March 22, 2025 | Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
A sudden fire at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park caused moments of panic Saturday evening as thick smoke rose from the France Pavilion, prompting evacuations and temporary ride closures. Thankfully, the fire was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
What Happened?
The fire broke out around 7 p.m. in a backstage walk-in cooler behind the France Pavilion. Within minutes, dark smoke filled the sky, alarming guests across the park. Epcot’s fire response team, along with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District firefighters, arrived swiftly to contain the flames.
As a precaution, Disney cast members evacuated guests from the area, including those on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, one of Epcot’s most popular attractions. The ride remained closed for the rest of the night, though the pavilion was reopened later in the evening.
Guest Reactions & Social Media Buzz
Park visitors quickly took to social media, sharing videos and photos of the thick smoke. One viral clip, recorded from the Disney Skyliner gondola, showed black clouds billowing from the France Pavilion. Some guests described the scene as “shocking” but praised Disney’s efficient response in managing the situation.
One visitor, Mark Phillips, who was dining at Chefs de France when the fire started, shared his experience:
“At first, we thought it was just part of a show. Then we saw cast members calmly directing people away, and that’s when we realized it was serious. It was handled really well.”
Cause of the Fire & Disney’s Response
While the exact cause is still under investigation, early reports suggest that the fire started in a kitchen storage area. Disney officials have not released a formal statement but assured guests that safety remains their top priority.
A Disney spokesperson told reporters: “Our fire response team acted swiftly, and we’re grateful that no one was injured. We appreciate our guests’ patience as we ensure all safety measures are in place.”
Disney’s History with Park Fires
Though rare, incidents like this have occurred at Disney parks before. In 2022, a small fire broke out at Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom, and in 2018, a pyrotechnic malfunction during Fantasmic! at Disneyland caused temporary show disruptions. However, Disney’s strict safety protocols have consistently prevented major damage or injuries.
What’s Next for Epcot?
As Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival continues, park operations have returned to normal. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is expected to reopen soon, pending safety inspections.
For now, guests can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that what could have been a major disaster was swiftly controlled, allowing the magic of Disney to continue uninterrupted.