Credit: Inside The MagicViolent waves and chaos have arrived on the shores of California and Hawaii after a record-breaking earthquake struck near Russia on July 29, 2025. Airports are closed, and Disney guests are unable to go home. Here’s the latest on this breaking news.
Disney Guests Left Stranded, Scrambling for Cover as Tsunami Strikes Hawaii, California Coastlines
A deafening roar. Violent shaking. And a terrifying ripple spreading across the Pacific.
Before dawn on Tuesday, an 8.8-magnitude undersea earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, unleashing powerful tsunami warnings for regions thousands of miles away. It wasn’t long before two beloved Disney resorts — Tokyo Disney Resort and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii — found themselves directly in the path of possible disaster.
For thousands of Disney travelers currently on vacation or preparing to travel, this event may change everything. But what’s actually happening? Are evacuations underway? And how serious is the threat? This article will break it all down for you — including what to do if you’re planning a Disney trip to these areas.
Tsunami Alert: What’s Happening at Disney Parks in Japan and Hawaii
At approximately 4:30 a.m. JST, Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for nearly the entire eastern coastline of the country. Chiba Prefecture — home to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea — sits squarely within that zone. Forecasted wave heights of up to 10 feet (3 meters) are expected to reach Kujukuri by 10:30 a.m. local time.
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
While no official closures have been announced by Tokyo Disney Resort at this hour, nearby coastal evacuations are already underway, and emergency teams are bracing for impact.
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
In Hawaii, Disney’s Aulani Resort — nestled on the beachfront of Oahu’s Ko Olina coast — is under tsunami watch as waves are projected to arrive by 7:17 p.m. HST. Guests have not been evacuated yet, but local authorities are encouraging everyone to remain alert, avoid the beach, and stay tuned for updates.
“Even deep-ocean quakes can trigger destructive tsunamis if the epicenter is shallow — and that appears to be exactly what we’re seeing.”
— Shinichi Sakai, Seismologist on NHK
How to Stay Safe if You’re at a Disney Resort in the Affected Zones
If you’re currently staying at one of these Disney resorts — or have plans to visit soon — here’s what you should do:
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Listen to all official alerts. Local governments are your best source of real-time safety instructions, including evacuation orders.
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Check with Guest Services. Disney typically coordinates with emergency services and will advise guests on where to go, what areas to avoid, and whether attractions or amenities are closing.
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Avoid all coastal areas. Even if the sea looks calm, tsunami waves can strike suddenly and violently.
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Have an emergency kit ready. Include water, snacks, phone chargers, IDs, and any essential meds in case of shelter-in-place orders or sudden evacuation.
Insider Tips: What Frequent Visitors Know That Can Help
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Use the resort mobile apps. Both Tokyo Disney and Aulani’s apps offer live updates, maps, and emergency resources — invaluable in a developing situation.
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Head to higher ground within the resort. While Disney properties are often built with safety in mind, staying above ground floor in the event of flooding may add an extra layer of security.
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Locate emergency exits now. If an evacuation becomes necessary, you won’t want to waste precious seconds looking for signage.
Why This Matters: A Wake-Up Call for Disney Travelers Everywhere
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, this event highlights the broader vulnerability of coastal destinations — even those as magical and well-managed as Disney resorts. Tokyo Disneyland is one of the world’s most visited theme parks, and Aulani is a luxury paradise designed for relaxation. Yet nature’s fury doesn’t discriminate.
Social media is already buzzing with concerned guests, with some canceling trips and others posting footage of resort staff calmly ushering guests to safety. Airports across Japan, Hawaii, and parts of the U.S. West Coast have delayed or grounded flights. The National Tsunami Warning Center has issued advisories stretching from California to Alaska.
For fans, this is more than just a headline — it’s a sobering reminder that even a dream vacation can be interrupted by real-world dangers.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Safe as Disney Deals With This Tsunami
At the time of publication, no confirmed damage or injuries have been reported at Disney properties. But with wave arrival times quickly approaching, guests should expect possible closures, limited resort operations, and last-minute travel disruptions.
Whether you’re already at a Disney resort or planning to visit soon, put safety first. Stay off the beach, check your flight status, and follow local authorities’ advice to the letter.