A routine load-in at Magic Kingdom's "it's a small world" turned briefly chaotic on Wednesday when a guest's portable phone charger sparked a small fire in the loading area, forcing a quick evacuation and a short slowdown for the classic boat ride. Cast members used a handheld fire extinguisher to put out the flames and walked guests out of the queue. The attraction reopened later the same day, and officials reported no injuries.
What Happened
According to FOX 35 Orlando, a guest's personal charging pack ignited near the entrance of the attraction while boats were being loaded. Cast members halted the ride, grabbed an extinguisher, and cleared the immediate area before local firefighters arrived, the station reports. FOX 35 also notes that Disney said the ride was able to reopen later in the day.
Video Shows Smoky Evacuation
A TikTok clip highlighted by WDW News Today captures cast members spraying an extinguisher as smoke or extinguisher residue drifts through the loading zone while guests are escorted off the boats. WDW News Today reports that Disney confirmed the incident was caused by a guest's portable charger, likely during loading or unloading, and that no injuries were reported. The original video, posted by user @coachbragg, quickly made the rounds on social media.
Why Portable Chargers Can Catch Fire
Lithium-ion power banks and wireless battery packs are handy until they are not. They can overheat or fail, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued multiple warnings and recalls after reports of units overheating, smoking, and catching fire. CPSC notices point out that damaged, counterfeit, or poorly manufactured chargers tend to carry a higher risk and advise consumers to stop using affected products. Safety guidance typically includes swapping out any battery pack that shows swelling, runs extremely hot, or gives off unusual odors, and sticking with certified chargers.
Disney's Response And Visitor Safety Tips
Walt Disney World's guest services information lists mobile charging stations in Fantasyland near "it's a small world" that offer AC and USB outlets for visitors who need to recharge, according to Walt Disney World Resort. Guests are encouraged to keep portable batteries put away while on rides, avoid using obviously damaged chargers, and follow manufacturer instructions for charging and storage. If a device begins to smoke or feel dangerously hot, people are advised to stop using it and follow local hazardous waste rules for disposing of electronics.
Clips of the brief fire and evacuation are circulating online. Local outlets, including FOX 35 Orlando and WDW News Today have shared video and early details. This story will be updated if Disney or safety officials release additional information about the device involved or any follow-up actions.
