An unexpected shake-up hit the heart of Southern California’s beloved Disneyland and Disney California Adventure as a 3.5-magnitude earthquake struck the nearby city of Fullerton in Orange County. The seismic event, occurring merely 2 miles from the iconic theme parks, sent shockwaves through the night, resulting in the temporary closure of 35 rides and leaving eager visitors in disarray.
A small earthquake happened near Disneyland. Around 2,800 people felt it, but it didn’t cause any damage or injuries in the theme parks. However, some famous rides had to close briefly, which affected visitors’ fun times at the park.
Shortly after 8 p.m. on a Monday night, the quake made its presence known, prompting safety measures that affected the functioning of numerous sought-after rides, including Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Even the festive renditions of attractions like It’s a Small World and the Adventureland Treehouse were abruptly shut down due to safety protocols.
The abrupt closure of these attractions, deemed necessary as a precautionary measure, left guests stranded in lines or midway through their magical journeys. “3.5 Earthquake hit when we were in line at Winnie The Pooh, and everything is down now,” shared Napa photographer Elise Delamare on their Instagram story, encapsulating the unexpected turn of events experienced by many guests.
Park employees swiftly sprang into action, evacuating guests from the rides as part of established safety protocols. Despite the inconvenience caused, ensuring visitors’ well-being remained the priority amidst the seismic disruption.
By 9 p.m. on that fateful night, most attractions had ceased operations, leaving only a handful functional. At Disneyland, only the Jungle Cruise and the Mad Tea Party remained open, offering limited respite to guests. Similarly, Disney California Adventure saw a few attractions, including Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl, and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, still operating.
The aftermath of the earthquake lingered into the following day, affecting the park’s functionality, with several popular rides like the Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania, and Cars Land’s Radiator Springs Racers among those temporarily closed. However, by Tuesday afternoon, most rides had resumed operation, bringing relief to visitors hoping to continue their magical journey.
Nonetheless, while most attractions were back in action, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and the Jungle Cruise remained temporarily closed due to the aftermath of the seismic activity, causing a ripple effect that continued to impact the park’s functioning.
The earthquake at Disneyland didn’t cause big damage, but it reminded us how nature can surprise us. Even though it was disruptive, it showed that Disneyland greatly cares about keeping visitors safe. They have strict rules to ensure everyone stays safe while enjoying the park’s magic.
As the theme parks navigate the aftermath of the earthquake, the allure and enchantment of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure continue to beckon visitors, undeterred by the fleeting tremor’s effects.
Though a momentary disruption, the seismic event brought into focus the resilience of these iconic parks in the face of unforeseen challenges, reminding visitors of the delicate balance between magic and the unpredictable forces of nature.
In summary, the 3.5-magnitude earthquake near Disneyland and Disney California Adventure led to the temporary closure of 35 rides, causing inconveniences for visitors but ultimately highlighting the parks’ commitment to safety amidst unexpected natural events.
