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Disney Broadcasts Safety Warning, Several Attractions Close Without Notice

Weather-related disruptions quietly reshaped operations at several Disney parks this week.

Guests expecting uninterrupted holiday experiences instead encountered modified hours, altered messaging, and a growing list of unavailable attractions.

A joyful child holds multiple plush Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, and Donald, in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle
Credit: Disney

Southern California faced an intense atmospheric river late last month, bringing sustained rain and wind during the Christmas travel rush. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure both closed early on Christmas Eve as conditions worsened.

In Florida, unseasonably low temperatures triggered a separate response. Walt Disney World Resort temporarily shut down Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park for several days, citing weather conditions unsuitable for safe operation.

Mickey Mouse at Typhoon Lagoon
Credit: Disney

While those disruptions were localized, another situation unfolded overseas today.

Operations Shift as Heavy Snowfall Hits Disney Parks

By the evening of January 2, guests arriving at Tokyo Disney Resort experienced intense wind and snow.

Near Maihama Station, the combination of weather elements created moments of limited visibility and slick pavement.

One guest documented the experience on X, formerly known as Twitter.

#TDR_now #TDR__now #Maihama2026
/1/2 7:30pm
It’s snowing

There are moments when the strong wind makes the area in front of Maihama Station feel like a blizzard.

Also, it’s extremely slippery.

 

As conditions persisted, park management adjusted operations at both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, beginning with outdoor attractions most affected by exposure.

At Tokyo Disneyland, Big Thunder Mountain, Gadget’s Go Coaster, Chip ’n Dale’s Treehouse, and Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions closed earlier than scheduled. The suspensions reduced ride availability during a typically busy evening period.

Across the resort at Tokyo DisneySea, AquaTopia, Raging Spirits, and Jasmine’s Flying Carpets were also taken out of operation. Open walkways and ride platforms proved difficult to manage safely as conditions worsened.

【Tokyo Disneyland】As of 21:20

The entrance announcement has been temporarily changed 💡

“The ground has become slippery.”

#TDR__now

 

Guest communication shifted as a result. Standard entrance announcements were temporarily replaced with repeated safety notices by the evening, focused on walking conditions.

Several pedestrian routes were closed entirely, narrowing foot traffic patterns and redirecting guests toward indoor corridors. Congestion increased in sheltered areas as outdoor movement became more limited.

Indoor Attractions and Transport Remain Steady

Despite the changes, operations did not grind to a halt. Indoor attractions across the resort continued running, providing guests with options as weather-sensitive rides shut down.

Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, and Toy Story Mania remained open, absorbing displaced crowds and helping maintain overall capacity during the evening.

The Disney Monorail at Tokyo Disney Resort
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Transportation within the resort remained unaffected. The Disney Resort Line monorail continued operating normally, maintaining access between parks and hotels despite reduced walking routes.

The changing conditions also altered the visual atmosphere of the parks. Guests shared videos showing themed areas transformed by weather rarely seen at this resort.

Footage from Fantasy Springs drew particular attention, where the Frozen (2013)-themed Arendelle area appeared visually aligned with its Nordic setting as conditions settled across the land.

A vibrant scene of a theme park with a red pirate ship docked in a clear blue water canal surrounded by lush green foliage. In the background, whimsical rocky hills rise under a bright blue sky.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Forecasts indicate no additional snow is expected in the Urayasu area in the near term, allowing operations to normalize quickly once surfaces clear.

Elsewhere, weather remains a factor.

Disneyland Paris is currently forecast to see snow next week, raising the possibility of similar operational adjustments at another major Disney destination.

Both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to become Disney Adventure World) have experienced snowfall over the years. That means guests will also have the opportunity to see Arendelle in actual snow once World of Frozen opens in 2026.

Have you ever experienced snow at a Disney park?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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