Disneyland has released the results of a 2022 noise study as part of the 17,000-page environmental impact report created for the proposed DisneylandForward expansion plan. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Disneyland’s monorail horn is as loud as a piledriver, its railroad trains as ear-splitting as a jackhammer and the nightly fireworks more deafening than a bulldozer, according to a noise analysis conducted on behalf of the Anaheim theme park.
The decibel readings for attractions, shows and parades at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are buried deep in the 17,000-page Environmental Impact Report released in mid-September by the city of Anaheim for Disney’s expansion initiative known as DisneylandForward.
SEE ALSO: Disneyland theme park expansion envisions 16 rides and an outdoor show
The Disneyland resort noise analysis was conducted by Veneklasen Associates over eight days in April 2022 with a follow-up study in June 2022. The readings taken at dozens of locations throughout Disneyland and DCA near rides, shows and parades were collected to inform planning of any theme park expansion.
Disney would limit noise by building sound-buffering barriers during construction and 12-foot-tall noise barriers along property lines for park operations. Fireworks would be prohibited in the proposed expansion areas.Disneyland’s proposed theme park plans cluster outdoor thrill rides near the center of the expansion area and indoor attractions along the edge of the property. The noise study in the EIR estimates levels could reach 80 decibels near outdoor thrill rides.
Is Disneyland the Loudest Place on Earth? Far from it.
But it would be hard to tell from the noise analysis included in the DisneylandForward EIR that compares popular rides like Grizzly River Run (92 decibels), Incredicoaster (90 decibels) and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (86 decibels) to construction blasting operations (94 decibels), concrete saws (90 decibels) and cement mixer trucks (85 decibels).
The Disneyland Monorail horn (97 decibels) is a little louder than a piledriver (95 decibels), according to the EIR report. The Disneyland Railroad train (91 decibels) makes the same amount of racket as a jackhammer (90 decibels). The “Mickey’s Mix Magic” fireworks show (92 decibels) is noisier than a bulldozer (85 decibels).
Autopia’s gas-powered cars made the expansive Tomorrowland track the loudest area of Disneyland, according to a noise map included in the EIR.
The Incredicoaster launch area was another noise hot spot along with the entire length of the outdoor steel coaster that’s covered in certain areas by scream tubes.
Here are the 20 loudest rides and attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure as measured in decibels, according to the EIR noise analysis.
Rides & attractions
- Monorail Horn Near Matterhorn 97
- Grizzly River Run Drop Point 92
- Disneyland Railroad Train Horn 91
- Incredicoaster Takeoff Area 90
- Toy Story Midway Mania Cart Noise 87
- Soarin’ Over California Queue 87
- Disney Jr. Dance Party Queue 87
- Splash Mountain Riders 86
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (west) 86
- Golden Zephyr Ride Operating 86
- Mark Twain Steamboat 85
- Astro Orbiter 84
- Radiator Springs Racers Track Car Pass-by 83
- King Arthur Carousel Announcement 83
- Matterhorn (west) 82
- Alice in Wonderland Ride 82
- Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters Ride 82
- Jessie’s Critter Carousel Exit 82
- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree 81
- It’s a Small World Clock Tower 81
The April 2022 noise analysis was conducted during the annual springtime Disney Food & Wine Festival at DCA. Several outdoor concerts held during the festival ranked among the biggest noisemakers at the Disneyland resort.Outdoor shows in Avengers Campus made the Marvel themed land one of the loudest places in DCA, according to a noise map included in the EIR.
SEE ALSO: Disney teases Frozen, Black Panther and Coco experiences for Disneyland
Some of Disneyland’s longest standing traditions were also among the loudest: Flag Retreat Ceremony in Town Square (88 decibels), Main Street Electrical Parade (87 decibels) and the Dapper Dans vocal quartet (86 decibels).Here are the 20 noisiest shows and parades at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure as measured in decibels, according to the EIR noise analysis.
Shows & parades
- Food & Wine Fest Stage: Tina Aldana Band 95
- Mickey’s Mix Magic Fireworks 92
- Paradise Gardens Bandstand: Reggae Show 92
- Guardians of the Galaxy Dance Off 91
- Buena Vista Street Band 88
- Avengers Assemble Show 88
- Flag Retreat 88
- Electrical Parade Show 87
- Frozen Friends Cavalcade 86
- Dr. Strange: Mysteries of the Mystic Arts Show 86
- Jammin’ Chefs Show 86
- Character Parade 86
- Pixar Pals Dance Party 86
- Spiderman Show 86
- Fire Station: Dapper Dans 86
- Warriors of Wakanda Show 85
- Avengers Assemble Show 85
- Pearly Band 85
- Operation: Playtime Show 83
- Main Street Strawhatters 79
- The Bootstrappers 76