Southern California theme parks closed Tuesday, fearful of becoming targets following terrorist attacks on the East Coast. Downtown Disney was also closed Tuesday and ringed by guards. Other closures included Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, Universal Studios in Universal City, Legoland in Carlsbad, and San Diego's Sea World. It's the first time Disneyland has had an unscheduled closure since the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, although Disneyland and Knott's do occasionally close during bad weather. … Guests at Disney's hotels said they couldn't get flights home because the nation's airports were closed. They couldn't rent a car and leave because car-rental agencies were either closed or only renting for local travel. Later in the day, some, such as Avis, began renting cars. So children hugged Chip 'n' Dale at The Storyteller Café at the Grand Californian Hotel, and Disney offered free movies - "It's Tough to Be A Bug" and "Father of the Bride." Despite the cool day, some wandered into the pool; others walked around Anaheim, stunned and unsure what to do.
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Security guards and staff lined and patrolled The Disneyland Resort, not letting in anyone who wasn't a hotel guest. People coming to the Grand Californian had to show identification. No one was allowed near the theme parks, as lines of security guards blocked access. Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure were swept for bombs by specially trained dogs.

By late morning, thousands of visitors were streaming out of Disney attractions, although hotels remained operational to take care of those staying there. One family from New York was on the jungle cruise when workers told them to leave. "It really is scary for us. It always happens somewhere else, not here," Marlene Weisner said. "All of a sudden we saw them closing up and on the loudspeaker they kept saying they're shutting the park down." Downtown Disney, the boardwalk and the Marketplace also shut down and cast members were sent home.