A major emergency response disrupted operations at Disneyland Park this past Tuesday. On the afternoon of March 10, guest areas were cleared and attractions shuttered during a Space Mountain hazardous material evacuation. Anaheim Fire & Rescue arrived on the scene after reports of a chemical odor surfaced in the Tomorrowland area. The incident caused a significant portion of the land to remain closed for several hours while crews worked to identify the source.
The Source of the Odor at Gate 8
While early reports focused on Space Mountain, the incident actually began at Gate 8. This is a backstage access point located directly behind the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction. A third-party contractor was working with building materials when an unexpected chemical reaction occurred. Because this area is a primary hub for backstage operations, the resulting odor quickly spread through the nearby service corridors.
Shared Infrastructure and Precautions
The reason for the widespread closure lies in the way Tomorrowland was built. Many of these classic attractions, including Star Tours and Space Mountain, share connected backstage infrastructure and fire alarm systems. When the odor was detected at Gate 8, safety protocols required the immediate evacuation of both rides to ensure guest safety. This precaution prevented the chemical smell from reaching the indoor queues where hundreds of guests were waiting.
Cast Member Injuries and Evaluation
The situation proved serious for the staff working in the immediate vicinity of Gate 8. Eight Disney Cast Members were eventually transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation. These employees reported symptoms including dizziness and shortness of breath. Several other staff members received treatment from paramedics on the scene before being released. Disney confirmed that no guests were harmed or reported any symptoms during the evacuation process.
Extent of the Land Closure
The evacuation was widespread and affected several major attractions and shops. Disney officials immediately closed Space Mountain, Star Tours, and The Star Trader gift shop. Cast Members were seen forming “human walls” to prevent guests from entering Tomorrowland from Main Street, U.S.A. Due to the emergency, the park even canceled the scheduled “Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” as guests were escorted out via backstage routes.
Current Status and Reopening
Anaheim Fire Department crews monitored the air levels throughout the afternoon and evening. Once the area was deemed safe and the chemical reaction was fully neutralized, the scene was cleared. Space Mountain and the rest of Tomorrowland resumed normal operations the following morning on Wednesday, March 11. Maintenance teams have since completed a full sweep of the backstage construction zones to prevent future occurrences.
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