pooh (Shanghai Disneyland)
In September, a video circulated the internet that showed Winnie the Pooh being struck by a guest. Who, exactly, would want to hit a “willy, nilly, silly old bear,” we don’t know, and yet the incident soon caught fire online.
9月22日， #上海迪士尼乐园 工作人员在表演中，有游客拍打维尼熊的头部，维尼熊一脸懵逼…… #ShanghaiDisneyland staff, a tourist slapped Winnie the Pooh on the head, and Winnie the Pooh looked confused…
byu/That-Jelly6305 inshanghai
The character attendant swiftly shoved the laughing man away from Winnie the Pooh, sending the performer crashing to the ground. Other Disney cast members quickly rushed to the scene, while even Piglet, at a distance, gave the attacker a stern stare.
With some assistance, Winnie the Pooh regained his footing and rushed backstage, clutching his costume head. There was no update on what happened to the guest involved, but we can only assume (and hope) that they were removed from the park ASAP.
A Fight Breaks Out During Fantasmic! (Disneyland Resort)
Fantasmic! is one of the most popular shows on Disney property, featuring Mickey Mouse defeating an array of villains with the power of imagination. Last year was rough enough for the show, with its grand finale interrupted by a fire that consumed the animatronic of Maleficent’s dragon form and eventually forced its permanent retirement.
Credit: Disney
It took months for the show to return, but even now, it seems like we can’t get a moment of peace. A now-deleted TikTok video by user Chelly Shell captured a chaotic scene during a second showing of Fantasmic! in August.
In the footage, guests can be seen standing up during the performance, with one pulling another’s hair while others shout, attempting to break up the fight. As Shell explained to Entertainment Weekly, three security officers arrived just as the altercation ended, escorting the guests out of the Fantasmic! seating area, allowing the show to continue without further disruption.
False Reports of Active Shooter Send Main Street, U.S.A. Into Chaos (Disney World)
August also saw a gun scare at Magic Kingdom Park. A fight at Disney World’s original park, coupled with a loud “popping” sound, sparked panic among visitors, leading to rumors of an active shooter.
@thevacationtailor BREAKING DISNEY NEWS. A shooting scare at the Magic Kingdom caused a stampede at the Emporium at Walt Disney World. As of now it appears to be a false alarm that caused mass panic, however there is a large police presence and the situation is still fluid #wdw #magickingdom #axistravelgroup #breakingnews
Fortunately, the county sheriff’s office swiftly dispelled the fears, confirming no threat to public safety. However, it was still a terrifying experience for those who were in the park, with videos shared online showing guests running and children crying in the midst of the chaos.
Guests Get Rowdy on Pixar Pier (Disneyland Resort)
Maybe it’s the crowds, heat, or constant pressure to have the most magical time on earth, but it seems like fights are all too common at Disney parks lately. One of the wildest of 2024 saw three women attacking another on Pixar Pier, with two young children nearby and a third child leaving the scene early in the video.
As seen in a viral video, a fourth woman with a stroller approached the group and joined the altercation as the victim managed to sit up amid the chaos. Though the audio was unclear, one of the assailants appears to justify the attack, claiming the woman on the ground had started it.
Credit: Becky Burkett
Again, there was never any news on what happened to those involved, but we can only assume that they were removed from the park – or potentially even banned from the premises.
Mickey Mouse Nearly Sets Himself on Fire (Disneyland Resort)
Like we said before, Fantasmic! had a rough go of it in 2023. There may not have been full-blown infernos in 2024, but there was one near-miss when Mickey Mouse nearly set himself on fire mid-performance at Disneyland Resort.
Credit: Disney
As Mickey moved toward the stairs during the performance, fireworks unexpectedly shot from his hands, surrounding him in sparks. Fortunately, he reacted quickly, keeping them well away from his face as he ran to the top of the stairs. The pyrotechnics were supposed to go off when Mickey reached the top, but by the time he did, they had already burned out. A lucky escape for our main mouse.
A Wild Monkey is Spotted on Property (Tokyo Disney Resort)
Last year, it was a bear. In 2024, it was wild monkeys that sparked panic at Disney parks. According to The Japan News, the monkeys were spotted in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture—the area on the outskirts of Tokyo that houses Tokyo Disney Resort—in November before later being spotted at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
With the area in question off limits to guests, TDR operator Oriental Land Company (OLC) informed employees but chose not to make a public announcement. The city government of Urayasu later called for caution, and no wild monkeys have popped up in the parks themselves… Yet.
Guest Goes Skinny Dipping at Port Orleans (Disney World)
As if a man stripping naked and streaking on “it’s a small world” wasn’t enough in 2023, a woman decided to go skinny dipping at Disney World in March. Of all places, the guest chose to dive into the Sassagoula River at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, where signs warn that “Danger: alligators and snakes in area. Stay away from the water. Do not feed the wildlife.”
Credit: Disney
Fortunately, said wildlife didn’t intervene with the guest’s skinny dipping plans. Security, however, did. The guest was allegedly trespassed, which means that she can no longer return to any Walt Disney World Resort property, whether that’s the theme parks, hotels, stores, or even the roads.
What’s the standout event of 2024 at Disney’s theme parks for you?
