Fire Forces Major Theme Park Closures—Is Disneyland Safe?
Wildfires have prompted major theme park closures in Southern California. Is Disneyland next, or will it stay safe?
As Southern California battles the Lidia and Sunset Fires, several major theme parks in the region have been forced to adjust their operations due to escalating fire risks and dangerous weather conditions. Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk are among the most affected, with both locations closing for the day on Thursday.
The Lidia Fire, burning near the Angeles National Forest, is currently 40% contained, but the Sunset Fire, which has been a growing concern near West Hollywood, remains completely uncontained. As of Thursday morning, these fires have already scorched more than 400 additional acres, heightening the threat to Los Angeles County and nearby areas.
Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk Closed
In response to these dangerous conditions, Universal Studios Hollywood announced the closure of the theme park and adjacent Universal CityWalk. The closures, which began on Wednesday, are due to the extreme winds and ongoing fire activity in the area, which prompted safety concerns for guests and employees. While Universal had initially planned to open on Thursday, the continuing uncertainty about the fire situation led to the extended closure.
In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), the theme park stated: “The safety of our team members and guests is our highest priority. We will continue to assess the situation and keep our visitors updated.” This action underscores the growing safety risks in the area as fire crews battle blazes nearby.
Disneyland and Other Parks Unaffected – For Now
In contrast, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, located approximately 50 miles south of the active fire zones, remains open. The resort has not announced any closures or disruptions to operations at either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park. However, park officials have advised visitors to stay informed and check the Disneyland app for any operational updates, as weather conditions and fire activity could lead to changes in the coming hours.
Despite the fires affecting nearby areas, Disneyland’s management is monitoring the situation and has emphasized that no immediate closures are anticipated. Still, guests are urged to prepare for potential operational adjustments, such as ride delays or cancellations, should conditions worsen.
Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm Update
Six Flags Magic Mountain, located in Valencia, has also been impacted by the fires. On Wednesday, the park announced it would close for the day due to high winds, which presented a serious safety threat to both guests and staff. In a statement via X, the park confirmed that all tickets for the day would be honored for any future visit through December 31, 2025. The closure came as the park found itself in close proximity to the Santa Clarita Valley, an area heavily affected by the wildfires.
Meanwhile, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park has not reported any closures. As of Thursday morning, the park remains open, and no adjustments have been announced despite the surrounding fire activity.
A Region on Alert
As firefighters continue to battle the blazes across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the situation remains fluid. Local officials are urging residents to be on alert and prepared for the possibility of further evacuations. Evacuation warnings have been issued in some areas, and visitors to theme parks should stay informed via official channels for the latest updates on park hours and any changes in operations.
The closures, coupled with unpredictable fire conditions, reflect the growing concern in the region. As the fires progress, both locals and tourists are being urged to prioritize safety, and many theme parks are proactively adjusting operations to mitigate risks to public safety.
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