EPCOTNews

Thousands Locked Out of Disney World Ride, Park Formally Apologizes

On January 28, one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, never opened, leaving thousands of guests scrambling to adjust their plans. The chaos led to an official apology from theme park management.

A Frustrating Start at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which debuted in the France Pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase in 2021, has been a fan-favorite since its launch. The trackless dark ride, based on the beloved 2007 Pixar film Ratatouille, regularly boasts wait times exceeding an hour, making it a must-visit for many Walt Disney World Resort guests. However, those hoping to “shrink down to the size of a rat” on Tuesday were met with an unfortunate surprise.

Spaceship Earth at seen from across the EPCOT World Showcase Lagoon.
Credit: Disney Fanatic

Instead of eager guests filling the queue at rope drop, Disney cast members stationed outside the attraction informed visitors that the ride was experiencing technical issues and would not be opening. To make matters worse, no estimated reopening time was provided.

Wait Times Surge at Other Attractions

As word spread that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was closed indefinitely, many guests pivoted to other EPCOT attractions, causing a ripple effect across the park. Standby queues for Soarin’ Around the World and Frozen Ever After swelled as guests attempted to fill the gap left by the unexpected closure. The situation was further complicated by the ongoing refurbishment of Test Track, leaving EPCOT with even fewer high-capacity ride options.

A smartphone screen displays an app showing wait times for various EPCOT attractions, with 35 minutes for Royal Sommerhus and 60 minutes for Frozen Ever After. Unfortunately, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is temporarily closed.
Credit: Screenshot via the My Disney Experience app

Some visitors held out hope that Remy’s would reopen later in the day, choosing to linger near the attraction’s entrance. However, as time passed, most gave up and moved on, accepting that the ride was unlikely to return to operation anytime soon.

An Apology from Disney Leadership

By early afternoon, EPCOT Vice President Kartika S. Rodriguez addressed the issue in a message sent via the My Disney Experience app.

A mobile screen displays an apology from EPCOT for the unavailability of Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, assuring guests that efforts are underway to reopen the beloved attraction. The message is signed by Kartika S. Rodriguez, Vice President of EPCOT.
Credit: Screenshot via the My Disney Experience app

“Pardon the Inconvenience,” the notification read.

“On behalf of the entire team at EPCOT, I’d like to apologize that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is currently unavailable,” Rodriguez wrote. “Our Cast Members are working diligently to get the attraction up and running again, and we are sorry you are not able to experience this attraction at this time. I hope you will enjoy some of our other attractions during your experience in the park today.”

Guests riding Test Track
Credit: Disney

While ride breakdowns are nothing new at Walt Disney World Resort, a full-day closure with a formal apology is rare, signaling the extent of the issue.

A Day-Long Disruption

As the evening progressed, it became clear that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure would not be returning to service. By 7:30 p.m., wait times for other EPCOT attractions remained high, with guests still feeling the effects of the missing ride.

A smartphone screen displaying an app with current wait times for EPCOT attractions, including Mission: SPACE at 15 minutes and Meet Disney Pals at 35 minutes. Soarin' is at 35 minutes, Frozen is 100, and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is temporarily closed.
Credit: Screenshot via the My Disney Experience app

After being unavailable from EPCOT’s 8:30 a.m. early entry opening to the park’s 9:00 p.m. closing, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure finally resumed operations the next morning. Walt Disney World Resort did not provide an official explanation for the extended downtime.

Has a ride closure impacted your Walt Disney World Resort vacation? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments. 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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