Inside abandoned Disney World airport with its own singing runway where planes are banned from landing
Planes are banned due to the park's White House-level restrictions
GROUNDED Inside abandoned Disney World airport with its own singing runway where planes are banned from landing
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
AN ABANDONED Disney World airport once welcomed visitors into the heart of the Magic Kingdom with a musical runway - but planes are now banned from the area.
Lake Buena Vista STOLPort was constructed in the early 1970s - with a runway which played When You Wish Upon a Star if pilots drove over it at the right pace.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
Hidden just off the road into Disney World, the stretch of tarmac literally sang when jets went over it at around 45mph.
The small airport was made in 1971 to fly in Disney World guests and employees from Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport, on a journey that lasted just a few minutes, according to Culture Trip.
For a short time, it was the only runway where you could fly directly into Disney's world-famous theme park.
The only jets to ever fly into the incredible airport were part of a now-defunct airline called Shawnee.
READ MORE TRAVEL NEWS
GOOD CALL I used FREE mobile service that instantly boosted my 5G signal - anyone can do it
The airport, which rests south of the Magic Kingdom park and north of Epcot, next to World Drive, was only big enough to operate four planes at a time.
The runway was also reportedly used for high-ranking Disney company executives until as late as 2006.
The concept was that the small airport would later be revamped into a much larger airport - but this idea never took off, and the fairytale flight service didn't last long before it was scrapped.
Lake Buena Vista STOLport was ultimately closed in the 1980s after the theme park built a Monorail close to the runway.
This meant planes were no longer able to land there safely.
Ever since, the one-of-a-kind airport has been used as backstage storage.
Bus drivers were even reportedly trained on the tarmac, where they revealed the bizarre musical feature of the singing airstrip.
Tragically, the musical grooves were removed in 2008 - though the airport still stands.
There is actually another bizarre reason no planes are allowed to land there today.
And it is because Disney World actually has the same airspace protections as the White House.
The park has a special "no-fly zone" called TFR 9/4985, which it was given shortly after 9/11.
This means no planes can fly low or land over attractions such as Cinderella's castle - much to the annoyance of Florida pilots.
Disney has even tried to bend the rule too.
They recently applying for permission to fly their own drones in the zone.
Planes aren't the only things that no longer exist at Disney World - mosquitoes have also been banned.
Disney has a comprehensive programme for keeping the park mozzie-free, which is called the Mosquito Surveillance Programme.
But while the airspace is locked down tight, the legend of Disney's once musical runway still lives on.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
36 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Brit holidaymakers warned of ‘perfect storm' this summer leaving you with massive bill – check 5 ‘red flags'
A hidden threat is catching some holidaymakers off guard DANGER ZONE Brit holidaymakers warned of 'perfect storm' this summer leaving you with massive bill – check 5 'red flags' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITISH holidaymakers are being warned they could be walking straight into a 'perfect storm' - all thanks to a surge in romance scams targeting tourists abroad. Across the UK, Brits are getting ready to start their summer holidays, packing suitcases, booking last-minute flights, and looking forward to relaxing in the sun. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Scammers know that when people go on holiday, they let their guard down Credit: Getty But behind the scenes of holiday fun and relaxation, there's a growing threat many aren't aware of. Experts warn that criminals are preying on travellers' emotions — using carefully crafted lies, fake love stories, and emotional manipulation to scam unsuspecting victims. This summer, many people risk facing heartbreak and devastating financial losses if caught off guard. The warning comes as fraud analysts raise the alarm across popular tourist destinations like Spain, Greece and Italy, where scammers are increasingly preying on vulnerable British tourists. Scammers know that when people go on holiday, they let their guard down. They're more open to making connections, more likely to share personal details online, and often unfamiliar with local customs. This makes them ideal targets for fraudsters who want to win their trust fast – then drain their bank accounts. Romance scams are no longer rare or isolated. In fact, last year alone, over $1.3 billion was lost in romance scams in the US, according to the Federal Trade Commission. UK cases are steadily climbing, with victims often too embarrassed to speak out. And these scams don't just play out on dating apps. Criminals are lurking on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and even LinkedIn. They're also showing up in travel forums, Airbnb experiences, and WhatsApp groups – ready to charm their way into someone's confidence. Holiday romances might sound like harmless fun, but if someone you're chatting to online says they love you after two days, wants to talk about marriage before you've even met, or keeps cancelling plans to meet up, alarm bells should ring. Romance Scammer Jailed Again - Sharon's Story This kind of fast-forward intimacy is often a tactic known as love bombing – a classic move used by scammers. Other red flags include people who ask for money in emergencies – whether it's for a stolen passport, hospital bill or a sudden need to book a flight. It's always urgent, and it's always fake. If someone insists you keep the relationship secret or pressures you to switch conversations to private apps like Telegram or WhatsApp, that's another sign something's wrong. McAfee has also warned about a rise in scams tailored specifically for the summer travel crowd. One common trick is the 'travel buddy' scam, where someone meets you on a travel app or forum and suggests tagging along on your trip. Once you book flights or accommodation, they either disappear or show up expecting you to foot the bill for everything. Then there's the 'local lover' con – a charming local sweeps you off your feet, says they want to visit you in the UK, but