A powerful earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Tuesday morning has triggered tsunami warnings and advisories across the Pacific — and put several major Disney resorts in possible danger.
With a magnitude ranging from 8.7 to 8.8 and a shallow epicenter just 12 miles deep, the quake prompted immediate tsunami alerts in Japan, Hawaii, California, and parts of Alaska, raising new concerns for travelers at Tokyo Disney Resort, Aulani, and other high-profile coastal destinations.
Tokyo Disney Resort Within Impact Zone as Japan Sounds Alarms
Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for the country’s entire Pacific-facing coastline shortly after the earthquake struck. Areas expected to be affected include Chiba Prefecture, home to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, and Osaka Prefecture, where Universal Studios Japan operates.
The warning outlines projected wave heights of:
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3 meters (10 feet) in Kujukuri, Chiba Prefecture by 10:30 a.m. JST
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1 meter (3.2 feet) in central Tokyo by 11:30 a.m. JST
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1 meter in Osaka by noon
Authorities across Japan have issued emergency evacuation alerts for coastal and riverside communities. Government response teams have been mobilized, and seismologists like the University of Tokyo’s Shinichi Sakai are warning that shallow, offshore quakes like this one can cause dangerous tsunami activity — even at a distance.
As of this writing, Tokyo Disney Resort has not released an official statement. However, given its location in a low-lying bay area, changes to park operations are likely depending on local safety directives. Guests currently on-site are advised to stay tuned to local emergency alerts and follow evacuation instructions if issued.
In Hawaii, Disney’s Aulani May Be in the Path of Incoming Waves
Across the Pacific, Hawaii is also under a tsunami warning, including the island of Oahu, where Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa is situated.
According to officials, the first tsunami waves are expected to reach Hawaiian shores by 7:17 p.m. HST. Local agencies including Oahu Emergency Management have already begun issuing evacuation notices for residents and hotels in flood-prone areas.
Officials in Maui County have warned that tsunami activity “could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state.”
So far, Disney has not confirmed any guest evacuations at Aulani, but the resort is located along the vulnerable leeward side of Oahu. Guests can expect to follow guidance from local authorities, and possibly face temporary shelter-in-place protocols or evacuation orders if conditions worsen.
West Coast USA: Tsunami Advisory Issued from California to Alaska
Meanwhile, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami advisory for large swaths of the West Coast, including California, Oregon, Washington, and coastal Alaska.
While Anaheim, where Disneyland Resort is located, is currently outside the designated impact zone, the situation remains fluid. Forecasted wave arrival times include:
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Monterey, CA — 12:15 a.m. PT
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San Francisco — 12:40 a.m. PT
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Los Angeles Harbor — 1:05 a.m. PT
So far, the projected wave heights in California are relatively minor — under 1 foot — but experts are reminding the public that tsunamis don’t always behave predictably. Multiple surges can arrive hours apart, and the first wave is not necessarily the most dangerous.
Residents and visitors are being told to stay away from beaches, marinas, and waterfront areas until further notice.
What Disney Guests in Affected Areas Should Know
If you’re currently staying at or heading to Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, Aulani, or anywhere near a tsunami warning zone, here’s what you need to do:
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Check official emergency notifications from government agencies like Japan Meteorological Agency, NOAA, or Oahu Emergency Management.
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Follow all evacuation notices and avoid coastal areas entirely — no photos are worth the risk.
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Stay off beaches and out of harbors, even if the weather appears calm.
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Ask resort staff about safety procedures and updates if you’re staying at a Disney property.
Widespread Effects Still Unfolding
The quake caused power outages and mobile network disruptions in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the largest city near the epicenter in Russia. According to Russian media outlet TASS, buildings shook violently, people ran outside in panic, and structural damage has been reported.
Tsunamis generated by this scale of seismic activity can take hours to reach distant coasts but remain capable of causing major destruction. The event has set off alarm bells across the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the seismically volatile region that includes Japan, Alaska, and the U.S. West Coast.
This Is a Developing Situation
So far, no injuries or structural damage have been reported at any Disney park or resort, but both Tokyo Disney Resort and Aulani remain within tsunami warning zones as of Wednesday morning.
We’ll continue monitoring updates from emergency agencies and Disney. Travelers are urged to check with airlines, hotel services, and park information lines before making any moves.
Stay safe, stay informed, and stay tuned.
