On September 11, 2001, at 8:45 a.m., the world changed forever when four hijacked planes were used to attack The United States. On this day we remember the thousands who died in the terror attacks as well as the heroic actions of the first responders who risked their lives to save others.
As news of the horrific attacks spread across the world Disney officials took action. At Walt Disney World an announcement was made 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.” It took less than 30 minutes to evacuate thousands of guests from the theme parks.
At Disney World, Cast Members in all 4 parks are instructed to hold hands and form a human wall and gently (without touching guests) walk towards the hub of each park and eventually towards the exit. This calmly forced all guests out of the parks. Security followed each human wall to make sure no one gets past.
Almost instantly the government moved to secure the airspace over this potential terrorism target. Gunships flew above the park armed with military personnel, ready to defend if necessary.
“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,” a Disney statement said.
The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida closed without incident. Disneyland Resort, which had not yet opened when the attacks occurred and thus was able to remain closed for the day.
All the resort hotels remained open and provided accommodations to guests who are unable to leave. Phone charges were suspended so that guests could reach family. The closures marked only the second time Disneyland had locked its gates in its 56-year history due to a national tragedy. The first time followed the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. Walt Disney World had previously only closed for Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
Michael Eisner released a statement to Cast Members explaining the Disney closings. “Finally let me say our company around the world will continue to operate in this sometimes violent world in which we live, offering products that reach to the higher and more positive side of the human equation.” the statement read.
Like hundreds of other families around the world, Disney also lost one of its own when John Beug, a former vice president at Walt Disney Records, lost his life as 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. 2,983 people were killed in the horrific attacks as well as hundreds more who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks and we will never forget!