Credit: Shanghai DisneyWhen Walt Disney decided to build a theme park in Southern California, he did so knowing the area was prone to earthquakes. Then, when his company decided to build Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida, he knew the area could experience hurricanes.
When it comes to Disney’s Asia theme parks — Tokyo Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney — the late summer and early fall is when typhoons are most likely to hit. Every theme park has its own weather-related issues.
Disneyland Paris is the only Disney Resort without regular severe weather issues, although it can get its fair share of rain, and even snow on the rare occasion!
Related: Disney Braces for “Explosive” Hurricane Season, Identifies Hazardous Dates to Avoid
Over the weekend, Shanghai experienced a massive typhoon — Typhoon Bebinca — that brought flooding and power outages to the area. Officials stated that it was the worst typhoon Shanghai had seen since 1949. According to NPR, more than 400,000 residents were evacuated ahead of the storm, which brought 94 mph winds and torrential rains.
The storm caused nearly every business in Shanghai to shut its doors, including the Shanghai Disney Resort. Shanghai Disney closed early on September 15 and remained closed on September 16.
Now that the worst of the storm is behind them, Shanghai Disney announced that it would reopen on September 17. However, certain attractions and experiences will remain closed and open as soon as it is safe to do so.
With Typhoon Bebinca decreasing in strength in Shanghai, and after having reviewed the most recent weather forecast, Shanghai Disney Resort will start to resume operations as planned on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, with adjusted operating hours.
On September 17, Shanghai Disneyland will operate from 12:00 to 21:30, and Disneytown from 12:00 to 22:00.
Please understand that select attractions and entertainment across the resort, including Shanghai Disneyland, may not be available or may be modified, and will resume normal operations at a later date. Guests are encouraged to check the resort’s official app or website for latest operational information, including the most up-to-date schedules for attractions and shows.
Related: Disney Parks Remain Guarded as U.S. Storm Center Issues ‘Threefold Disturbance’ Warning
It is important to note that Wishing Star Park — an actual park at Shanghai Disney with a lake, playground, and amphitheater — will not be open at this time. Its reopening timeline will be shared by Shanghai Disney at a later date.
Guests who had purchased tickets to Shanghai Disney, but could not travel because of the weather, should contact Guest Services about refunds or getting a new ticket to visit at a later date.
Guests who have purchased things like Disney Premier Access and made reservations at Imagination Terrace and the Royal Banquet Hall, will receive an automatic refund. Disney park guests who booked a reserved area for ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration will also receive an automatic refund.
Those who entered the Disney park on September 15 with their Shanghai Disneyland Annual Passes will receive a one-day extension on the validity of their Annual Pass.
Just because Typhoon Bebinca has lessened in intensity does not mean that Disney park guests should not stay vigilant. Shanghai and its surrounding areas are still expected to receive a significant amount of rain between Monday and Wednesday, around 12 inches.
If you are planning to visit Shanghai Disney, make sure to check the website and the mobile app to get the most up-to-date operating information, as well as pre-arrival information.