Disney Shares Update After Evacuating Thousands of Guests From Theme Park
Severe weather has disrupted travel for some travellers this week, forcing airlines, businesses, and major attractions to close.
Among the affected destinations was a Disney park, which has finally confirmed it will resume operations after two days of shutdowns.
The disruption was caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest storm recorded globally so far this year. The system brought sustained winds near 185 kmph and gusts over 230 kmph, leading to widespread cancellations and closures.
Reopening After the Typhoon
Hong Kong Disneyland announced it will reopen today, Thursday, September 25, after closing midway through September 23 and remaining closed on September 24. The resort installed protective measures to safeguard the park, though some facilities are not yet ready.
“Hong Kong Disneyland Park will reopen on September 25 (Thursday). Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre will remain closed until further notice,” read a notice on the park’s website. The update provides clarity for visitors and staff who had been awaiting confirmation.
The shutdown coincided with the Hong Kong Observatory’s Typhoon Signal 8 warning, which requires businesses and transportation services to suspend operations. The park closed its gates early on September 23 as conditions worsened.
Travel was heavily impacted across the city. Hong Kong International Airport canceled more than 700 flights during the storm, leaving many tourists stranded or forced to rebook plans.
A Park Exposed to Weather
Hong Kong Disneyland is more vulnerable to storms than many of Disney’s other parks. Its compact design and dependence on outdoor attractions also means that closures are common when typhoon signals are raised.
Among the first rides to be suspended during severe weather are Jungle River Cruise, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs (the family coaster in the park’s newest land, World of Frozen), RC Racer, and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars. These closures can significantly reduce the park’s available lineup.
The wider impact of Ragasa has been devastating. At least 25 people have died, and many more remain missing after a barrier lake burst under heavy rainfall from the storm’s outer bands. Ragasa later made landfall near Yangjiang in southern China, with sustained winds of 144 kmph, and brought flooding and dangerous waves to multiple coastal cities.
With the typhoon now moving away, Hong Kong Disneyland – which is currently in the midst of its Halloween celebrations – will resume operations, though outdoor attractions may remain limited. Guests are advised to check for official updates before visiting.
Has your Disney vacation ever been impacted by a tropical storm?
