Evacuations are underway as tsunami waves strike Hawaii, Japan, and California. Disney guests are fleeing to higher ground as airports shut down.
Disney Guests Evacuated as Tsunami Closes Dozens of Airports
A Roar, a Rumble, Then Panic: Disney Guests Brace for Impact
It began with a sound no one expected: a low, guttural roar that shook windows, rattled walls, and sent wildlife scattering. Moments later, the ground moved in terrifying waves — not just near the quake’s epicenter, but across the Pacific.
Domestic//Typhoon Information – From the July 31 to August 03, #TyphoonKrosa may affect flights to/from Hachijojima Airport. From the August 01 to August 03,TyphoonKrosa may affect flights to/from Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda Airport. – @ANAFlightInfo_e on X
Domestic//Typhoon Information – From the July 31 to August 03, #TyphoonKrosa may affect flights to/from Hachijojima Airport. From the August 01 to August 03,TyphoonKrosa may affect flights to/from Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda Airport.
Latest info: https://t.co/Flk8IG0U9N /✈ pic.twitter.com/xebSnGjBvY— ANA Flight Info (@ANAFlightInfo_e) July 30, 2025
At Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, the sunrise was interrupted by emergency alerts. In Tokyo, park-goers watched as tsunami sirens blared along the coast. Thousands of vacationers suddenly faced the same question: Are we safe?
If you’re traveling — or planning to travel — to either Tokyo Disney Resort or Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii, here’s everything you need to know about the disaster, the latest resort updates, and how to protect yourself if you’re caught in the path of a natural disaster while on vacation.
What Just Happened: The Tsunami’s Origin and Immediate Fallout
Early on July 29, 2025, a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck beneath the ocean floor near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. Its violent force sent tsunami warnings racing across the Pacific — triggering evacuations, travel chaos, and widespread fear.
BREAKING… #Tsunami waves now expected to hit #Hawaii at 7:10 HST—this is just over 90 minutes from now. Governor: “Move to 4th story of any building near coast.” Hilo airport CLOSED. All ports CLOSED. All ships moved out to sea. #earthquake DEVELOPING… – @SteveNorrisTV on X
🚨🚨BREAKING… #Tsunami waves now expected to hit #Hawaii at 7:10 HST—this is just over 90 minutes from now. Governor: “Move to 4th story of any building near coast.”
Hilo airport CLOSED.
All ports CLOSED.
All ships moved out to sea. #earthquake
DEVELOPING… pic.twitter.com/XA4snXRVKg
— Steve Norris (@SteveNorrisTV) July 30, 2025
Areas Affected:
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Tokyo Disney Resort (Japan): Located in Chiba Prefecture, which was quickly placed under a tsunami warning with waves forecasted to reach up to 10 feet.
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Disney’s Aulani Resort (Hawaii): Ko Olina coast on Oahu now faces wave impact within hours. Guests have not been evacuated, but officials advise staying off the beach and moving to higher floors.
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California and West Coast Airports: Widespread closures and delayed flights are stranding travelers across multiple states.
“Move to the 4th floor of any building near the coast,” Hawaii’s governor warned.
— Steve Norris, TV Meteorologist, via X
How to Navigate a Disney Trip During a Natural Disaster
If you’re at one of these resorts — or en route — take the following steps to stay safe and informed:
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Monitor local alerts via NOAA, the Japan Meteorological Agency, or resort announcements.
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Contact Disney Guest Services immediately for resort-specific protocols.
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Stay off beaches, even if they appear calm. Tsunami waves often strike in multiple, delayed surges.
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Prepare an emergency bag with water, chargers, medications, and identification.
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Avoid unnecessary travel to or from affected airports, many of which are under lockdown.
Insider Secrets: Disney Veterans Share Safety Tips
Frequent visitors and staff insiders know a few strategies that could make all the difference in a situation like this:
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Use official resort mobile apps for emergency alerts and real-time updates.
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Know where stairwells and high points are — many Disney resorts have elevated, open-air terraces.
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Ask cast members quietly where to shelter or wait for further instructions; they’re often the most in-the-know during emergencies.
“We always tell guests: go up, not out when things like this happen,” one Tokyo Disney staffer reportedly told a visitor.
Why Fans Are Deeply Affected by This Crisis
For millions around the world, Disney is more than a destination — it’s an escape. That escape now finds itself overshadowed by uncertainty.
Tokyo Disneyland sees over 17 million guests annually, many of them flying from across Asia and beyond. Aulani, meanwhile, is a dream honeymoon or family destination for thousands of Americans every year. The emotional toll of disrupted trips — not to mention the real danger — is sending ripples through Disney forums, travel blogs, and social platforms.
Many fans are posting stunned reactions:
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“We saved for this trip for three years. Now we’re sleeping in a stairwell.”
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“Aulani cast members are amazing. Calm, kind, and keeping everyone safe.”
Final Thoughts: What To Expect in the Days Ahead as Evacuations Continue for Disney Guests
As of this publication, no major injuries or damage have been reported at Disney properties. However, the situation remains fluid. Guests should anticipate:
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Resort modifications or closures
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Delayed flights or cruise departures
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Limited access to beaches or pools
Your safest bet? Follow official guidance, check for real-time updates, and prioritize people over plans. Disney magic is resilient — and so are its guests.
