Disney Guests Prevented From Leaving Parks After Police Chase Ends in Manhunt
Disneyland is known as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” a place where families can escape into a world of magic and adventure. Visitors come to the park to enjoy iconic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain.
But on the evening of March 24, 2025, the usually serene atmosphere was shattered by a high-speed police chase that ended right at Disneyland Resort, causing chaos and confusion for guests.
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It all started when two suspects, who had stolen a vehicle earlier that day, found themselves in the midst of a police pursuit. The chase, which had begun far from Disneyland, ended when the suspects pulled into the Pixar Pals parking structure at the resort.
Once there, the suspects abandoned the car and fled on foot, prompting a swift response from the authorities.
Local law enforcement, including the Anaheim Police Department and California Highway Patrol, immediately descended on the scene. The search for the suspects quickly turned into a full-blown manhunt, with officers using air support to assist in locating the individuals.
The situation quickly escalated, and the normally joyful atmosphere of Disneyland took a drastic turn as guests were forced to remain where they were.
According to The Orange County Register:
“The suspect pulled into the Pixar Pals parking structure at Disneyland in Anaheim around 8 p.m., according to video news provider OnScene.TV.
Police were searching the parking structure for at least one suspect, authorities said. Broadcast reports said as many as four suspects could have been involved.
The structure was temporarily closed for the search Monday night, and visitors who parked there could not immediately access their vehicles. Air support was also patrolling in search of a suspect or suspects.”
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Guests who had parked in the Pixar Pals parking structure were instructed to stay inside their vehicles and lock their doors while law enforcement conducted the search. The situation prompted confusion and anxiety among those caught in the middle of the manhunt.
As security measures were put in place, Disneyland continued to operate most of its rides and attractions, though the guests in the affected parking area were unable to access their cars until the situation was resolved.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and after several hours, the suspects were apprehended. They were later identified as juveniles who had stolen the car from a Ritz-Carlton hotel earlier in the day. Though their identities were not released, the incident was a stark reminder that even the happiest places can be interrupted by real-world events.
After the suspects were taken into custody, the Pixar Pals parking structure was reopened, and guests were allowed to retrieve their cars. Disneyland quickly returned to normal operations, and the night’s events faded into the background as visitors resumed their magical experiences.
However, for those who witnessed the manhunt or were caught up in the lockdown, it’s a memory they won’t soon forget.
While this was an unusual event at Disneyland, it serves as a reminder that the park’s security measures are robust and well-coordinated. Guests can rest assured that their safety is always the top priority, even in the most unexpected of situations. Disneyland’s ability to manage such an incident with professionalism allowed for the park to quickly return to its usual state of enchantment.
Have you ever witnessed police activity or experienced an unexpected disruption while visiting a Disney park? How did you handle it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
