Typhoon Co-May has swept through eastern China, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate and grinding regional transport to a halt. Yet inside Shanghai Disneyland, the show—at least parts of it—has gone on.
Despite the storm’s impact on the city and surrounding areas, the park remained open to guests on Wednesday, even as wind and rain battered the region and temperatures pushed into dangerous territory.
Shanghai officials declared a level-one emergency response as the typhoon approached, prompting the evacuation of more than 280,000 people across the region. Ferries, flights, and trains were canceled, and strict road speed limits were imposed as the city braced for flooding and high winds. The storm made landfall just ahead of a separate tsunami warning triggered by an earthquake, which was later lifted.
Outdoor Attractions and Shows Disrupted at Disney
Although Shanghai Disneyland did not close its gates, the resort acknowledged the extreme weather by modifying its operations. A notice shared on its official website advised that certain outdoor attractions and shows could be suspended throughout the day.
“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,” the statement read.
Attractions such as Jet Packs, Roaring Rapids, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Explorer Canoes were among those likely affected. The ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration show was also subject to cancellation depending on weather and safety assessments.
Shanghai Disney Resort apologized “for any inconvenience this may cause” and directed guests to the official resort app for real-time updates. “We are adjusting in the best possible way to optimize the guest experience,” the statement added.
Complicating the situation is an ongoing extreme heat warning. Temperatures in Shanghai surged alongside the storm’s retreat, creating an added hazard for outdoor activities. In a separate notice, the resort confirmed that the heat may cause additional disruption to shows and attractions.
Natural Disasters Are No Stranger to Disney Parks
Shanghai Disneyland is just the latest in a long line of Disney resorts forced to navigate extreme weather. In Japan, Tokyo Disney Resort was heavily impacted by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Both parks closed for over a month following the disaster, during which guests had to shelter in place while cast members distributed blankets and supplies.
Florida’s Walt Disney World has similarly dealt with repeated closures due to hurricanes, including Charley, Irma, and Ian. When those storms made landfall, guests were evacuated from certain hotels, all park operations were suspended, and essential staff worked around the clock to manage safety.
Across Asia, typhoon season routinely disrupts park schedules. Shanghai Disneyland itself has previously shut its gates for severe weather. Though closures remain rare, contingency protocols are firmly in place.
And now, extreme heat is joining storms as a mounting concern. Shanghai Disneyland recently introduced stricter policies to manage high temperatures, including increased monitoring of cast member health and the suspension of outdoor shows if conditions become unsafe.
Florida is also facing record heat this week, with Walt Disney World’s heat index projected to exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Officials are urging guests to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and seek shelter in air-conditioned spaces when possible.
With climate extremes becoming more frequent, Disney’s parks are increasingly adapting in real time. Shanghai Disneyland’s decision to remain open after Typhoon Co-May—despite the twin threats of storm fallout and searing heat—highlights the new normal for theme park operations in a volatile world.
Have you ever visited a Disney park in severe weather?
