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Tokyo Disney Resort is currently receiving unexpected visitors in the form of wild monkeys.
Early sightings were reported in nearby parks and streets, and on Monday at around 6 a.m., a monkey was seen in Hinode Kita Park. By 7:50 a.m., police received another call reporting a monkey wandering near Urayasu South Prefectural High School.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
According to The Japan News, the monkey was spotted again on Tuesday – and this time, on Tokyo Disney Resort property.
The primate was spotted in a restricted employee area near JR Maihama Station. While guests had no access to the area, the resort’s operator, Oriental Land Company (OLC), chose to alert employees about the incident without making an announcement to guests.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
Wildlife sightings in this area are unusual, adding an unexpected twist to the typically magical atmosphere surrounding what’s often considered the world’s best Disney resort.
Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, are native to Japan but are generally not found in the Tokyo area, making this sighting particularly unusual. These monkeys can exhibit aggressive behavior and have been known to attack humans in the past, posing a potential safety risk. Following these sightings, the Urayasu city government has encouraged caution for anyone in the area.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
This isn’t the first time Disney parks have encountered unexpected wildlife on their properties. Just last year, a black bear made its way into Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland area at Walt Disney World Resort, leading to the temporary closure of several areas as officials captured the bear.
Over the years, other animals, like alligators and raccoons, have also made appearances at Disney’s theme parks in the past. People have even complained about being attacked by rodents at Disney before.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort is a major attraction for both locals and international visitors, offering a blend of Disney’s classic enchantment and Japanese cultural experiences.
Home to both Tokyo Disneyland and the one-of-a-kind Tokyo DisneySea, the resort provides a range of attractions, from the thrilling Journey to the Center of the Earth to classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world” (the latter of which is receiving a temporary Marvel overlay as “it’s a small world with Groot” debuts this winter).
Credit: Disney Dining
Despite recently adding a $2 billion new land—Fantasy Springs—at Tokyo DisneySea, the resort is experiencing a dip in attendance. In May, Tokyo Disney Resort predicted that its attendance would be down 11% in 2024 compared to its pre-pandemic numbers in 2019.
Have you ever seen a wild animal at a theme park?
