So you finally made it to Animal Kingdom, ready to take on the day, and suddenly, you see the dreaded sign… “Temporarily Closed Due to Weather.” And guess what? It’s two of the park’s most popular attractions.
Two Major Disappointments
Florida summers are no joke. One minute, there are blue skies, and the next, there’s a storm with thunder, lightning, and sideways rain. While the rain might pass quickly, the disruption it causes—especially for outdoor rides—can seriously mess with your park strategy.
Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids are the two rides most impacted by the weather. Everest’s exposed tracks make it especially vulnerable. Safety protocols kick in fast, and just like that, it’s down.
Kali River Rapids is in a weird spot—it’s a water ride, so it feels like it should be fine in wet weather. But it’s not just about water; it’s about ride systems, water levels, and, most importantly, lightning. Disney doesn’t take chances when storms roll in.
Unless you make it to the park before the unpredictable Florida weather hits, you may miss out on these attractions.
There’s Still Plenty to Do – Just Be Warned
It’s a tough pill to swallow if you had your heart set on Everest’s high-speed thrills or a wild raft ride through the jungle. You’re not alone. Many guests make these rides the centerpiece of their visit. But you can still have a magical day if you plan accordingly.
Don’t let a little rain put a damper on your Animal Kingdom experience! Disney has plenty of other indoor attractions and even a few outdoor experiences that remain open in light rain.
It’s true that once these two rides close, the crowds start shifting—fast. Wait times at Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey can spike. Even indoor shows like Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo get swarmed. Of course, crowds will also make a bee-line for the gift shops and eating areas to find shelter.
Some guests will start hitting the road in poor weather, though. If you stick out the temporary fluctuations in wait times, you may be able to circle back to these rides when the rain lets up.
What You Can Still Count On
The silver lining? Animal Kingdom doesn’t shut down when the rain hits. Some of the park’s best experiences stay open and are even better when the crowds thin out.
Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey are both indoors and unaffected by storms.
DINOSAUR, while maybe not as flashy, offers a thrilling escape from the weather and won’t be around forever—it’s making way for an Indiana Jones makeover soon.
And don’t overlook the shows. Festival of the Lion King is one of the best stage shows in Disney World, and it’s the perfect way to wait out a storm. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! is a fun, musical retelling that’s just as impressive.
Even some outdoor experiences will continue operating rain or shine. Be sure to check out the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Plan Smart or Prepare to Pivot
The real trick to Animal Kingdom during stormy season? Flexibility. Go in with a rough plan, but don’t get too attached. Hit Everest and Kali early, and keep backup options in mind. If they’re open when the weather clears up later, that’s a bonus. If not, you’ve already had a solid day.
You can’t predict everything at Disney—but knowing which rides are most likely to shut down can save you a lot of stress.
