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No, we are not talking about the Country Bear Jamboree! News broke this morning that a live bear was found in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. You can only imagine the Cast Members’ surprise with this special Guest inside the Park.
According to Mickey Views, the bear was discovered before the Park’s opening. Additionally, the bear was discovered on Tom Sawyer Island. However, the reports have yet to be confirmed by Walt Disney World; it’s thought that the bear may be in the trees or in a cave on Tom Sawyer Island. Due to the shocking events prior to Magic Kindom’s opening time of 9:00 a.m., parts of the Park remain closed.
Credit: National Geographic
“This discovery has prompted Disney to adjust the opening procedure for the park, opening only the right side of the Park while crews remove the furry friend and ensure the only bears in the park are the Country Bear characters in Frontierland,” Mickey Views writes.
Moreover, many attractions are listed as temporarily closed due to the impromptu visitor at Magic Kingdom. As shown on TikTok and Inside the Magic Instagram, many rides in Frontierland and Adventureland are listed as temporarily closed. This includes classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.
@insidethemagic.com Unconfirmed reports say Adventureland and Frontierland are closed because of a bear sighted in the area. (Some say in a tree, while others report in a cave on Tom Sawyer Island…nothing confirmed.) – Follow Inside The Magic for your Disney news and entertainment! – #insidethemagic #itm #disneyworld #disneyrides #disneyparks #disneynews
Bear Found in Magic Kingdom
Typically, the only bears found in Magic Kingdom are the bears from Country Bear Jamboree. And while those bears are the friendly kind, a live bear is a different scenario for the Park. While Disney has yet to release any statement on the situation, Guests are speculating about where the bear may be and even what kind of bear.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the only bears native to the Orlando area are black bears. Additionally, FWC noted, “FWC biologists estimate that there are approximately 4,050 black bears in Florida.” What’s most interesting is trying to understand how a bear would get into the theme Park without many noticing.
Although the Park does close overnight, it is not uncommon for workers to be in the Park during closures to work on attractions or maintenance. Furthermore, the alleged Cast Members who discovered the bear this morning must have been startled to see the live animal while beginning their week at work. Although Tom Sawyer Island is an artificial one, the structures, and caves could make for a cozy hiding spot for an animal.
Credit: D23
As the story has just gotten out on social media, it’s only a matter of time before Guests visiting Magic Kingdom chime in. Though the attraction closures in Frontierland and Adventureland are good indications something is going on within the Park, no official statement can explain why.
As the story develops, check back with Disney Tips for updates!
