September 11th, 2001 was a day that changed the world, and it changed Disney too. What began as a quiet Tuesday at Walt Disney World quickly became one of the most uncertain and frightening days in park history. From Disney’s immediate response to the security changes that still exist today, 9/11 left a permanent mark on the parks we know and love.

A Normal Morning Turns Into Chaos

Early September at Walt Disney World was typically a lower crowd time of year. School had just started and in general, September was known as hurricane season. Guests who had just entered the parks for the morning were enjoying a quiet post-Labor Day day when, at 8:46 AM, the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Initially, many thought it was a tragic accident. Cell phones were not yet widespread, and news traveled slowly.

By 9:03 AM, the second tower was hit, and it became clear that the attacks were deliberate. Guests began noticing unusual activity: cast members on phones, families upset, and people leaving the parks. Even so, many visitors were still unaware of the full scope of the events.

Immediate Action at Disney

Disney had a unique advantage in how quickly they obtained critical information: owning ABC provided leadership with real-time information. Al Weiss, then-president of Walt Disney World, quickly met with executives from Universal and SeaWorld. Together, they made the unprecedented decision to evacuate and close all parks immediately. There was fear that Disney World could be the next target.

Cast members activated “Emergency Plan A,” sweeping the parks to ensure no guests were left behind, creating human walls for safety, and directing visitors to transportation. Guests were given passes to return at a later date, and by mid-morning, Walt Disney World was completely empty—a closure previously only seen during hurricanes.

Disneyland Closes as Well

On the West Coast, Disneyland did not open at all. Because of the time change, the park was not yet open when the first tower was struck, and so Disney immediately went into action. Signs were posted, guests were refunded, and staff worked around the clock to accommodate visitors stranded by grounded flights.

Lasting Security Changes

When the parks reopened on September 12th, security looked very different. Bag screenings and metal detectors were added at every entrance, uniformed officers patrolled the parks and parking lots, and surveillance systems were expanded. Flags flew at half-mast, moments of silence were observed, and fireworks were canceled out of respect.

These changes became permanent. Disney implemented airport-style security, redesigned entrances, installed additional fencing and vehicle barriers, and expanded surveillance. These measures continue to protect guests to this day, including during moments like the 2016 Pulse Nightclub tragedy, when security presence at Disney Springs reportedly prevented it from being the shooter’s original target.

The Long-Term Impact on the Parks

Beyond security, 9/11 caused a tourism slump that slowed spending and delayed park projects. The second half of Pop Century was never completed, River Country never reopened, and multiple other developments were canceled or postponed.

The Independent

September 11th also provided Disney with a blueprint for handling large-scale emergencies. The lessons learned have shaped responses to hurricanes, other national emergencies, and even the pandemic shutdowns. While the parks may have changed, these improvements have made them safer for every guest.

September 11th was a tragic day, but it reshaped Disney in ways that continue to protect and guide the parks. From park closures to enhanced security and long-term planning, the events of that day left a lasting legacy on the magic we experience today.