As news of a massive disaster in California grows, a big question arises: Is Disneyland going to close?
Disney likes to think they can control almost anything with a vacation experience. However, Mother Nature is often beyond the power of even Disney to handle it properly.
That includes theme parks, as it’s been an almost annual event for Walt Disney World to have to close down when a hurricane threatens the state. California is usually okay as Disneyland remains open even with things like a minor earthquake.
Right now, however, Southern California is being affected by one of the worst wildfires to hit the state in years. Beginning on January 7, the Eaton Fire (so-called as it began in Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains) has been fueled by windstorms and a rough drought that affected the state in 2024. It’s combined with fires from Hurst and Pacific Palisades to create a massive firestorm across the region.
As of the afternoon of January 8, the blaze has expanded to nearly 11,000 acres with no signs of containment. Over 100,000 homes and buildings have been placed under evacuation orders, with a reported 100 structures burned down already, from regular housing to the mansions of some Hollywood stars, such as Anna Faris, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, and others.
This is naturally leading to mass closures across the area for schools, businesses, shopping malls, and more. That includes theme parks, and so far, the list is that Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and the Warner Bros Hollywood Studio Tour have all closed. Magic Mountain is just north of the Hurst fire, which has already burned 500 acres.
Naturally, a big question is on Disneyland. As of the afternoon of January 8, Disneyland is still open, and no word on if a closure is coming. Anaheim is at least 43 miles away from the Eaton Fire and 47 from the Pacific Palisades Fire.
The fires aren’t expected to spread to Anaheim, and the air quality is going to be better than that in Los Angeles and the rest of the region. So Disney still feels it’s safe enough for guests and not closing down yet.
There are obvious problems in that the evacuation has made traffic in Southern California a nightmare, and airports are canceling scores of flights. That will affect any vacation plans for the region as firefighters work overtime to try and contain the blaze.
Hopefully, the fires can be contained although the economic damage of the devastation will be felt for a long time. It’s best to keep an eye on the news as Disneyland is so far a rare safe haven amid the fires across California.
We will continue to update as more information becomes available.