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Facing the Uncontrollable:
The Theme Park Industry’s Response to Climate Challenges

As I have stated many times, the theme park industry in the United States has long been a cornerstone of entertainment, attracting millions of visitors annually from around the globe. However, as severe weather events, including wildfires in California, hurricanes on the East Coast, and snow in the Midwest become increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change, the industry faces significant challenges that could reshape its future in 2025 and beyond.

The annual wildfire season in California has grown longer and more destructive, threatening several prominent theme parks located in the region. As we have seen, Universal Studios Hollywood has had to close several days because of the fires. Disneyland has been fortunate to be out of harm’s way, but both parks are at risk of continuing operational disruptions from poor air quality, the evacuation mandates, and damage to surrounding infrastructure. In recent years, we have seen that wildfires caused air pollution severe enough to deter visitors from attending parks, leading to impacts on attendance and revenue during the curing periods.

Moreover, the cost of maintaining operations amidst these risks is rising. Parks may find it necessary to invest in advanced air filtration systems, fireproofing measures, and upgraded emergency preparedness plans to ensure the safety of guests and staff. These expenditures, while necessary, could strain budgets, especially for smaller operators. I have been told by several independent park operators that many of the 2020 Covid-applied costs are still on overhang, causing economic distress.

As we have seen, theme parks in the southeastern United States, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Legoland are increasingly vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding. Storms like Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Helene in 2024 demonstrated how a single major weather event could shut down operations for days, causing extensive property damage, and delaying seasonal attractions or expansions. Unfortunately, the unpredictability of hurricane paths adds another layer of complexity for which parks must prepare. These include programs for worst-case scenarios, including preemptive closures and post-storm rebuilding. Such disruptions not only impact parks, hotels, and other support entities, but also erode customer trust when visitors perceive a lack of preparedness or communication early in and during the emergencies.

Severe weather is not limited to California and the East Coast. Tornadoes in the Midwest, heatwaves across the Southwest, and winter storms in the Midwest and Northeast also pose threats to theme parks nationally. Extended periods of extreme heat make outdoor attractions uncomfortable or even dangerous for guests, discouraging visits during peak season. Similarly, unpredictable snowstorms in colder regions can affect park operations in the fringe portions of their seasons, disturbing special event programs. Season pass holders are the regional parks’ single largest attendance by ticket type segment. If there are long term heat or rain periods, these pass holders are the least affected and can come and go at their leisure. Because the season pass allows them to come and go as they want, extreme weather does not affect their visitation pattern as much as travelers passing through who might be deterred to visit during a spate of ugly weather.

As extreme weather events grow more common, the cost of insuring theme park properties has been rising. Higher premiums and stricter policies are becoming the norm, forcing operators to allocate more resources to insurance rather than guest experiences or park upgrades. Smaller, regional parks are finding these financial pressures untenable, which could lead to potential closures or further consolidations within the industry.

So, what do we do? Despite these challenges, theme parks are taking steps to adapt, with many embracing sustainability initiatives to combat the root causes of climate change. Solar panels, energy-efficient buildings, and water conservation measures are becoming more common as parks aim to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to long-term climate resilience. Is it enough to help? It’s a start, and a movement our industry has embraced.

Now and in the future, technological advancements will also play a crucial role in mitigating weather-related risks. For instance, real-time weather monitoring systems are already helping parks anticipate and respond to severe conditions more effectively. Enhanced virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences are offering indoor alternatives, which parks are adding to traditional popular outdoor attractions, ensuring that guest commitment remains high even during extreme weather. This is not at the level we need to offset extreme weather challenges, but it is growing among parks, heightened by improved design efforts.

The current impact of California wildfires and severe weather being experienced across the U.S. highlights a pivotal moment for our industry. That is, the urgent need for the theme park industry to adapt to a changing global climate. While the challenges are formidable, they also present opportunities for innovation and growth. By investing in sustainability, embracing technology, and fostering supportable partnerships, parks can navigate the risks and continue to provide great experiences for generations to come.

However, the success of these efforts will depend on proactive planning and a commitment to toughness in the face of an unpredictable future. No question about it…..the race is on, and a long way from being over.

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