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Warning: DeSantis Could Shut Down Disney World Over Endangered Animal Concerns

A rare sighting at Magic Kingdom Park’s iconic Space Mountain has sparked conversation among Disney Parks fans online. A bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, was spotted perched atop the 50-year-old Walt Disney World Resort attraction.

A Majestic Visitor on Space Mountain

Disney Space Mountain
Credit: Disney

The sighting was first shared by Reddit user u/EtherOpus, who posted stunning photos of the bald eagle perched on Space Mountain. “Bald Eagle returns to WDW, claims Space Mountain as it’s territory,” the caption read.

Bald Eagle returns to WDW, claims Space Mountain as it's territory
byu/EtherOpus inWaltDisneyWorld

The photos quickly amassed thousands of upvotes, with fans marveling at the majestic bird’s rare appearance at the original Central Florida Disney park. Guests often spot native wildlife at Walt Disney World Resort, especially in its more natural areas, but the presence of a bald eagle atop Space Mountain made this sighting particularly special.

Fans React to the Space Mountain Takeover

A family of four smiles at the camera. The mother, wearing a turquoise hoodie with "2024" and Minnie Mouse ears, and the father, in a Mickey Mouse shirt, stand behind their two children. One child wears a tie-dye shirt and the other a colorful shirt, both with Mickey Mouse designs. They seem ready for Space Mountain!
Credit: Disney

As the images spread across social media, Disney Parks fans flooded the comments with jokes and speculations. Reddit user u/WiggilyReturns quipped, “That’s a new interactive drone. For an extra $160 you can get your picture taken with him.”

Some comments turned political, humorously referencing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his ongoing feud with Disney.

“In related news, DeSantis declares the Reedy Creek development an endangered habitat, and threatens to close all Disney parks,” u/Turbulent_Tale6497 joked. (Bald eagles haven’t been on the endangered species list since 2007.)

A Disney Park Tradition

A carousel at Magic Kingdom theme park with Cinderella Castle in the background.
Credit: Disney Dining

Other fans shared their own experiences spotting bald eagles at Walt Disney World Resort.

“Was lucky enough to see a Bald Eagle on the boat ride between POR and Disney Springs,” u/amathysteightyseven recalled. “Absolutely beautiful bird!”

I saw an eagle last weekend while leaving Property Control,” u/GhettoDuk replied. “It was circling the wastewater plant.”

Wildlife at Walt Disney World Resort

dugan white rhino dead animal kingdom disney world baby rhino mylo ranger logan
Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney World Resort is home to a surprising amount of native wildlife, thanks to its lush landscapes and carefully maintained natural areas. Bald eagles, in particular, aren’t uncommon in Central Florida, with some even nesting near Disney property.

Have you spotted any interesting wildlife at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments! 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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