A 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck west of Cuba was felt across various parts of Florida, including the renowned Walt Disney World resort in Orlando. The seismic event, which occurred shortly after 2 p.m. EST on Monday, 8 June, prompted temporary ride closures and evacuations within the park as guests reported sensations of shaking.
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According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicentre was situated approximately 64 miles from Mantua, Cuba, with a depth of around 16 miles. Fortunately, no tsunami warning was issued in the wake of the quake.
Guests at Disney World rapidly took to social media to share their experiences during and after the tremors. Several attractions, such as Space Mountain and the TRON Lightcycle / RUN, were temporarily shut down as a safety precaution. One visitor at the Big Thunder Mountain ride reported, “They just suspended operations. The cast member doesn’t know what’s happening. So much is down around the park!”
Others echoed similar sentiments, noting they felt the shaking at different locations within the park. “We were at Hollywood Studios when we felt it just as the Beauty and the Beast show began,” stated one user. Another individual, living just eight miles from the parks, mentioned that the evacuation of the feature animation building at Hollywood Studios was confirmed by a spouse who works as a cast member.
Despite the widespread reports of tremors, not every guest experienced the quake. One visitor recollected, “I was eating tots in Fantasyland and didn’t feel it, but I suppose it really depends on where you are located within the park.”
A snapshot from a guest using the My Disney Experience app illustrated that several rides had been marked as “temporarily closed,” including popular attractions like the Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. However, several hours later, these rides resumed operations, indicating a prompt response from the park’s management.
Disney World staff were on hand to ensure the safety of guests and assist with any concerns following the earthquake. Reports indicated that many attractions had returned to normal hours later, reaffirming the park’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for visitors.
In light of the quake, reports by the National Weather Service in Miami provided reassurances regarding safety and risk assessment. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries related to the earthquake. The swift response from local authorities and theme park officials seemingly quelled concerns among guests and nearby residents alike.
As Florida remains largely insulated from significant seismic activity, this earthquake serves as a rare occurrence for the region. While the tremors were felt by many, there were no lasting effects reported from the event. The incident highlights the importance of preparedness and awareness in such unexpected situations, even in areas not typically associated with earthquakes.
Walt Disney World has not yet released an official statement on the matter, though many guests have expressed gratitude for the attentive management and communication during this unusual event. Meanwhile, park-goers continue to share their experiences, creating a vivid tapestry of reactions from a day that will surely be remembered by those who felt the tremors firsthand.