Shooting fears at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom prompts ‘lockdown’ with terrified park-goers left worried for their lives

PANIC erupted at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom after parkgoers were forced into lockdown over fears of an active shooter.

Terrified Disney fans described the horror of being forced into shops and ushered out of the park.

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The Orange County Sheriff’s Office quickly put out a statement dispelling the fears and confirming there was no shooting at the Disney World theme park.

“A fight occurred, and a ‘popping’ sound was heard that we believe was a balloon,” the statement read.

“Guests began running and that’s how the active shooter rumor started. There is no active shooter.”

Further information was not provided.

It’s unclear if any arrests were made or if anyone was injured.

Reports of a possible shooter at the Orlando , Florida theme park emerged on social media just after 10:30 pm local time.

Parkgoers reported on social media being ushered out through backstage exits.

The park has reportedly been closed for the night.

Some of the park’s transportation options, including the monorail, were reportedly suspended.

Photo and video from just outside Magic Kingdom showed a heavy police presence.

‘SCARIEST MOMENT’

Theme park goers posted on a Facebook group dedicated to fans of Disney World that they saw patrons running in the emporium and screaming.

“We were in MK in the emporium and everyone started running and screaming and they locked us inside saying there was a shooter,” one patron wrote in the group.

“My husband, daughter, and I decided to bust through the doors and get the hell out of there. Scariest moment of my life.”

Another park-goer posted a video inside the park and shared, “Went to magic kingdom today and there was literally a stampede because of a suspected shooter i thought that was actually going to be my last day.”

“I was shoved out of the way and fell. mothers were crying looking for their daughters, people were hiding, it was so bad.”

Full statement from Orange County Sheriff

The Orange County Sheriff's Office released a statement following reports of a shooting at Disney's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.

“ALERT: There is NO active shooter at @WaltDisneyWorld’s Magic Kingdom.

“A fight occurred, and a ‘popping’ sound was heard that we believe was a balloon.

“Guests began running and that’s how the active shooter rumor started.

“There is no active shooter.”

That video showed items strewn on the floor of one of the shops on Main Street USA.

A couple was hurriedly walking through with panicked looks on their faces.

Other reports were posted on Instagram and Twitter detailing the horrifying ordeal.

One woman was walking down Main Street after the fireworks finished when she and her family were “rushed into the gift shops on the side.”

“We were told that it was ‘Sheriffs orders’ and doors shut behind us,” she continued.

“We saw people running down the street, crying, families separated.”

After about 15 minutes, she and her family were ushered into backstage areas and then given an all-clear.

DISNEY SECURITY

The Disney parks are known for delivering a safe and fun experience for families of all ages.

Guests have to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the four Florida theme parks, including Magic Kingdom.

Security officers stationed at metal detectors check through bags and run items through a scanner.

Guests can be pulled aside for further safety checks as well.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Disney World, Orlando Police, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for additional information.