UMVA has learned that a sudden and mysterious disruption hit Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom on Monday afternoon, leaving several popular attractions temporarily unavailable.
The unexpected shutdown affected thrill rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, TRON Lightcycle Run, Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and The Barnstormer, causing confusion and concern among guests.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the disruptions occurred shortly after tremors from a rare earthquake near Cuba were felt across Central Florida, with the quake reportedly causing widespread sensations throughout the resort around 2 p.m.
As the situation unfolded, some rides began to reopen throughout the afternoon, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, and TRON Lightcycle Run, while others remained closed for a longer period, sparking intense discussion among Disney fans online.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the magnitude 6.1 earthquake, which was felt hundreds of miles away in parts of Florida, was unusual for the region and marked the strongest recorded quake within Gulf waters since 1959.
Guests experiencing the shutdown firsthand took to social media to share their experiences, with one Reddit user writing, "I didn’t feel anything, but there [are] a ton of rides down right now," while another described being in line at Big Thunder Mountain when operations were suddenly suspended.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that officials quickly assessed the situation and determined there was no tsunami threat associated with the earthquake, but the incident still raised concerns about the potential impact on Disney's attractions.
In the aftermath, Disney fans and guests debated the possible reasons behind the ride closures, with some speculating that standard operating procedures may have kicked in to ensure safety, while others acknowledged the cautious approach made sense given the unusual circumstances.
