Suspicious bags outside Disneyland force visitors to reroute, prompt bomb squad response

Disneyland security alerted the Anaheim Police Department around 9:30 to 9:50 p.m. after employees spotted two bags left near a roundabout in the visitor shuttle bus drop-off and pick-up area along Harbor Boulevard, just outside the main entrance Esplanade. One bag, described as a satchel-style item on a dolly, contained marbles and had exposed wires protruding from it. The second, a nylon bag sealed with duct tape, held various objects including Disney-branded crowns, belt buckles and other items with pointed or sharp edges that stuck out.

Anaheim police Sgt. Eric Anderson said officers responded to the reports of a suspicious package and, out of an abundance of caution, closed the entire Esplanade from Harbor Boulevard to the start of Downtown Disney, along with the Harbor-East shuttle area. Guests were directed away from the eastern exits and routed through alternative paths, including backstage areas typically used by cast members and into Downtown Disney. Visitors parked in the Toy Story lot were directed to shuttle buses at the Disneyland Hotel, according to social media posts and park reports.

A Disneyland security bomb-sniffing dog examined the bags and did not alert to explosives. Police nonetheless requested assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad because of the items’ appearance. The squad determined shortly before midnight that the bags contained no explosive threat and were harmless.

The Esplanade was later reopened, and Disneyland officials said normal operations were expected to continue. No injuries were reported, and park operations inside Disneyland and Disney California Adventure continued for guests already on the property. The temporary disruption primarily affected those trying to exit toward Harbor Boulevard after park closing.

Anderson said police believe the bags were left intentionally to appear suspicious. Investigators are searching for a man believed responsible and have obtained information from surveillance video and witness accounts. No identification or images of a suspect have been released, and details about a possible motive remain under investigation.

The incident highlights the heightened security protocols common at major theme parks, where even items that ultimately prove benign can trigger significant responses to protect large crowds. Harbor Boulevard serves as a primary corridor for visitors arriving by car, shuttle or staying at nearby hotels, making any closure particularly disruptive during peak evening departure times. Guests reported delays and confusion as cast members redirected crowds, with some describing police presence, helicopters and drones overhead during the multi-hour response.

Disneyland officials confirmed the Anaheim Police Department’s involvement and the temporary clearance of the Esplanade as a precautionary measure. The area was rendered safe and reopened once the bomb squad completed its examination. Authorities continue to investigate how the bags came to be placed near the busy shuttle roundabout and whether additional charges could result if a suspect is identified.