What was supposed to be a fun time for many suddenly took an infernal turn on Saturday, March 22, when fire Erupted at Disney World’s Epcot Theme Park in Orlando, Florida.
The park was busy as people wanted to enjoy their time during the spring break season and Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival. However, a walk-in cooler at the park had another say.
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How the fire started
According to Fox 35 Orlando whose reporters cited Walt Disney World officials, things got out of hand when a walk-in cooler “caught fire” backstage at the Epcot theme park’s France Pavilion. How the walk-in cooler caught fire exactly is still unknown.
Rides had to be evacuated
Riders on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure were evacuated as the ride was near where the fire took place. It wasn’t until 7:20 p.m. local time that the blaze was totally contained and extinguished. Officials confirmed that no one was harmed by the incident.
More about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Disney World’s official website describes the ride as a “4D ride experience” for guests to “join Chef Remy on a daring culinary caper that will captivate all your senses as you zip, dash and scurry through the bustling kitchen, dining room and walls of Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant.”
The smoke reached new heights
Footage posted on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook showed the blaze with black smoke rising far beyond the France Pavilion, and people can be seen walking behind the affected area.
Officials did their best with the evacuation
Disney officials confirmed that the Epcot Theme Park guests were evacuated from the area before the blaze reached the large extent it did as demonstrated by the videos.
Additionally, Walt Disney World employees helped immensely with evacuating all attractions, shops, and restaurants in the affected area, Walt Disney World Magic confirmed.
Things got back to normal
The French Pavilion reopened after the incident’s containment at 8:20 p.m. and the park later closed during its normal closing time of 9:00 p.m.
However, according to Fox Business and a Disney official, the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride did not reopen with the French Pavilion.
