A string of travel-related emergencies this week has upended plans for guests en route to Disney, following multiple fatal incidents and a large-scale cable theft that brought regional transport services to a halt.

Though summer crowds are expected, few Disney visitors anticipate being told to cancel or postpone their trips altogether. That’s exactly what happened across parts of Europe this week as passengers traveling from the United Kingdom and northern France encountered widespread cancellations, delays, and service suspensions.

The most severe disruptions were tied to incidents on a key international rail corridor, used by thousands of tourists making their way to Disney’s European resort. Travel across the region was first halted on Tuesday when two separate individuals were struck on the tracks near Lille and Arras. Both incidents were fatal.

By Wednesday morning, a new wave of delays began after nearly 600 meters of copper wiring were stolen from the lines. With signaling disabled and further trains cancelled, travelers were advised to find alternate arrangements—or cancel their plans entirely.

For guests hoping to reach Disney by train, the situation has become increasingly complicated over the past year. A direct rail service between the U.K. and the Disney resort was terminated in June 2023, after post-Brexit and pandemic-related financial pressures made the route unsustainable. Travelers now need to change at either Lille or Paris Gare du Nord before continuing to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy, the station next to the parks.

That has left many relying on a fragile network increasingly vulnerable to disruption.

France’s rail system has become a repeated target for vandalism and theft, particularly as demand for valuable raw materials like copper rises. Last year, arson attacks damaged cables in multiple regions ahead of the Paris Olympics. Earlier this year, an unexploded bomb from World War II was discovered in a northern suburb of Paris, temporarily halting train services in and out of the capital.

These incidents are part of a wider strain on infrastructure during peak travel seasons—issues that hit family destinations like Disney particularly hard.

The travel disruptions come amid one of the busiest periods of the year at Disney’s European resort, which is currently hosting its summer-long Disney Music Festival. Disneyland Park hit full capacity on Monday.

The adjacent Walt Disney Studios Park, now undergoing extensive renovation, has been less impacted by crowding. The park will soon welcome two major additions: a World of Frozen land and an area inspired by The Lion King. Disney has advised guests to visit the smaller park after 3 p.m. to avoid peak congestion.

The Disney Music Festival itself continues through September 7, featuring live performances, roaming shows, and character appearances. Highlights include Minnie’s Marching Band, Moana and her musicians, Miguel’s Fiesta Latina, Timon’s Matadance, and a musical meet-up with Rapunzel and Flynn.

Travelers planning a visit in the coming days are encouraged to check transit updates regularly.