A hazardous materials scare at Disneyland sent seven employees to the hospital Tuesday afternoon after a chemical reaction in a backstage area released an unknown odor that left workers dizzy and struggling to breathe. The incident prompted a temporary evacuation of parts of Tomorrowland as emergency crews swarmed the scene.
The Anaheim Fire Department received reports of an unknown odor near the Star Tours attraction in Tomorrowland at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time. Investigators quickly traced the source to a backstage area where a contractor’s building materials had unexpectedly reacted, releasing fumes into the surrounding space.
Several Disneyland cast members working in the vicinity were immediately affected. Paramedics treated multiple employees at the scene, releasing those with minor symptoms. However, seven workers who experienced dizziness and shortness of breath required transportation to local hospitals for further evaluation.
Disneyland officials moved quickly to contain the situation. “This afternoon, building materials being used by a contractor produced a reaction backstage at Disneyland Park, and the area was examined by appropriate response teams,” the company said in a statement.
Despite the dramatic scenes unfolding behind the magic, park visitors remained completely unaffected. Officials confirmed that no guests reported any symptoms or required medical attention. As a purely precautionary measure, adjacent onstage areas in Tomorrowland were temporarily cleared of guests while response teams worked.
The incident temporarily impacted operations in Tomorrowland. Reports indicate that nearby attractions, including Space Mountain and Star Tours itself, were briefly closed to guests as emergency vehicles gathered in employee-only areas behind the scenes. Helicopter footage from local news stations showed a significant emergency services presence in the backstage areas behind Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A.
Anaheim Police Sgt. Matt Sutter confirmed the location and timing of the response, stating that officers responded alongside firefighters from the Anaheim Fire Department.
Within hours, the situation was resolved. Disneyland officials announced that the affected areas were expected to reopen by evening, and normal park operations resumed without further interruption. The company has not disclosed the specific chemical substances involved in the reaction, and an investigation into exactly what caused the contractor’s materials to produce hazardous fumes remains ongoing .
For the seven employees taken to hospitals, the incident turned an ordinary workday into a medical emergency. The swift response from park security, Anaheim Fire, and hazmat teams prevented what could have been a far more serious situation, containing the hazard to a backstage area and ensuring guest safety remained intact.
The incident serves as a reminder that even in the “happiest place on earth,” industrial accidents can occur, but robust safety protocols and rapid emergency response can keep the magic alive for visitors while workers receive the care they need.
