Yet Another Natural Disaster Barrels Towards Disney Park, 280,000 People Evacuated

Wait 5 sec.

Just one day after an earthquake triggered a tsunami warning that impacted both Tokyo Disney Resort and Aulani, one Disney resort is facing yet another natural disaster.Disney’s theme parks have had their fair share of natural disasters over the years. In Florida, hurricanes like Charley, Irma, and Ian forced Walt Disney World to shut down completely—sometimes for days at a time. Guests were evacuated from hotels, transportation was suspended, and cast members worked around the clock to keep everyone safe.Credit: Inside the MagicAt Tokyo Disney Resort, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami caused a month-long closure. The parks were mid-operation when the quake hit, and guests were asked to shelter in place as cast members handed out blankets and supplies. Even after reopening, aftershocks continued for weeks, with both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea remaining shut for over a month.Over in Asia, typhoon season has repeatedly disrupted operations. Hong Kong Disneyland has closed for multiple typhoons and tropical storms (including tropical storm Wipha earlier this month), while Shanghai Disneyland has also shut its gates for typhoons in the past. Both parks have detailed emergency protocols in place, though closures are still rare and only happen in the most severe cases.Another Typhoon Hits Disney ParkToday marked yet another typhoon in the Shanghai Disneyland area.Credit: Shanghai DisneylandTyphoon Co-May has forced the evacuation of over 280,000 people in Shanghai and the surrounding areas. Authorities issued a level-one emergency response for flood and typhoon control, while flights, ferries, and trains were all canceled as heavy rains and wind battered eastern China today. Strict speed limits were also enforced on roads in the area.Co-May made landfall shortly before the tsunami warning from yesterday’s earthquake was issued (and later lifted) in Shanghai.Amidst the severe weather, Shanghai Disneyland remained open for all guests.Credit: Shanghai DisneylandHowever, the park did implement some operational changes, having warned that some outdoor attractions – including Roaring Rapids, Jet Packs, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Explorer Canoes – and shows such as the Mickey’s Storybook Express parade and ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration may be disrupted or canceled.Adding to Shanghai Disneyland’s unfavorable conditions right now is an extreme heat warning. The resort has shared a notice on its website warning guests of high temperatures, which may also interrupt outdoor experiences at the park.For the health and safety of all guests and Cast Members, Shanghai Disneyland may make adjustments to today’s operational schedule, including but not limited to the suspension of some selected outdoor shows and outdoor experiences, including Mickey’s Storybook Express parade.Please check the Shanghai Disney Resort Official App for the latest resort information.We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are adjusting in the best possible way to optimize the guest experience.Thank you for your understanding and have a magical day!Credit: Shanghai DisneylandShanghai Disneyland recently announced stricter procedures for dealing with extreme temperatures during the summer, designed to protect cast members and guests.Further afield, Walt Disney World Resort is also facing dangerously high temperatures this week. The heat index is expected to climb past 110 degrees Fahrenheit, putting guests at risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Visitors to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom are being urged to take precautions and stay cool throughout the day.Have you ever visited a Disney park in severe weather?The post Yet Another Natural Disaster Barrels Towards Disney Park, 280,000 People Evacuated appeared first on Inside the Magic.