Disney World in the US Discovers Black Mold on Popular Ride, Shattering Magic

On February 18, 2026, reports emerged of black mold discovered on the popular It's a Small World ride at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Florida, triggering widespread criticism about cleanliness and maintenance. A social media user posted on platform X, claiming to have found thick black mold lines on the animatronic gondolas in the Italian section of the ride. The post went viral, receiving over 653,000 views, with the poster sharing photos of the mold and claiming the condition was even worse previously. Until now, Walt Disney World has not officially commented on or denied the incident. Some media outlets speculate that if the mold spreads, it might require temporary ride closure, especially for water-based attractions that require strict maintenance. Health experts warn that black mold can impact the immune system, causing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, eye irritation, and potentially serious complications for those with respiratory conditions, allergies, or weakened immune systems. This is not the first mold-related issue at Disney parks. In 2022, the Voyage of The Little Mermaid ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios was closed due to similar mold problems before being renovated and reopened.