Black Mold Discovered on Classic Disney World Ride, Thousands Potentially Exposed
Black mold, which can cause serious respiratory issues and allergic reactions, especially with prolonged exposure, has been identified and subsequently removed from the iconic "It's a Small World" ride at Walt Disney World in Florida. According to reports, thousands of visitors may have been exposed to the mold before its cleanup.
Visitor's Discovery Sparks Widespread Concern
An observant visitor first spotted what appeared to be black mold in the Italy scene of the beloved Magic Kingdom attraction. The ride, famous for its boat journey through global cultures accompanied by a memorable theme song, was later confirmed to have harbored the mold. The visitor shared a video on social media platform X on Friday, noting that the ride seemed to have been thoroughly scrubbed clean. They also posted an undated photo in the thread, reportedly showing a thick line of black mold stretching across a gondola, as highlighted by Disney news site Inside the Magic.
It remains unclear when the photo was taken or how long the apparent mold had been present on the ride. The social media post, which has garnered over 600,000 views, quickly spread, with fans expressing significant concern. One user remarked, "They finally did it! Disney has cleaned the thick black mold line on this little gondola on it's a small world."
Health Risks and Public Reaction
The discovery raised alarms due to the potential health hazards associated with black mold. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory problems and allergic reactions, posing risks to visitors, particularly those with pre-existing conditions. On Reddit, Disney enthusiasts voiced their worries, with one user stating, "Fans are heartbroken," according to Inside the Magic. The Independent has reached out to Walt Disney World for comment on the incident.
Recent Safety Incidents at Disney Parks
This black mold incident is the latest in a series of safety concerns at Disney attractions. In late December, the company made headlines after an employee was injured during the "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!" show. Robert Herrick was knocked to the ground while attempting to stop a 400-pound prop boulder from rolling into the audience after it fell off its track. Herrick noted that the stunt had operated without incident for decades prior. Since then, the show has been performed without the boulder.
Additionally, in March 2025, a walk-in cooler at EPCOT caught fire, producing large smoke plumes over the park. Photos and videos depicted black smoke filling the sky at the Disney complex, leading to the evacuation of guests from the "Remy's Ratatouille Adventure" ride. Officials reported that the fire was quickly extinguished by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District fire department.
These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining safety standards at major theme parks, with the black mold case underscoring potential health risks that require vigilant monitoring and prompt action.
