Backstage Fire at EPCOT Prompts Closures and Evacuations

March 22, 2025 / Leave a Comment

A fire broke out backstage at EPCOT’s France Pavilion on March 22, 2025, triggering evacuations and temporary closures during peak Spring Break crowds. The incident occurred near Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at approximately 7:00 PM EDT, with smoke visible across the park and neighboring resorts.

A large building resembling French architecture is shown with a greenish roof and multiple ornate architectural features, while a plume of dark smoke rises above it against a blue sky. Crowds of people gather in the foreground.

Dense smoke was rising near the Ratatouille attraction’s show building, with parkgoers redirected to safe zones. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Fire Department contained the blaze within 20 minutes, confirming no structural damage or injuries.

Thick black smoke billows from the rooftops of buildings, partially obscured by a clear blue sky; the foreground features brick and slate-roofed structures with decorative details.

Evacuations and Immediate Impact

Park staff cleared guests from multiple attractions and dining locations as emergency responders arrived. Evacuations included:

  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Impressions de France
  • Les Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul restaurants
  • Boutique shops and eateries in the France Pavilion
  • La Isla de Fresca food booth, which neighbors the France Pavilion
A group of waitstaff in formal attire gathers outside the restaurant Les Chefs de France, featuring a building with a classic French design and a green glass entrance surrounded by plants.
A public gathering area featuring two green canopies, one with a decorative top, surrounded by people enjoying the scene, with a backdrop of a themed building and outdoor lights under a clear sky.
A bustling street view in a themed area, featuring tall buildings with decorative architecture and colorful facades under a clear blue sky. A crowd of visitors fills the walkway, some wearing hats and costumes, while trees and lampposts add greenery and ambiance to the scene.

Cause of Fire

Disney officials identified a malfunctioning cooler in a backstage service area as the fire’s source. While the France Pavilion reopened by 9:00 PM, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure remained closed for the evening.

Guest Experience During Closures

The incident coincided with EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival, heightening crowd levels. Visitors reported cast members providing clear directions to alternative attractions, with some receiving complimentary refreshments during the disruption.

Recent Fires at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has experienced several fire-related incidents impacting attractions in recent years. In September 2022, a stray firework during EPCOT’s nighttime show ignited a small blaze near the America Gardens Theatre, damaging part of the lagoon-side railing. Park operations continued uninterrupted after inspections, with entertainment resuming the same day.

More recently, fireworks debris from Magic Kingdom’s Disney Enchantment show caused multiple fires at the Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction. High winds during an October 2024 show blew embers onto the ride’s roof, triggering a visible flare-up that required temporary closure for safety checks. A similar incident occurred in July 2024 when fireworks fallout ignited the attraction’s exterior, though no injuries were reported in either case.

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