If you were at Disneyland Resort this week and your phone buzzed with an emergency notification, you’re not alone — and no, it wasn’t about a dining reservation or a Lightning Lane update!
On the morning of Monday, April 14th, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake was reported in Southern California, prompting statewide alerts that reached as far as the parks. But before you worry — Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney all continued operating as usual, with no reported disruptions to attractions, entertainment, or dining.
Here’s what happened and what you need to know if you’re headed to the parks!
Where Was the Earthquake?
According to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the earthquake struck just after 10:08 a.m. near Julian, California, about 100 miles southeast of Disneyland. It was a fairly deep quake, originating approximately 8 miles below the surface, and associated with the Elsinore fault line.
Guests in parts of San Diego, Los Angeles, and even Anaheim received real-time alerts on their phones.
“Drop, Cover, and Hold On” — Guests Got the Notification
The ShakeAlert system, used by California’s Office of Emergency Services, quickly sent out push notifications urging people to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” These alerts hit the phones of many Disneyland guests, some of whom were mid-snack, mid-ride, or waiting for their favorite characters.
“I was ordering a beignet at Jazz Kitchen when my phone lit up with the alert,” one guest shared. “It was a little scary, but no one around me even felt anything.”
Was Anything Impacted in the Parks?
Despite the warning, guests inside Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney reported no noticeable shaking. There were no ride closures or dining delays, and operations throughout the resort appeared to continue seamlessly.
At Disneyland, attractions like Haunted Mansion and Indiana Jones Adventure stayed online, while over at California Adventure, Radiator Springs Racers and Web Slingers kept moving without issue. Cast Members monitored the situation but did not activate any major safety procedures beyond standard checks.
Disneyland Has a History with Earthquakes
This wasn’t the first earthquake to reach Disneyland, and it likely won’t be the last. The resort has long had protocols in place for seismic activity, including automatic ride safety systems and trained response teams.
In the past, stronger earthquakes have led to temporary closures. Notably:
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The 1994 Northridge earthquake caused significant tremors in Southern California and resulted in ride inspections and brief downtime at the parks.
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In 1987, the Whittier Narrows earthquake caused light damage in nearby areas, and Disney paused operations to ensure guest safety.
Today, structures and rides are built with earthquakes in mind, and teams are trained to react quickly when alerts go out.
No Delays for Foodies!
If you were grabbing a churro, sipping on a cold brew, or lining up at Tiana’s Palace, you may have felt a moment of confusion from the alert — but the good news is that there were no food stand closures or supply chain delays reported at any eateries.
Dining reservations, Mobile Order pickup, and snack carts continued operating normally. No need to skip that Mickey pretzel!
What To Do If You Get an Alert in the Parks
If you receive a ShakeAlert notification during your Disney day, here’s what to do:
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Stay calm — Not all quakes are felt, and the alert may be precautionary.
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Follow the alert — If advised, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
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Listen to Cast Members — They’re trained for these situations and will guide you if any action is needed.
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Check Disneyland’s official app or social media for real-time updates on attractions.
Planning a Visit? No Need to Change Your Plans
While earthquakes are a part of California life, Disneyland Resort is well-prepared and rarely sees operational disruptions from mild or moderate quakes. If you’re visiting this week or in the near future, you can rest assured that the magic is still going strong!
We’ll continue to monitor any impacts and keep you updated on all the Disneyland happenings — snacks, rides, and even seismic surprises.
Want more real-time Disneyland updates? Be sure to follow us for breaking news, foodie finds, and trip tips from the parks!
