Another Bear Invades Disney World, This Time at EPCOT

Two weeks ago (September 18), a wild black bear invaded Magic Kingdom Park. The incident resulted in partial closures at the world’s most popular theme park.

Nearly half of Magic Kingdom was shut down as cast members and wildlife experts attempted to remove the bear safely.

Bear at Magic Kingdom Park

The bear on Walt Disney World property was an adult female who was eventually captured near the “its a small world” ride. But not before the park was forced to close various Magic Kingdom lands, rides, and attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Walt Disney World Railroad, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Hall of Presidents.

Related: Live Bear Found Inside Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

The massive closures in the park caused multiple logistical issues for cast members and Walt Disney World guests as huge crowds and longlines overtook the other half of the theme park.

Related: Unexpected Bear in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Has Been Captured

Walt Disney World Resort management contacted Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for assistance. Shortly after, officers from FWC arrived at the park to help capture the bear and relocate her.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has shared video of the black bear that was found in a tree at Magic Kingdom being released in Ocala National Forest. pic.twitter.com/rvK09XJcg0

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) September 19, 2023

Later that evening, she was released in the Ocala National Forest in Marion County, Florida. The FWC said that the black bear was likely in the theme park looking for food ahead of the winter hibernation season.

Another Bear at Disney World

Earlier today, there were reports that another bear has invaded Disney’s EPCOT. The large theme park contains the famous World Showcase and the popular Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster.

Spotted at the back of EPCOT’s U.K. Pavilion, Winnie the Pooh has entered Christopher Robin’s bedroom. The popular meet-and-greet location has officially reopened after being closed since 2020.

The room where the bear was spotted included a desk, bed, red wagon, toys, and nicknacks, including a yellow umbrella.

The EPCOT bear, who goes by Winnie the Pooh, greets guests, takes photos, and signs autographs, just as any other Walt Disney World Resort character.

Winnie the Pooh is once again meeting guests inside Christopher Robin's room in the UK Pavilion at EPCOT.

“Meet a Friend from the Hundred Acre Wood” times are now listed in the My Disney Experience app. pic.twitter.com/E4Sj2aJpLj

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 1, 2023

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When he’s not hanging around EPCOT, Winnie the Pooh can also be found in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park near the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction. He’s also usually joined by Tigger, too!

You can also have the chance to meet Pooh Bear and Tigger if you grab a meal at The Crystal Palace.

The return of the EPCOT Winnie the Pooh meet and greet is exciting news for any fan of the bear with little brain. For the past few years, you could only experience him at the EPCOT theme park from a distance.

Related: Your Complete Guide to Winnie the Pooh’s REAL Hundred Acre Wood

He (and sometimes his friends) would appear at EPCOT near the Imagination Pavilion, chasing butterflies or waving at guests from a distance.