14This is a developing story inside Disney World EPCOT. We will update this article as more details emerge.
The peaceful evening ambiance of EPCOT was shattered tonight as guests strolling through World Showcase were met with an alarming sight—thick, dark smoke billowing from the France pavilion. The distinct sound of sirens echoed through the park, sending waves of concern among visitors. What had started as another magical night at Walt Disney World quickly turned into a scene of uncertainty and unease.
A Disturbing Sight in the France Pavilion at Disney World
Reports from inside EPCOT indicate that the source of the smoke appears to be near Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the popular attraction that whisks guests through a larger-than-life version of Paris alongside the beloved rat, Remy. But with the ride closed at the time of the incident, many are left wondering—what exactly happened, and how severe is the situation?
As of 7:59 p.m. EST, FOX 35 Orlando has reported the following after reaching out to Disney World officials:
What led to the fire?
What we know:
Disney said the fire broke out Saturday afternoon backstage at EPCOT’s French pavilion.
Authorities confirmed the incident happened when a walk-in cooler caught fire.
Disney leaders said the fire was extinguished quickly, but videos show the smoke is continuing to rise.
Here is more footage being posted all over social media showing the black structure fire erupting around the park:
Fire at Disney Epcot – @ryanwmsn on X
Fire at Disney Epcot pic.twitter.com/PRhRSiaVHD
— Ryan (@ryanwmsn) March 22, 2025
Guests enjoying the charm of the France pavilion found themselves unexpectedly thrust into a real-life crisis as plumes of smoke filled the sky. Many turned their heads toward the area near Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, where the thickest smoke seemed to originate. Fire trucks were quickly dispatched, their sirens piercing the air as emergency responders arrived on the scene.
Structure fire at Disney’s EPCOT Park. – @wsvn on X
#Breaking – Structure fire at Disney’s EPCOT Park. pic.twitter.com/Rmi3hHFFJt
— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) March 22, 2025
Multiple eyewitnesses captured photos of the dark smoke drifting ominously above the France pavilion. Social media quickly flooded with posts from concerned visitors, speculating about the cause and potential damage.
What This Means for EPCOT and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Disney is known for its high safety standards and swift responses to emergencies, but the sight of a fire breaking out in a beloved section of the park raises important questions. Will this impact the operations of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the coming days? Could the fire have caused structural damage to the attraction or nearby areas? If so, how long might repairs take?
Fire at Epcot tonight (3/22/25) Footage from the American pavilion Garden Rocks’s stage – @DisneyfiedAsh on X
Fire at Epcot tonight (3/22/25) Footage from the American pavilion Garden Rocks’s stage pic.twitter.com/opBzVKNrwY
— Ashley Suit (@DisneyfiedAsh) March 22, 2025
This incident also highlights the vulnerability of theme parks to unexpected hazards. Though Disney has extensive fire safety protocols in place, any disruption in park operations—especially in a busy area like the France pavilion—can have lasting effects on guest experiences and daily park logistics.
Fire Erupts at EPCOT in Walt Disney World, Prompting Evacuation of France Pavilion as Thick Smoke Billows Across Park and BoardWalk, Cause and Extent of Damage Still Unknown – @highimpactnews on X
🚨#BREAKING: Fire Erupts at EPCOT in Walt Disney World, Prompting Evacuation of France Pavilion as Thick Smoke Billows Across Park and BoardWalk, Cause and Extent of Damage Still Unknown pic.twitter.com/WhfeEVr2QF
— High Impact (@highimpactnews) March 22, 2025
*UPDATE* Awaiting Official Statements from Disney World EPCOT
As of now, Disney has released an official statement regarding the fire to FOX 35 Orlando, and the extent of any potential damage remains clear; everyone is safe. Guests currently in the park report that the situation seems to be under control, but without confirmation from Disney, speculation continues to swirl.
This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. For now, the eerie sight of smoke rising from one of EPCOT’s most picturesque locations serves as a reminder that even in the most magical places on Earth, the unexpected can happen.
As of 7:33 p.m., scanner traffic dispatch is indicating that the fire appears to be occurring behind a structure within the France Pavillion and the fire has been contained, with guests being ushered back into the park and area – no further updates at this time.