On Aug. 28, 2024, Mouse Entice Information revealed an article claiming that the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, was closing because of the outbreak of mpox.
The article (archived) alleged that Disney was closing the theme park indefinitely, making it the primary U.S. firm to shut its doorways due to the virus:
Breaking information, Disney World is closing following the Monkeypox outbreak. This makes them the primary firm to shut their doorways in the US due to this new illness.
In accordance with an inner supply, the Monkeypox pandemic is hitting near residence and Disney needs to be ready. In an effort to preserve all visitors and different forged members secure, Disney World has determined to shut their doorways indefinitely. That is similar to after they shut down their parks because of COVID-19 again in spring of 2020.
In actual fact, there was no announcement but on how lengthy Disney World might be closed. Nonetheless, in accordance with our supply, when the parks reopen, they are going to observe the identical pointers from the coronavirus.
“I work for Disney World and have not heard a single truth about [this],” wrote one commenter. “It is actually unhappy, they did not refund any already bought tickets or resort stays,” one other posted.
Nonetheless, there was no proof to assist the declare that Disney World was closing because of an mpox outbreak. Furthermore, the alleged information had not been reported by any respected information outlet, nor had The Walt Disney Firm launched an announcement relating to any such closure because of international well being measures. Disney didn’t instantly return our request for remark.
Moderately, the rumor originated with Mouse Entice Information, an internet site that overtly describes its output as satirical. Its about page clearly states that its tales will not be true, actual or correct, however are meant for leisure:
Mouse Entice Information is the world’s finest satire and parody website. We write pretend tales about Disney Parks stuff. From Disney Park bulletins to Disney Resort and resort information to made-up Disney partnerships, you could be assured that something you learn right here just isn’t true, actual, or correct, however it’s enjoyable. So technically our slogan The Moused Trusted Title in Disney Information is not true, however we thought it was inventive and humorous, so we’re operating with it.
Mouse Entice Information was created on a whim to have some enjoyable and write tales about Disney we want had been true. Some Disney websites write misleading tales for clicks. We write 100% made-up parody and satire tales on your enjoyment. We additionally hope that Disney sees how a lot individuals like a few of our tales and resolve to really make certainly one of our tales a actuality!
The @mousetrapnews TikTok account, which is affiliated with the web site, likewise describes itself in its bio as “100% FAKE‼️”
Though the satirical information about Disney World closing because of mpox is well debunked, on Aug. 16, the Disney information outlet Inside the Magic raised considerations following the World Well being Group’s declaration of mpox as a “public well being emergency of worldwide concern” made by Director-Common Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Contained in the Magic mentioned the potential implications of this public well being emergency for theme parks and different public venues:
In case you’re planning an upcoming Disney trip, the current mpox outbreak in Congo and different elements of Africa, now declared a worldwide emergency by the World Well being Group (WHO), could have implications for international travel, particularly relating to well being and security precautions.
Whereas Disney Resorts worldwide haven’t reported any instances of mpox, travelers should stay informed in regards to the newest well being advisories and be ready for any journey restrictions or well being protocols that would come up because of the state of affairs.
Mouse Entice Information has a historical past of constructing up tales about Disney properties for shares and feedback. Along with the positioning’s earlier false declare about Disney World adding tampon machines to men’s restrooms, Snopes has additionally addressed allegations that climate change rioters set Disney World’s Cinderella Castle on fire.
For background, right here is why we alert readers to rumors created by sources that decision their output humorous or satirical.
