On September 11, 2001, at 8:45 a.m., the world changed forever. It was on this day that all Disney Parks in the United States closed to the public in a unified response to the horrific terror attacks.
As news of the attacks spread, Disney officials took immediate action. They released a statement saying, “In an abundance of caution, Walt Disney World Resort has made the decision to close its theme parks, water parks, shopping, entertainment, and recreation complexes.” At Walt Disney World, officials made an announcement over the public address system: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Magic Kingdom is now closed. Please follow the direction of the nearest Cast Member.” This coordinated message was a critical part of the company’s plan to protect its guests.
An Unprecedented Evacuation
The evacuation of all four Walt Disney World parks was unprecedented. The entire process took less than 30 minutes. To accomplish this calmly, Cast Members formed a “human wall.” They held hands and gently guided guests toward the main hub of each park and then to the exits. Security teams followed the human walls. They made sure no one bypassed the evacuation.
Closure on Both Coasts
The story was different at Disney’s California parks. Disneyland and the brand new Disney California Adventure had not yet opened for the day. Officials decided not to open. This marked a historic and unscheduled closure for both parks. For Disneyland, this was only the second time in its history it had locked its gates due to a national tragedy. The first time was after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. Walt Disney World had only closed once before for a natural disaster, Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
Heightened Security and Care
Gunships flew above the park. The government instantly moved to secure the airspace over this potential terrorism target. The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida closed without incident. The resort hotels stayed open. They provided accommodations to guests who were unable to leave. Disney also suspended all phone charges so guests could reach family.
The parks reopened the next day. The world had changed. Guests and Cast Members were greeted by a new set of rigorous security measures. The most noticeable change was the implementation of bag screening tables at each park entrance. This security practice continues today. The Walt Disney Company also took care of stranded guests. They offered them resort accommodations and sent out characters to entertain children who could not fly home.
Remembering a Loss
In a statement to Cast Members, Michael Eisner said: “Our company around the world will continue to operate in this sometimes violent world. We will offer products that reach to the higher and more positive side of the human equation.” Like hundreds of other families, Disney also lost one of its own. John Beug, a former vice president at Walt Disney Records, lost his life. He was a passenger on the plane that struck 1 World Trade Center. Each year, to commemorate Patriot’s Day, a special Flag Retreat ceremony is held on Main Street.
On this day, we remember the thousands who lost their lives in the attacks. We also honor the heroic actions of the first responders and the cast members. They came together in a time of tragedy. They ensured the safety of all guests.
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