The blaze sent crowds of people fleeing as thick plumes of smoke were seen in the air near the park’s French Pavilion.

Disney World told local media the fire started on Saturday afternoon (local time) after a walk-in cooler caught fire.

Guests had to be evacuated from the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride.

No injuries have been reported.

Disney confirmed the fire had been extinguished by around 7.20pm local time.

Social media footage of the blaze shows dark smoke billowing into the sky.

Epcot is a theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, one of four parks at the resort.

It has now shut as normal following the fire, which broke out around two hours before closing time.