Walt Disney World Resort’s renowned Monorail system came to a sudden halt in late November 2024 after a false bomb threat caused a security scare, forcing guests to seek alternate transportation methods. The entire Monorail system was shut down while authorities responded to the alarming situation.
The Monorail, which has been transporting Disney guests since 1971, is a key piece of the resort’s transportation infrastructure. It connects the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC), Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and EPCOT. Barring occasional weather delays or technical issues, the Monorail successfully transports thousands of Disney Park guests daily.
According to an Orange County Sheriff’s Department report obtained by WDWNT, the shutdown followed an incident involving Adam Murphy, a 31-year-old guest from Deltona, Florida, who allegedly made a bomb threat after being flagged for additional screening at the TTC. Murphy and his wife were pulled aside for a bag check, which prompted him to make the dangerous claim.
“I have a bomb,” Murphy reportedly told a Disney security cast member. His wife, who was with him at the time, urged him to stop making such a statement, but Murphy continued, arguing that it was his “constitutional right to say whatever he wanted.”
His wife continued to plead with him to stop, but Murphy ignored her, leading to immediate action from Disney security. The man also claimed his wife had a gun in her bag (she did not).
The Disney security team quickly contacted a supervisor, who called 911. As a precautionary measure, the entire Monorail system was halted, and bomb detection dogs were deployed to search the Monorail and the family’s vehicle. After a thorough investigation, nothing dangerous was found. Authorities cleared the scene, and the Monorail resumed service shortly afterward.
In the aftermath of the incident, Murphy was banned from Walt Disney World Resort and arrested for making a false bomb threat. He was charged under Florida State Statute False Report Concerning the Placing or Planting of a Bomb, Dynamite, Other Deadly Explosive, or a Weapon of Mass Destruction.
While being transported to jail, Murphy allegedly told authorities that he believed he had the right to make such statements. “While in the back of the patrol car, Adam also stated that he believed he could yell the word ‘fire’ when he knew there was no fire, and that he was allowed to say that because it’s his constitutional rights,” the sheriff’s report said.
In February, the state’s attorney declined to pursue charges against Murphy.
“I was treated really bad by Disney security and Orange County Sheriff’s Office all over a lie,” Murphy said in a response to WDWNT.
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