Fire breaks out at Walt Disney World theme park in Florida, causing panic among visitors and forcing an emergency evacuation of one of its popular attractions. The incident took place at EPCOT on Saturday evening, where thick black smoke was seen rising from the France Pavilion area.
The fire, which started backstage at the “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” ride, led to a swift response from Disney officials and emergency personnel to ensure the safety of guests.
Evacuation and Response
At around 7 p.m. on March 22, 2025, visitors at EPCOT noticed dark plumes of smoke filling the sky near the World Showcase. The source of the fire was later identified as a backstage area behind the popular Ratatouille-themed attraction.
As a precaution, Disney officials acted quickly to evacuate park-goers from the ride, ensuring that no one was harmed during the emergency.
Videos of the incident surfaced on social media, showing the alarming sight of smoke rising over the park. Many guests captured the dramatic scene, sharing their experiences online as they were ushered away from the attraction. Despite the panic, emergency crews arrived promptly to contain the fire, preventing further damage to the surrounding areas.
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The International Flower & Garden Festival was taking place at EPCOT when the fire broke out, adding to the number of visitors present in the park at the time.
BREAKING: A fire had broken out inside a theme park at the Walt Disney World in Florida.
— Jack Straw (@JackStr42679640) March 23, 2025
GeneralMCNews pic.twitter.com/r8WDwOM1XH
However, Disney’s emergency protocols were efficiently executed, preventing chaos and ensuring a smooth evacuation. Within a short time, the fire was successfully extinguished, bringing relief to both park officials and guests.
Impact on the Park and Attractions
While the fire was swiftly brought under control, its impact on the operations of EPCOT and the affected attractions remains a point of concern. “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” is one of the newest attractions at EPCOT, having opened in 2021.
Inspired by the beloved Disney-Pixar film “Ratatouille,” the ride offers a 4D experience where guests shrink to the size of a rat and embark on a thrilling journey through a Parisian kitchen.
The attraction is located within the France Pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, an area that sees thousands of visitors daily. With the fire occurring backstage, it is unclear how much structural damage was sustained and whether the ride will face an extended closure for repairs. Disney officials have not provided an official statement regarding the timeline for reopening the ride.
Despite the incident, other parts of EPCOT remained open, and guests continued to enjoy various attractions throughout the park. However, the sight of smoke and the sudden evacuation left many visitors unsettled. The event also raised questions about fire safety measures in theme parks and how quickly such incidents can escalate if not managed effectively.
Investigation and Future Safety Measures
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and authorities are working to determine what led to the sudden blaze. Given the controlled environment of theme parks, fires are rare, and Disney is known for maintaining strict safety regulations. However, with a complex network of rides, restaurants, and entertainment venues, there is always a risk of unforeseen incidents occurring.
Fire safety is a top priority for major theme parks like Walt Disney World, and this incident may prompt a reassessment of existing protocols. It is likely that Disney will conduct an internal review to ensure that all fire prevention systems are functioning correctly and that staff are well-prepared for similar emergencies in the future.
As of now, EPCOT officials have assured the public that the park remains safe for visitors and that operations will continue as normal. While the affected attraction may undergo repairs and inspections, Disney fans can expect the park to resume full functionality soon. The company has yet to release an official statement addressing the extent of the damage or the timeline for reopening the Ratatouille ride.
This event serves as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining large-scale theme parks and the importance of rapid response systems. While no injuries were reported, the incident highlights the need for constant vigilance in ensuring the safety of guests and staff.
Theme park enthusiasts and Disney fans alike will be keeping a close watch on the investigation and any updates regarding the reopening of the attraction.