needs help covering visa fees, insurance or a plane ticket. These stories are carefully scripted to tug at your heartstrings – and your wallet. Another risk comes from 'digital dating' scams abroad. If your dating app suddenly starts buzzing the moment you land in a tourist hotspot, it's probably not a coincidence. Scammers use geo-location tools to target tourists in areas known for high visitor traffic, knowing people are often more emotionally open and less cautious when travelling. And in a modern twist, the 'crypto Casanova' scam is becoming more common. Here, someone builds a connection with you, casually mentioning their success with cryptocurrency. Before long, they're offering to help you invest – but the platform they guide you to is fake, and once you send money, they vanish. While all of this might sound like a warning to avoid holiday romance altogether, McAfee says the key isn't fear – it's awareness. Travellers are being urged to stay smart online. The 5 red flags to avoid They move too fast. They avoid meeting in person or always have a reason to cancel. They need money—urgently. They ask you to keep the relationship private. They want to take the chat off-platform. That means not sharing too much personal information, especially travel details like hotel names or flight numbers. Never send money to someone you've only met online, no matter how convincing their story sounds. Trust your instincts, but also use your head – if something feels off, it probably is. If someone claims to be in the same country as you but only replies in the middle of the night, that's a possible red flag. Likewise, if you've had a few drinks, think twice before sending sensitive messages or clicking on suspicious links. Scammers often take advantage when people are relaxed and not thinking clearly. Always tell a friend back home who you're talking to. A second opinion can often spot things you might miss. And avoid using public Wi-Fi to access sensitive accounts or dating apps – use a secure VPN if you need to connect while travelling. If you suspect you're being scammed, act quickly. Cut off all contact without warning or explanation. Block the person immediately and report them to the platform. If you've already sent money, inform your bank as soon as possible – they may be able to help. And most importantly, don't stay silent. Scammers rely on shame to keep victims from speaking out. You are not alone, and you're not foolish. These criminals are skilled manipulators with tried-and-tested tactics.
Scotsman
37 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Helen Bauer: Bless Her
Helen Bauer is returning to the Edinburgh Fringe for her 4th hour, ahead of her UK tour, and is learning to love herself (even when it's horribly difficult). Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Helen Bauer has been spending some time with herself lately. Or more specifically - with Little Helen, her inner child. After a gentle nudge from her therapist (okay, more of a firm suggestion), Helen is reconnecting with the tiny version of herself, full of all her childhood hopes and dreams. The result? Bauer's most personal and vulnerable show to date: Bless Her. This is a show about learning to love yourself - especially when that feels next to impossible. With Bless Her, Bauer opens the door to the serious stuff she's spent most of her career avoiding. Behind her famously tall, German-engineered walls, Helen is confronting the messy reality of what it means to be human. 'This show terrifies me,' Bauer admits. 'Finding my compassionate voice is... very much a work in progress.' This is Helen's reminder to you (and herself) that it's okay not to have it all figured out, so come laugh, squirm, and maybe even feel seen in the chaos of Bless Her. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad On accompanying Helen Bauer on her fourth show, Bless Her, to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and on tour in the UK and Ireland, Little Helen says: 'Big Helen needs to stop telling everyone my secrets.' Helen Bauer Already a force in UK comedy, co-host of the cult hit podcast Trusty Hogs (alongside Catherin Bohart), she's written and toured three acclaimed solo shows across the UK, Europe, and Australia. Her TV credits include Live at the Apollo (BBC), Am I Being Unreasonable? (BBC), and Extraordinary (Disney+). Helen also wrote and starred in the BBC Three short film Small Doses. Helen Bauer: Bless Her from 28-24th August (No Monday performances, and no performance on July 12th), at 3.20pm in Monkey Barrel - MB1
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Major Glasgow bus service set to be axed in huge blow to commuters
Passengers are advised to use the alternative services available STOP THE BUS Major Glasgow bus service set to be axed in huge blow to commuters Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) COMMUTERS in Glasgow have been dealt a major blow after plans to axe a major bus service was confirmed. The First Bus service will be scrapped from Sunday, July 13. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 First Bus said the difficult decision was down to "insufficient passenger demand" Credit: John Kirkby The travel firm announced it had made the "difficult decision" to scrap the 65 bus service after a 12-month period where it "consistently had insufficient passenger demand". It said that the 65 bus, which travels between Glasgow City Centre and Halfway in Cambuslang, was no longer sustainable. Passengers are advised to use the alternative services available. Chris Coleman, Head of Network at First Bus Scotland, said: 'Removing a route from service is never an easy decision, nor is it one we take lightly. 'Sadly, service 65 is no longer viable due to low passenger demand on the route. For passengers who currently use service 65, there are a number of alternative services available for them to use to get to their end destination. 'Details of these can be found on our website.' Instead, First Bus is reinvesting the funds into increasing the frequency of other services and improving timetables across Greater Glasgow. The company has invested more than £3m in bus, driver and timetable resources since April. This should improve the reliability of services. More than 30 per cent of their routes are said to be experiencing improved reliability already. Moment man swearing on bus is put in his place by fellow passenger First Bus said this will "hugely benefit" more than 63 million journeys in Glasgow annually. Elsewhere, Scots holidaymakers will now be able to travel directly to and from the UK's busiest airport as a brand new transport link launches.
