Summer weather in Central Florida is unpredictable, and yesterday proved exactly why.
Strong thunderstorms swept across the Orlando area, bringing lightning that forced Universal Orlando to temporarily close many of its outdoor attractions. It's something guests experience every year, but this storm has drawn extra attention because one of the resort's biggest rides still hasn't reopened.
Whenever lightning is detected nearby, Universal suspends operations on outdoor attractions as a safety precaution. Rain alone usually isn't the issue. It's the lightning that determines whether rides can continue operating.
Once the storm passes, the reopening process begins.
Operations teams inspect attractions, complete required safety checks, and cycle rides before guests are allowed back on board. Depending on the attraction and the severity of the weather, that process can happen fairly quickly or take considerably longer.
Yesterday, most outdoor attractions eventually returned to service.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster has not.
The coaster remained closed today following yesterday's storms, leading to widespread online rumors that it may have been struck by lightning. Universal Orlando has not confirmed those reports, and the resort has not released a reason for the attraction's continued downtime.
If lightning was involved, that doesn't automatically mean major repairs are needed.
Florida theme parks are built with this type of weather in mind. Steel structures are equipped with systems designed to safely redirect electrical energy into the ground, helping protect both attractions and guests.
It's also common for rides to undergo additional inspections after severe weather before reopening.
That cautious approach is standard across the industry.
Walt Disney World has experienced similar situations over the years. Cinderella Castle has been struck by lightning multiple times, creating dramatic photographs that often circulate online after major storms. Space Mountain has also reportedly experienced lightning strikes during Florida's storm season.
Those attractions continue operating because they are engineered to withstand these types of events.
Yesterday's weather wasn't limited to Universal Orlando. Walt Disney World also experienced widespread weather-related ride closures as lightning moved across Central Florida, temporarily shutting down numerous outdoor attractions until conditions improved.
For guests planning vacations this summer, yesterday serves as another reminder that flexibility is essential.
Afternoon storms are incredibly common, especially during July and August. While lightning can temporarily change your plans, most attractions reopen once weather conditions improve and safety inspections are completed.
VelociCoaster is currently the lone exception.
Until Universal Orlando provides an update, guests will continue watching for signs that the award-winning coaster is ready to reopen. Whether yesterday's storm played a direct role or the closure is simply the result of additional inspections, one thing remains certain: Florida weather has the power to dramatically change a day at the parks, even if only for a few hours.
