Terror Threat Forces Disney Monorail to Shut Down

Walt Disney World Resort’s entire Monorail system reportedly shut down after a guest made a false bomb threat, according to a newly released report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

The original Monorail system transports guests between the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC), Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The loop consists of two lines: an Express line between the TTC to Magic Kingdom Park and a Disney Resort hotel line. Transfers are available from the TTC to EPCOT.

Walt Disney World Resort’s Monorail system was inspired by its predecessor at Disneyland Resort. It opened alongside Magic Kingdom Park in 1971, with the EPCOT line opening alongside the second Central Florida Disney park in 1982. Walt Disney believed the Monorail was the transportation system of the future, and although it never took off in the United States, Imagineers have replicated it at Disney parks worldwide.

The Monorail carries tens of thousands of Disney Park guests daily, only stopping due to occasional weather delays or mechanical issues. But in November 2024, the entire system ceased operations due to just one guest’s actions.

According to a new Orange County Sheriff’s report obtained by WDWNT, 31-year-old Adam Murphy of Deltona, Florida, made a bomb threat after getting flagged for an additional security screening. (Guests must undergo a security screening before boarding the Monorail at the Disney Resort hotels and the Transportation and Ticket Center.)

When Murphy and his wife were pulled aside for a bag check, he told a Disney security cast member that his wife had a gun in her bag. His wife, who did not have a firearm, urged him not to say that, but he ignored her.

“I have a bomb,” he reportedly said.

Murphy’s wife again pleaded with him to stop, but “Adam replied to her that it was his constitutional right to say whatever he wanted to.”

The security cast member warned Murphy not to make false reports and contacted a supervisor, who called 911. The entire Monorail system was shut down immediately. Disney bomb dogs and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department searched the Monorail and the Murphys’ car, where nothing was found. After the threat was thoroughly investigated, the Monorail reopened.

Murphy was banned from Walt Disney World Resort and taken to jail. He was charged with violation of Florida State Statute False Report Concerning the Placing or Planting of a Bomb, Dynamite, Other Deadly Explosive, or a Weapon of Mass Destruction.

“While in the back of the patrol car, Adam also stated that he believed he could yell the word ‘fire’ when he knew there was no fire, and that he was allowed to say that because it’s his constitutional rights,” the Orange County Sheriff’s report said.

Last month, the state’s attorney declined to pursue charges against Murphy, who denied the accusations against him.

“I was treated really bad by Disney security and Orange County Sheriff’s Office all over a lie,” he wrote in response to WDWNT. 

Has the Monorail closed unexpectedly during one of your Walt Disney World Resort visits? Share your story with us in the comments.