Hundreds of visitors were forced to evacuate Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park on Saturday evening after a fire broke out in a backstage area, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky during one of the busiest weeks of the year.
The blaze reportedly began in a walk-in cooler behind the France Pavilion, where the popular Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride is located. Although the fire did not reach public areas, theme park guests near the site were evacuated as a precaution.
The incident took place amid Spring Break, a peak travel period that typically sees more than 100,000 visitors at the Walt Disney World Resort on weekends.
Guests Evacuated from Ratatouille Ride and Surrounding Area
Guests onboard the Ratatouille-themed ride, a 4D experience based on the hit Disney-Pixar film, were abruptly evacuated as emergency crews responded to the growing smoke in the area. As a result, hundreds more in surrounding areas were also asked to leave while firefighters tackled the blaze.
Fire Contained and Extinguished Within Hours
Officials from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Fire Department confirmed that the fire was fully extinguished by 7:20pm, and normal park operations resumed later that evening.
A Disney spokesperson said:
“The safety of our guests and cast members is always our highest priority. We are grateful to emergency crews who responded swiftly and effectively.”
Cause Still Under Investigation
Authorities have stated that the cause of the fire remains under investigation, though it is believed to have originated in a backstage refrigeration unit. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and the damage was limited to non-guest areas.
Spring Break Chaos Averted
With Epcot seeing a surge in visitors during the spring break season, many feared greater disruption. However, Disney officials praised the swift evacuation procedures and fire response efforts, which helped minimise impact during the high-traffic evening.
The France Pavilion, one of the most visited sections of Epcot in recent years, has gained popularity with the addition of the Ratatouille ride, new dining experiences, and a scaled replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Photos and videos shared on social media showed large smoke clouds rising above the park, prompting concern from guests across the Walt Disney World Resort.
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