
As devastating wildfires rage across Southern California, Disneyland Resort is experiencing unusually low crowd levels. While the Disney parks have not been directly affected by the fires, the state of emergency has impacted the entire region, creating a ripple effect that has reached Anaheim.
Southern California in Crisis
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency last week as wildfires tore through the Los Angeles area. At least 25 people have lost their lives, and over 12,000 structures have been destroyed. Tens of thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders as firefighters battle the blazes, with current weather conditions offering only brief moments of respite before dangerous conditions return next week.
While Disneyland Resort remains far from the immediate fire zones, the effects of the crisis are being felt throughout the parks. Nearby competitors, such as Universal Studios Hollywood, temporarily closed their doors to protect guests and team members. Meanwhile, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park have stayed open but have seen a sharp decline in attendance.
Empty Theme Parks
Guests visiting Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney District during the wildfires have reported an almost surreal experience: minimal crowds, short wait times, and nearly empty restaurants.
Redditor u/kvsnake shared their recent visit: “Out of all our trips in the past year, this was the best. We got in at 11am. No lines to the garage, no lines at security, no lines to get in. Half off Lightning Passes. We never waited more than a minute to get in a ride.”
The guest added that their family was seated at a restaurant instantly, a rarity during regular crowd levels: “There was people but not once have I felt like before, where it’s just nut to butt with people with no room to maneuver.”
Other Disneyland Resort visitors echoed similar sentiments. Redditor u/The_Nice_Marmot noted inflated standby wait times that were much shorter than posted: “Indy was posted as 30, and it was 15. It sort of looks like they are lining people up outside the rides and posting longer times to make the people who paid for Lightning Lane not be annoyed. Yesterday we did 22 rides in Disneyland.”
First-time visitor u/Head-Thought6153 described their trip as “absolutely brilliant,” recounting riding Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run three times and Radiator Springs Racers four times in a single day.
Disneyland Responds to the Wildfires
Beyond the parks, Disneyland Resort has also stepped up to help cast members affected by the wildfires. The Disneyland Hotel has provided emergency housing to hundreds of employees, at least 64 of whom have reportedly lost their homes.
While Disneyland Resort guests enjoy a quieter experience in the theme parks, the wildfires continue to rage, leaving an indelible mark on the region. The National Weather Service has warned that dangerous conditions could return, prolonging the crisis.
Have you noticed reduced crowds at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney this week? In the comments, share your experience with Disney Dining.