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Orange County, Home of Disney World, Prepares for Large-Scale Attack

The rise in violent incidents at large public venues has prompted authorities to ramp up preparedness efforts, leading to a significant training exercise in Central Florida.

Florida exit sign
Credit: Canva

On January 1, 2025, a devastating attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, claimed the lives of 15 people, including the perpetrator. The tragedy was classified as an act of domestic terror, further highlighting the concerning trend of violent attacks in crowded spaces. As Click Orlando noted, “Officials said they’ve seen a rise in dangerous attacks over the last decade, especially in large facilities.”

In response, a large-scale emergency drill took place at the Orlando Convention Center in Orange County, Florida, involving over 300 participants. The 90-minute exercise was led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Orange County Fire Rescue, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, simulating real-life crisis scenarios.

Emergency teams “conducted a full-scale exercise with actors using fake blood and weapons to play out mass shootings and other violent attacks” to ensure first responders were well-equipped “for the real thing.”

Crowds in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom at Disney World.
Credit: Inside the Magic

“This exercise has been well in planning for over a year and it just happens to be a coincidence that it’s similar to what happened in New Orleans,” explained Orange County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Mark Canty (via Click Orlando). “Our staff tirelessly looks, researches, and plans for every type of contingency. It’s not just an actual shooter at a school or mall. It’s everything that can harm this community and put it in danger.”

Chief Martis Mack of the Orange County Fire Rescue Division also pointed out the evolving nature of violent incidents: “Last year we started seeing a string of active shooter events with fire being used, so last year our drill was focused on an active shooter drill with fire as a weapon.”

Fountain at the Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Credit: Ed A., Inside the Magic

Given that Orange County is home to some of the world’s largest theme parks—including Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort—the need for heightened emergency readiness is clear. While such incidents remain rare within the parks, Disney guests were left unsettled last year when a potential active shooter situation at Magic Kingdom Park ultimately turned out to be a false alarm.

How do you feel about Orange County officials taking these proactive measures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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