There has been yet another fire-related incident inside EPCOT—this time not behind the scenes, but in a popcorn cart right in the middle of a guest area. Onlookers watched as flames visibly erupted from the popping chamber with smoke pouring into the air. This monorail-themed popcorn cart was stationed in World Celebration, dangerously close to the Imagination! Pavilion.
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Video footage of the smoking cart was captured and posted to Instagram by user @travelingwithrobert, who happened to be at the scene as the situation unfolded. The video shows flames and plumes of smoke rising from the the area designed to generate the intense heat required to cook popcorn.
Open flames were clearly visible in the video and the smoke was certainly significant enough to draw immediate attention from Cast Members. Several staff members were seen rapidly responding with fire extinguishers, surrounding the cart and blocking off the affected area. The EPCOT popcorn cart fire appeared to have been contained within a few minutes, but the damage was evident. The vent at the top of the cart was charred black, and the clear glass in the popcorn compartment had been stained gray from the smoke—suggesting a fairly intense internal burn.
Spaceship Earth in Epcot at night – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
The cart itself is located on the right-hand side of EPCOT near the boundary between World Celebration and World Nature. Though the surrounding structure was spared any major damage, the popcorn portion of the cart is now out of commission. Stanchions have been placed around the affected area, and the popcorn machine has been shut down indefinitely. However, the cart is still operating in a limited capacity—guests can continue to purchase drinks and ice cream from the undamaged portion.
At the time of writing, Disney has not released an official statement about the incident, and no injuries have been reported.
Flames stretch up from a recent fire in Epcot at the France Pavilion in Walt Disney World – Facebook, Angela Santos
This is not the first time fire has broken out at EPCOT in recent memory. Just weeks ago, a more serious fire occurred behind the Norway pavilion, prompting evacuations and a flurry of online concern about park safety and maintenance standards. That earlier incident, which we previously covered here, raised questions about the infrastructure and risk management inside the park.
Now, with this new popcorn cart malfunction, fans are beginning to wonder—are these isolated incidents, or the signs of a deeper pattern?
A section of collapsed ceiling in Soarin’ at Epcot’s Land Pavillion in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit, M. Montanaro
Given Disney’s ongoing struggles with maintenance across both Disneyland and Walt Disney World—from broken animatronics to collapsing ceilings, sewage leaks, and unexpected ride closures—the sight of smoke at EPCOT is yet another blemish for a company under increasing scrutiny. That scrutiny comes from Disney’s ever increasing prices, with many pointing to these incidents and questioning how the company can justify charging more.
The exterior of Guardians of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
Whether it’s the overworked infrastructure or simple equipment failure, one thing is clear: these issues are becoming too frequent to ignore.
As always, That Park Place will keep you updated as new details emerge.
What’s your opinion on the EPCOT popcorn cart fire? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
