Guests at Walt Disney World in Florida experienced an unexpected incident on Saturday evening when a fire erupted at the EPCOT park. Eyewitness videos shared on social media captured various angles of thick black smoke ascending into the sky, alarming visitors and stirring concern among onlookers.
A representative from Walt Disney World confirmed to FOX Business that the fire occurred in the World Showcase area of EPCOT, specifically around 7:20 PM local time. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the incident. According to the official report, the blaze ignited when a walk-in cooler in a backstage area of the French Pavilion caught fire. Thankfully, the fire was promptly extinguished, and no buildings sustained damage.
The same Disney official further noted that there were evacuations on the popular Remy's Ratatouille Adventure ride, which is a highlight of EPCOT's World Showcase located in the France section. This ride is especially beloved by guests for its immersive experience that transports visitors into the world of Chef Remy.
Disney World describes Remy's Ratatouille Adventure as a thrilling 4D ride experience, where guests can join Chef Remy on an exciting culinary journey. Riders zip, dash, and scurry through the vibrant kitchen, dining room, and walls of Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant, engaging all the senses in this delightful adventure.
Despite the fire, the French Pavilion reopened to guests prior to the park's scheduled closure at 9 PM. However, the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride remained closed following the incident, ensuring guest safety was prioritized after the evacuation.
This fire occurred during a particularly busy season for the amusement park, coinciding with both Spring Break in Florida and the highly anticipated EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. The overlap of these events typically attracts large crowds, making the swift response to the fire even more critical.
While the fire at EPCOT caused temporary disruptions, the quick action from Disney officials ensured the safety of all guests. As the park continues to operate amidst this busy season, visitors can still enjoy the magical experiences that Walt Disney World has to offer.
