Hundreds of flights were canceled, businesses closed their doors, and tourists scrambled to change itineraries as one of the strongest storms of the year swept through the region. The disruptions left major attractions silent for days, including a Disney park now preparing to welcome guests again.
The typhoon responsible — Ragasa — has been described as the most powerful storm recorded worldwide in 2025 so far. With sustained winds near 185 kmph and gusts over 230 kmph, its arrival forced governments and businesses to prioritize safety over normal operations.
Regional Fallout From Ragasa
The storm’s devastation was not confined to transportation and tourism. At least 25 people have died, while many remain missing after a barrier lake in Taiwan burst its banks during unrelenting rainfall from Ragasa’s outer bands. Entire communities were inundated, with rescue efforts hampered by damaged infrastructure and blocked roads.
Ragasa later made landfall near Yangjiang in southern China on September 24 at around 5 p.m. local time, carrying sustained winds of 144 kmph. Coastal cities, including Hong Kong, faced destructive waves taller than lampposts, while normally busy streets were left eerily empty.
Air travel ground to a halt. Hong Kong International Airport alone canceled more than 700 flights, leaving travelers stranded for days. Many took to social media to share updates, including frustrated tourists whose long-awaited Disney vacations had been put on hold.
A Disney Park Returns
Hong Kong Disneyland confirmed it will reopen today, Thursday, September 25, after closing midway through September 23 and remaining shut on September 24. “Hong Kong Disneyland Park will reopen on September 25 (Thursday). Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre will remain closed until further notice,” read a notice on the park’s website.
The closures coincided with the Hong Kong Observatory’s Typhoon Signal 8 warning — one of the highest in the system — which requires businesses and services across the city to suspend operations. The park responded by closing early on September 23 and rolling out wind-protection measures across its grounds.
Even when gates remain open during lower storm alerts, Hong Kong Disneyland often suspends several outdoor rides first. Attractions such as Jungle River Cruise (which has received a spooky makeover for the Halloween season), Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, RC Racer, and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars are among the first affected.
For now, the park is signaling a cautious return to normal operations. Weather conditions may still affect outdoor attractions, and the Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre will stay closed until cleanup is complete. Guests are advised to check official updates before making the trip.
The reopening comes at the end of a difficult week for Hong Kong and neighboring regions. For families who saw vacations cut short or delayed, the park’s return offers a chance to salvage long-awaited plans. For Disney, it is another reminder of the operational challenges posed by storms in one of the world’s most unpredictable climates.
Have you ever been impacted by a tropical storm at Disney? Share your story in the comments!
