In a terrifying turn of events, a fight and a popping balloon at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom unleashed panic and a "stampede" as guests responded to false rumors of an active shooter on Thursday night. The chaos ensued just after the park's closing time of 10 p.m., following the conclusion of the "Happy Ever After" fireworks show.

According to witnesses, the pandemonium unfolded as crowds were making their way down Main Street to exit the park. As families were browsing through stores, sudden rushes of people flooded in, seeking shelter from an unknown threat. Security personnel, valiantly working to ensure everyone's safety, urged patrons to take cover inside the stores.

Glenn Brady, who was visiting the park with his family, shared his experience, describing scenes of chaos and fear. While he didn't feel his life was in immediate danger, he emphasized that panic was evident among some individuals. Many guests huddled together, offering support and prayers to calm their frayed nerves.

Disturbing video footage captured the aftermath, revealing a store cluttered with fallen chairs and disrupted displays, remnants of frightened and confused guests seeking refuge. Witnesses described feeling traumatized as they recounted being shoved, witnessing crying mothers desperately searching for their daughters, and the overall intensity of the situation.

Social media erupted with reports of the harrowing incident, with one user going by the handle "anxrosa" documenting the chaos with a video posted at 10:16 p.m. They described a stampede-like situation, expressing genuine terror and belief that it might be their last day at the park.

However, the Orange County Sheriff's Office quickly clarified that there was no active shooter presence at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Investigators determined that a fight had occurred, and the sound of a balloon popping likely triggered the panic. It was this misunderstanding that led to the unfounded active shooter rumors.

Park guests who sought shelter inside stores were temporarily held there while law enforcement patrolled the area and confirmed that there was no threat. After approximately 15 minutes, the guests were allowed to leave the stores and were guided towards the park's ferry boats for a safe exit.

Anxrosa, who posted the initial video, provided a follow-up post stating that many people remained shaken by the ordeal but were not provided with a comprehensive explanation for the incident.

Walt Disney World Resorts expressed gratitude towards the swift response of the Orange County Sheriff's Office in evaluating and resolving the situation. The park has since resumed normal operations and was closed for the night as scheduled.

Though the incident sparked terror and confusion among park-goers, it serves as a reminder of the necessity for quick and efficient communication to dispel rumors and ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors.