The magic rarely stops at Disney—no matter the forecast. Across Asia, the mood remained tense on Wednesday as Typhoon Co-May swept through eastern China, prompting mass evacuations and widespread transport shutdowns. Yet even amid torrential rain, rising winds, and looming heat advisories, Shanghai Disneyland pressed on with park operations.
It’s not the first time a Disney resort has weathered disaster. And it likely won’t be the last.
Over the years, Disney parks have been tested by nature in nearly every form. In Florida, hurricanes like Charley, Irma, and Ian have forced Walt Disney World to close entirely, disrupting travel plans and straining emergency teams. The parks have long had detailed contingency procedures in place, but as storms intensify and seasons grow less predictable, those safeguards are being stress-tested more frequently.
The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan brought operations at Tokyo Disney Resort to a halt for over a month. Guests had to shelter in place as the ground shook and infrastructure buckled across the region. Cast members handed out blankets and emergency supplies. Even after the immediate danger passed, lingering aftershocks delayed a full reopening.
Typhoon Co-May Disrupts Shanghai and Prompts Closures Nearby
Typhoon Co-May made landfall today, triggering widespread disruption across Shanghai and surrounding provinces. More than 280,000 residents were evacuated as authorities issued a level-one emergency response for flood and typhoon control.
Ferries, trains, and flights were grounded. Roads were placed under temporary restrictions. Yet within the perimeter of Shanghai Disney Resort, the park remained open—albeit with modifications.
“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,” a statement on the resort’s website read.
Guests were advised to consult the official Shanghai Disney Resort app for real-time updates. The park also apologized for any inconvenience, stating that it was “adjusting in the best possible way to optimize the guest experience.”
Outdoor attractions such as Jet Packs, Roaring Rapids, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Explorer Canoes were expected to be suspended or temporarily closed. Additionally, performances like ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration faced possible cancellation depending on weather conditions.
The timing was especially tense, as the typhoon’s landfall came just before a separate tsunami warning—later lifted—was issued in response to an earthquake near the region.
Dual Disasters and Rising Heat Add Pressure
If typhoons weren’t enough, Shanghai Disneyland is now contending with an extreme heat warning on top of the storm. The park – which recently introduced stricter policies to mitigate heat-related risks during summer, including operational changes and increased safety measures for cast members and guests – issued an extreme heat notice on its website today.
“Thank you for your understanding and have a magical day!” the resort added in its heat advisory, underscoring its attempt to maintain the Disney experience in difficult circumstances.
Shanghai Disneyland recently also took action to mitigate the lengthy merchandise lines – some of which span over 10 hours – outside the park to secure the latest merchandise, despite these high temperatures.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is facing similar threats. The heat index this week is expected to exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Health officials have advised parkgoers to stay hydrated, rest in shaded areas, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
In an era of climate unpredictability, Disney’s global theme parks are increasingly shaped by the forces around them. Yet for many guests, the allure of a Disney experience persists—even through the storm.
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