Fire Season: Visiting Disneyland During Wildfires

Disneyland fire season is sadly an almost year-round situation. Many nearby wildfires can affect your vacation and air quality.

For those struggling with asthma or other health conditions that makes vacationing during wildfire season even more difficult. Smog is of course another constant concern in Southern California. 

Wildfires Near Disneyland

Many news sources keep tabs on current fires impacting the area around Disneyland Resort. In 2024, the first major fires we’re seeing are:

• Airport Fire September 2024 affecting Orange County and Riverside County, Disneyland may experience smoke from this fire, but it is not an immediate threat to Anaheim. 
• Bridge Fire September 2024 in the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, Northeast of Disneyland. Disneyland may experience smoke from this fire, but it is not an immediate threat to Anaheim.
• Line Fire September 2024 in San Bernardino County, east of Disneyland Resort. Disneyland may experience smoke from this fire, but it is not an immediate threat to Anaheim.

When fire season approaches Disneyland, safety is the upmost concern. Rarely do we see flames from these fires actually reach the vicinity of the theme parks. If there is a fire nearby or inside, the Disneyland Fire Department and nearby departments are prepared and ready. As was the case during the most recent, notable fires inside the parks like the Fantasmic prop fire, when the dragon’s pyrotechnics didn’t go off as planned and the fire-breathing dragon took its last breath over Rivers of America.

Disneyland Air Quality

How is Disneyland’s air quality with nearby fires? Unfortunately wildfires are common occurrence in Southern California. Even fires that are not close to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California can pose a risk to healthy air quality.

Even when nearby fires and air quality does not affect park operations, many people are concerned about breathing conditions when vacationing and being outside for extended hours at Disneyland. I like using WeatherBug to track the air quality near Disneyland and Anaheim, California. 

Where is the fire near Disneyland? It’s hard to keep track during fire season, but you can be sure Cal Fire is on it. Be sure to check current fires here.

You’ll see a map like this showing active fires, burn zones, controlled fires and more. Remember smoke can travel a long way, especially with Southern California’s Santa Ana winds. 

Will Disneyland close because of the fire or bad air quality? Not likely. In 2017 the sky was covered in smoke and raining down ash on Disneyland and the parks operated as normal. Disneyland is open every day of the year and operates with minimal down time for safety checks even during area earthquakes.

Even when there was a small structural fire at Disneyland itself, the fire only closed a limited area.

Planning for Disneyland During Fire Season

If you’re flying into LAX or another nearby airport, remember to keep essential medications in your carry-on luggage. If you or your child uses a nebulizer, consider purchasing this portable nebulizer, which can even be used with medication. 

Along with the above suggestions have this check-list handy:

• Essential medications, make sure you have adequate amounts
• Other asthma devices
• Portable Nebulizer
• Health insurance cards
• Travel size air purifier
• Hypoallergenic pillows from home
• Disney print face mask to block irritants, your doctor’s office might have a few extra

Disneyland Fire Season at the Parks

• If you or your child has severe asthma or you’re visiting the Disneyland Resort with very limited time due to Disneyland fires or smog, consider visiting Guest Services to inquire about special assistance.
• First Aid Station and Baby Care Centers are available for a quiet area to rest and/or administer medication.

“Nurses are available during normal park operating hours to offer over-the-counter medications, bandages and other quick remedies so you can continue enjoying your visit. If you’re unable to walk to a First Aid location, please tell the nearest Cast Member and a nurse may be able to assist you in the parks.” -Disney First Aid

I also suggest limiting your time outdoors, if possible. Many attractions are inside, especially at California Adventure Park where you could spend hours inside the Animation Academy building.

Smoke and Smog at Disneyland doesn’t need to drag you down. 

Join on-going discussions about area fires and air conditions at Disneyland with Kids Facebook group. This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult with your physician before traveling or using any recommended products. 

Postponing Your Disneyland Trip

When you can’t risk your health, sometimes you must postpone your Disneyland vacation. 

Thankfully, my partners at Get Away Today can help. If you purchased your package or tickets through them, call 855 GET AWAY (and mention The Happiest Blog on Earth) to see what your options are. It will help take some of the stress out of an unfortunate circumstance. 

Are you traveling to Disneyland during wildfire season and are concerned about fires near Disneyland or air quality? Please share your comments and concerns below so we can all help each other have a successful Disneyland trip!