Need-To-Know Info For When a Thunderstorm Strikes in Walt Disney World

When you think of traveling to Walt Disney World, you most likely think of blue skies and sunshine, with warm (or very hot) temperatures, and a pinch (or a whole lot of) humidity. And for the most part, these make for perfect conditions to explore and enjoy each Disney Park, water parks and Disney Springs. However, it’s wise to expect a rainy day, and even a few lightning strikes, at some point during your Disney vacation. Whilst the days of the regular mid-afternoon thunderstorm may be gone, it’s not a trip to Lake Buena Vista without experiencing rain, thunder and lightning. In fact, you may be just like us and hope for at least one storm during every trip to the Walt Disney World Resort.

There’s no denying though, that a thunderstorm, or even a hurricane, can throw a spanner in the works, and cause a little mess to your Disney day. On occasion, it even has an effect on the rest of your Disney vacation, as you have to rearrange plans to ride attractions, visit Typhoon Lagoon or spend time at your Resort pool.

Having experienced a fair few Floridian thunderstorms and rain storms, we wanted to share with some need-to-know information that will help you to adjust your plans when caught in one of those infamous thunderstorms.

Attractions

If there is lightning in the area, expect for all outdoor attractions to pause operation. This is to ensure that Guests and Cast Members remain safe during this time. The good news is that indoor attractions will continue to operate when lightning is in the area, however expect an increase in wait times due to the reduction of attractions available to enjoy. If there is no lightning in the area, and it is just raining then generally, outdoor attractions will remain open.

Rain and thunderstorms can cause a change in the Magic Kingdom parade schedule. On occasion, if a parade is canceled, a rainy day cavalcade will make its way down Main Street, U.S.A. when the rain eases, which is always fun to see!

Lightning Lane Selections

For Guests who have a Lightning Lane selection during the period of paused operation, be sure to check your Disney Genie app for up-to-date information about your selection choice. Guests will likely find that their Lightning Lane selection is altered so that it is not specific to an attraction that can be redeemed at any time. If you have purchased an Individual Lightning Lane Selection, the time of redemption may be pushed back to later in the day to ensure that you still get to enjoy that particular attraction.

Walt Disney World Transportation

You may be as surprised as we were to find out that one of the only modes of Disney transport that will continue to operate during a thunderstorm is the Ferry Boat across Seven Seas Lagoon. Otherwise, the only other way in which Guests can get around the Walt Disney World Resort is by using the Disney buses unless they have access to a car or use the Minnie vans, Uber, or Lyft vehicles.

Due to a reduction in transportation options, expect lines to be a little longer than usual for the Disney buses and the Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat. The Disney Monorail, Disney Skyliner, and watercraft, including the Friendship Boats, Sassagoula River Boats, and Magic Kingdom Resort water taxis will continue to operate if it is raining. 

Car Parks

Be sure to have your poncho and umbrella ready when making your way through the car parks when it’s raining, upon arrival to or exit from a Disney theme park. If the Walt Disney World Trams are running, these can reduce the time you spend in direct rain, although you’re still likely to get wet when using them particularly if you’re sat at the end of a row.

During our recent visit to Magic Kingdom, we arrived during a particularly heavy rainstorm. This caused delays in parking due to car parking Cast Members taking shelter from the relentless rain. There were long lines through the car park, with Guests looking for car parking spaces themselves rather than being guided to one. This is something to bear in mind if you have an advance dining reservation to get to in Magic Kingdom.

Typhoon Lagoon and Walt Disney World Resort Pool Areas

Water slides and rides in Typhoon Lagoon and at the Disney Resort hotel pools will pause operation once lightning is within a 10-mile radius. While this may be a little while before the storm arrives, it is to ensure the safety of all Guests and Cast Members. Once lightning moves closer, pool areas and the other water attractions in Typhoon Lagoon will close. Guests will be required to leave the water and may also be asked to exit the pool area.

When Disney Resort pool areas are closed, Guests may find Lifeguards and Recreation Cast Members inside of the main hotel area in the Disney Resorts, providing fun activities for Guests to take part in while the storm passes. These activities often take place in the Resort lobby in Value and Moderate Resorts. In Deluxe Resorts, the activities may be found elsewhere, such as the Solarium in Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Be sure to ask Cast Members for help finding the fun if you want to take part.

Ponchos and Umbrellas

If you’re caught short in the rain, be sure to stop by any merchandise location, whether that be in a Disney Park, Disney Springs, or in a Disney hotel. This is where you can pick up an umbrella and poncho to help keep you dry if you need to venture outside into the rain!

If you already have a poncho, umbrella and rain gear, it’s worth checking the National Weather Service each day of your Disney vacation. This can help you to pack them on those days when heavy rain or severe weather is expected. Take care when visiting during hurricane season, and be sure to keep up-to-date with information from the National Hurricane Center if a hurricane is expected during your visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. 

Fireworks

Lightning in the area can cause Disney fireworks to be delayed. It is a rare occasion for the fireworks to be canceled. In most cases, the nighttime spectaculars will take place, but at a later time during the evening, when the lightning has passed. If fireworks shows are to be delayed, announcements will be made to inform Guests.

While rain and thunderstorms aren’t ideal, be sure to see the fun in them! They can often encourage you to have a new experience. Floridian rain is pretty warm too, making it refreshing to dance in! Have a splashing time!