Guests at Magic Kingdom Park found themselves facing unexpected closures on Monday, May 5, as severe thunderstorms hit Central Florida. Walt Disney World Resort is known for taking safety seriously, and as part of its standard procedure, all outdoor attractions at the park must close when lightning is within a certain distance.
Magic Kingdom Park has the most outdoor attractions of all Walt Disney World parks, so it was hit the hardest by the storm. While other parks, such as EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, also feature outdoor rides, it’s the Magic Kingdom that sees the most immediate impact when inclement weather strikes.
It’s important to note that rain alone doesn’t typically lead to closures. However, when thunderstorms arrive, Disney’s safety measures call for the closure of outdoor attractions to ensure the well-being of cast members and guests.
On the afternoon of May 5, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Central Florida area, which included Walt Disney World Resort. Many of the Magic Kingdom’s outdoor attractions were temporarily shut down as the storms rolled in. According to the My Disney Experience app, the weather impacted nearly half of the Magic Kingdom’s attractions.
Some of the closed attractions included Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the Liberty Square Riverboat, rafts to Tom Sawyer Island, the Swiss Family Treehouse, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, the Jungle Cruise, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and the Barnstormer. However, many indoor attractions, such as the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight, and “it’s a small world,” continued to operate as usual.
Fortunately, the storms passed quickly, and most attractions reopened by the evening, once the weather cleared. A quick glance at the My Disney Experience app shortly before this article’s publication showed that things were back on track.
While this is never ideal for visitors, it’s important to remember that ride closures are part of Disney’s commitment to guest safety. If you find yourself at Walt Disney World Resort when the weather takes a turn, be patient with the cast members who are working hard to ensure everyone is safe. Consider making use of indoor rides, shows, or stopping for a Quick Service meal while you wait for the weather to improve.
Has severe weather impacted your visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
I’ve encountered delays and closures several times when traveling to WDW due to storms. I remember being in Toy Story Land during a July trip when the heavens seemed to fully open and bam! Blowing rain, lightening, and hardly any shelter to be found. Good thing I wore Crocs that day! Also affected flights out of MCO a few times- no fun!