Fact check: Is Elon Musk buying Disney? Rumor debunked

Over the past few days, social media has been buzzing with rumors of Elon Musk buying Disney World. This wave of speculation was sparked by a satirical article from Mouse Trap News, which humorously claimed Musk’s involvement. The story quickly gained traction, leading to widespread online searches and debates.

However, the claim that Elon Musk is purchasing Disney World is completely untrue. Trusted sources, like AllEars.net, have confirmed that there is no factual basis for these rumors. The satirical nature of the original source indicates that the article was meant as a joke, not a genuine report.

Despite these clarifications, the story has continued to spread, mostly because of Musk recently being in the news. From his political activities to his position at X, Musk has been in the headlines frequently, but there is no connection between him and The Walt Disney Company.

As of now, WDC has not addressed the rumor publicly.

---

The truth behind the viral rumor of Elon Musk buying Disney World

The satirical headline "BREAKING: Elon Musk Is Buying Disney World" has taken over social media, sparking a surge in online searches. Interest in this idea grew quickly, with searches like "Elon buying Disney" increasing by more than 300%.

But, even though many people are talking about it, this rumor is not true. The story originated from Mouse Trap News, a site known for publishing fictional and humorous content, making it clear that this is not a real news story.

Musk’s recent media presence, especially with his involvement in political rallies and his controversial comments on X, only amplified the attention on any news related to him. Because of this, some people thought the satirical headline might be true, even though it was never meant to be taken seriously.

Earlier this year, Musk criticized WDC over some business practices, which added to the speculation. However, there have been no confirmed talks about him actually buying the company.

According to a post on X on April 3, 2024, Musk stated his intentions to buy shares of WDC.

"While I don't own any Disney shares today, I would definitely buy their shares if Nelson were elected to the board,” said Elon Musk.

This viral story serves as a reminder of how quickly rumors can spread, especially in the age of social media and sensational headlines.

---

What did the Mouse Trap News article say?

The Mouse Trap News article detailed a satirical piece claiming that Elon Musk is purchasing WDC for an impressive $50 billion, exceeding the amount he paid for Twitter. The article humorously suggested that Musk’s intention behind this supposed acquisition is to restore WDC to its “glory days” and eliminate perceived “woke” influences from the park.

The piece outlined Musk's plans to reintroduce classic elements, such as the now-retired Splash Mountain, and to put an end to so-called “discrimination days.”

It also highlighted Musk’s ambitious goals to streamline operations, promising faster ride construction similar to Universal Studios' efficiency.

This fictional report emphasized Musk’s alleged commitment to making Disney World more affordable by reinstating the beloved free Fastpass system and reducing ticket prices to attract more visitors.

Despite the detailed, playful narrative, it’s essential to recognize that Mouse Trap News is known for its satirical approach, framing this story purely as a fictional, entertaining piece rather than a genuine news report.