A concerning situation unfolded at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on Tuesday after several employees reported feeling unwell due to a strange odor in a backstage area of the park.
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According to Disneyland officials, multiple cast members experienced symptoms including dizziness and shortness of breath after being exposed to the smell.
Officials later determined that the issue was caused by building materials being used by a contractor. This triggered a reaction behind the scenes.
Disneyland Employees Hospitalized After Exposure to Unusual Smell
Several cast members were affected by the materials, with up to eight employees transported to local hospitals for evaluation.
"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," Disneyland officials said, via E! News.
"Several cast members were treated on-site by paramedics and released. And at this time, eight cast members experiencing dizziness and shortness of breath were transported to local hospitals."
The statement, issued on March 10, added that the "adjacent onstage areas were cleared of guests and are expected to reopen soon".
The unusual smell was first reported to fire officials around 12:30 p.m. local time. Emergency crews were called to the Tomorrowland section of the resort, according to Anaheim Police Sgt. Matt Sutter.
Sutter confirmed that no park guests were affected by the incident.
Firefighters also said overall park operations continued as normal, and the affected area reopened to guests later Tuesday evening.
Leadership Changes Announced at Disney Resort
The incident comes at a time of major leadership changes within Disney's parks division.
Longtime Disney executive Jill Estorino has been announced as the new leader of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
The move follows a broader reshuffle within the company, with Josh D'Amaro taking over as CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
"Jill is a remarkable leader who deeply understands what makes Disneyland special," D'Amaro said in a statement. "She leads with heart, holds incredibly high standards, and believes that great guest experiences begin with inspired cast members."
According to the Orange County Business Journal, Disneyland is the largest employer in Orange County, with roughly 36,000 employees who will now fall under Estorino's oversight.
Her responsibilities will span two theme parks, three resort hotels and the Downtown Disney District.
The leadership changes are scheduled to take effect on March 18.
