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Update Issued as Disney Park Confronts Risk of Mass Closures

Visitors to one Disney park learned Friday evening that yet another tropical storm is en route.

Officials have issued a fresh warning as Severe Tropical Storm Matmo tracks toward Hong Kong. The alert comes during what has already been one of the most active typhoon seasons on record.

Pinocchio and Gepetto hide their faces at Hong Kong Disneyland
Credit: Kadyn Pierce, Unsplash

The forecast raises concerns for outdoor venues and businesses, particularly one of Hong Kong’s most prominent tourist destinations. Hong Kong Disneyland is already closed for the day, but the warning brings new uncertainty about weekend operations.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued its No. 1 signal at 7:40 p.m., confirming Matmo as the twelfth storm of the year to trigger an alert — the highest number recorded since 1946. Officials said conditions would remain stable until Saturday noon, with reassessments planned as the storm edged closer.

Typhoon Signal Issued in Hong Kong

“Matmo is expected to maintain a distance of about 500km or more from Hong Kong [on Friday night] and [Saturday] morning. The standby signal, No 1, will remain in force until noon [on Saturday],” the Observatory said.

“Depending on the intensity of Matmo, the distance of its associated gale force winds from the Pearl River Estuary and the change in local wind conditions, the Observatory will then assess the need of issuing higher tropical cyclone warning signals,” it added.

Hong Kong Disneyland fireworks over Castle of Magical Dreams
Credit: Disney

The agency also predicted the storm would intensify as it approached the Leizhou Peninsula and eastern Hainan Island. Though Saturday may remain hot, heavy showers are expected to follow, with maritime conditions deteriorating significantly.

Impact on Hong Kong Disneyland

For now, it remains unclear to what extent Hong Kong Disneyland will face disruptions this weekend. Historically, the resort has suspended outdoor rides under Typhoon Signal No. 3 or above, sometimes closing entirely if conditions demand.

That could mean rides such as Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Jungle River Cruise (which currently has a Halloween overlay) will be off-limits until winds ease. The park’s nighttime fireworks and projection show, Momentous: Party in the Night Sky, is also unlikely to take place.

Guests ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Hong Kong Disneyland
Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

The situation echoes recent shutdowns. Last month, Hong Kong Disneyland closed for two consecutive days as Super Typhoon Ragasa lashed the city. Guests were evacuated mid-afternoon on September 23, with the resort reopening on September 25. In September 2023, Typhoon Saola forced a two-day closure, leaving behind visible damage across the grounds.

This weekend’s developments mark the fourth time in five weeks that Hong Kong Disneyland has had to respond to a tropical storm threat. With Matmo’s path still uncertain, the resort once again finds itself balancing guest safety against unpredictable weather patterns.

Stay tuned for further updates on how Severe Tropical Storm Matmo may affect Hong Kong Disneyland operations.

Author

  • 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.

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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