Photo by Guillermo GR on Unsplash
A small but alarming fire broke out at Disney World on Wednesday, July 1. It happened at one of the park’s most beloved attractions. A guest’s portable phone charger ignited in the boarding area of the It’s a Small World ride at Magic Kingdom. Cast members responded quickly. They extinguished the blaze before it could spread. No injuries occurred during the incident.
How the fire started
A Disney World spokesperson confirmed the fire originated from a guest’s personal phone charger. It caught fire in the loading zone near the ride’s boats. Cast members noticed the blaze immediately and grabbed a fire extinguisher. TikTok footage captured the moment clearly. It showed a cast member directing the extinguisher at the floor of the boarding area. Two empty boats sat nearby. Discharge from the extinguisher filled the surrounding queue as guests moved away from the scene.
A family caught in the middle
One TikTok commenter claimed to be the aunt of a guest directly involved. She described the charger as a brand new magnetic portable device. According to her, it exploded inside a bag while resting between a child’s legs on the boat. The bag then burst into flames. Fortunately, everyone evacuated quickly and stayed safe. PEOPLE reached out to the individual for additional comment.
No one got hurt
Disney World confirmed that no guests or cast members suffered injuries. After resolving the situation, park officials temporarily closed the attraction. Normal operations resumed later that same day. The fast response from cast members prevented what could have become a far more serious situation inside one of the park’s most heavily trafficked rides.
A ride with deep roots in Disney history
It’s a Small World holds a special place in Disney’s legacy. The attraction first debuted at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. It then relocated to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Walt Disney personally oversaw its development. When Walt Disney World opened in Orlando in 1971, the ride became an opening day attraction. Since then, Disney parks around the world have built their own versions of it.
What the ride offers guests
The gentle 10 minute journey takes guests on a musical boat tour through all seven continents. Along the way, guests encounter singing dolls depicting children from cultures around the world. The attraction’s theme song remains one of the most recognizable in theme park history. It also ranks among the most visited rides across the entire Disney park network.
A reminder about portable chargers
The incident highlights the risks that certain portable charging devices can pose. Lithium ion batteries, in particular, have a history of causing spontaneous fires when defective or poorly made. Theme parks present specific safety challenges in this regard. Guests carry bags and personal electronics throughout long days in crowded spaces. Checking the quality and condition of portable chargers before visiting any theme park is a simple but important precaution.
Source: Adapted from reporting by PEOPLE.
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