The Wild Reason You Don't Feel Earthquakes at Disneyland

We’ve experienced some weird phenomena at Disneyland, and we know we’re not the only ones.

California is home to sandy beaches, sunny skies, some really great eats, and, of course, “The Happiest Place on Earth”! However, like all states, California is susceptible to natural disasters — like earthquakes. Our Disneyland reporters — myself included — have grown up with California earthquakes and have a wide array of experiences, but we also often have a shared one — we’ve been at Disneyland during an earthquake and had no idea it was happening.

Right off the bat, I want to dispel fears out-of-towners might have when it comes to earthquakes in California. They’re not exactly a common occurrence, but they do happen and are something you should always be prepared for. For the most part, you might feel a gradual roll or a sudden jolt, but it’s over in a matter of seconds, and everything is still in its place. Other times, it can shake you up a bit.

I can’t tell you what to expect when it comes to what an earthquake will feel like, because it all depends on the initial earthquake’s power and the ensuing aftershocks. What I can tell you is that a majority of California is beyond prepared for them — even Disneyland.

Disneyland is located in Anaheim, which does get earthquakes, but is rarely a true epicenter for them. Since a quake can be further out, the biggest shake you’ll likely feel is a small tremble, something that would absolutely not register with you if you’re on a ride. Being in motion sort of negates the whole shock of being moved from a stationary position — it’s the same reason you won’t feel a small earthquake while driving a car.

Another major reason you might not feel an earthquake is that California and Disney plan for them CONSTANTLY. The infrastructure of Disneyland was and is created to withstand earthquakes, and each building meets strict earthquake codes. Not only that, but Disneyland conducts routine building checks to make sure safety measures are always in place and operational.

You might not realize it, but everything is created with seismic-reduction features, which ultimately reduce the intensity you would feel if an earthquake struck.

Despite its reputation, California’s issue with earthquakes is a bit overblown. Yes, the frequency of earthquakes has gone up over the past few years, and, yes, there’s always the risk of a dangerous quake occurring. With that said, the vast majority of earthquakes are small and happen in a flash — and it can even be a 50/50 shot if you feel it all, even when walking around Disneyland.

Chewbacca Wandering Around Galaxy’s Edge

Should a serious earthquake occur that presents danger or operational disruptions, Disneyland takes extra special precautions. In addition to adhering to building codes, Disney will close rides for safety checks, will always have an emergency response team on standby, and will always practice evacuation preparedness.

Does that mean you’ll never feel an earthquake at Disneyland? Unfortunately, no. There are still very public accounts of rumblings being felt on the property, and if a quake is big enough, there’s not much the Mouse can do to fight Mother Nature — especially if the resort is reacting in real-time.

We’ve experienced all kinds of wild events at Disneyland over the years, and you can trust us to keep you posted on all the latest stories and coverage.

Have you experienced an earthquake at Disneyland or in California in general? Share your experience in the comments below and continue to follow us here at AllEars for the latest Disneyland updates and tips!