Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
A stretch of Main Street, U.S.A. was unexpectedly cleared at Disneyland Resort on March 17, with guests asked to leave multiple locations without explanation.
The disruption appeared limited in scope, but it briefly halted activity in one of the park’s busiest areas. Disneyland has not confirmed what caused the evacuation.
Recent weeks have already tested operations at the Anaheim resort. Earlier this month, five cast members were hospitalized after a chemical reaction backstage near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue in Tomorrowland.
Credit: Disney
That same period saw Anaheim Police respond to false reports of an active shooter and bomb threats, allegedly linked to live streamers. The incidents prompted heightened security and concern among visitors.
Disneyland has faced more serious emergencies over the years. A fire during Fantasmic! forced a full evacuation when the Maleficent dragon animatronic caught fire.
A derailment on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad injured 10 guests and killed one, marking one of the park’s most significant accidents. Dry ice explosions in Mickey’s Toontown have also triggered emergency responses.
Credit: Disney
Guests Told To Exit Main Street Locations
The March 17 incident centered on the west side of Main Street, U.S.A., where multiple businesses were affected at once.
Guests on Reddit described hearing alarms from inside buildings throughout the day. “Wonder if it’s tied to the Jungle Cruise refurbishment,” one parkgoer wrote. “It goes behind that whole side.”
Looks like all of the West Side of Main Street has been temporarily evacuated
byu/swellfella inDisneyland
Inside the Emporium, visitors said they were instructed to leave immediately. “The alarm sounded and they told everyone to put down the merchandise and leave right away…didn’t see why,” another guest shared.
Credit: Disney
Nearby locations also appeared to close. “I noticed that Carnation and Gibson Girl were closed with a bunch of people standing around in the street and then took this picture while walking out,” one guest wrote. “I don’t think it has anything to do with the seating or hazmat but things are definitely wild these days.”
Guests pointed to scaffolding along Main Street, suggesting construction work may have been a factor. Disneyland has not confirmed whether refurbishment played a role.
Evacuations Remain Part of Park Operations
Short-term evacuations are a routine part of operating a large theme park and can be triggered by alarms, maintenance issues, or guest behavior.
In 2015, a backstage fire near “it’s a small world” led to a temporary evacuation after flames — likely caused by fireworks fallout — were quickly contained. No injuries were reported.
More recently, a guest incident in New Orleans Square caused an evacuation after a man entered restricted areas and climbed onto Tiana’s Palace, the park’s Princess and the Frog-themed restaurant. He was later arrested.
Credit: Disney
Ride-related evacuations are also common. In 2023, a Disneyland Railroad locomotive stopped on a trestle bridge, requiring cast members to escort guests off safely.
The March 17 evacuation appears to have been brief, with operations resuming shortly after. Still, it adds to a series of recent disruptions across Disneyland Resort, with guests also complaining of mass ride breakdowns.
Have you faced disruption at Disneyland Resort lately?
