
If you were planning to make your way to Walt Disney World Resort this January, your trip may have faced an unexpected setback due to severe weather. On January 19, 2025, thunderstorms rolled through the Orlando area, triggering significant disruptions at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and causing ride closures across Walt Disney World Resort, impacting guests traveling to the theme parks and beyond.
Orlando International Airport, the main hub for visitors arriving in the region, is the first taste of the Disney magic for many. From the moment they land, guests are greeted by vibrant Disney-themed stores and signs that lead them toward their vacation destination.
Although the Magical Express service has been discontinued, the transition to new transportation options such as ride-sharing, taxis, and Mears Connect has been relatively smooth for most guests. Still, these travel services were not immune to the storm’s effects, with delays and cancellations severely impacting the flow of guests into the area.
On the afternoon of January 19, MCO issued a weather warning advising travelers to expect significant disruptions due to thunderstorms moving across the region. According to the official airport message shared on social media, “Weather Alert ⛈️ Due to weather conditions, airline operations may be impacted – flight/baggage delivery delays may occur. Please check with your airline directly for any updates regarding their operations. For airport status, visit: http://nasstatus.faa.gov. Thank you.”
Weather Alert ⛈️ Due to weather conditions, airline operations may be impacted – flight/baggage delivery delays may occur. Please check with your airline directly for any updates regarding their operations. For airport status, visit: https://t.co/vm0yMYHS23. Thank you. https://t.co/9MGySAgTiD
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) January 19, 2025
By the time this article was published, FlightAware reported that 144 flights had been delayed, while 37 flights were canceled, leaving many visitors stranded at the airport. This unexpected weather system had immediate consequences for Disney World visitors planning to catch a flight into Orlando.
What was supposed to be a smooth arrival turned into a waiting game at the airport, with some travelers losing precious time they had set aside for fun at the parks. Many guests, who had been excited to head straight to Magic Kingdom, were left rethinking their itineraries as they faced uncertain departure times.
As if the airport troubles weren’t enough, the weather also caused closures across several of Walt Disney World’s most popular attractions. Rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Slinky Dog Dash, Expedition Everest, Jungle Cruise, and Tomorrowland Speedway were temporarily shut down for safety reasons, as the stormy weather made it unsafe to operate outdoor rides.
This unexpected closure of attractions further complicated the situation for visitors hoping to make the most of their day at the parks.
While these ride closures weren’t necessarily permanent, they added an element of uncertainty for Disney guests. With many rides not operating, guests had to quickly adjust their plans, often opting for indoor attractions or experiences, like character meet-and-greets and exploring shopping areas. However, with some rides not resuming until the storm had passed, visitors were left scrambling to find alternatives.
This weather disruption highlights the unpredictable nature of Florida’s stormy season, especially during the winter months. Although afternoon thunderstorms are common in the region, this particular storm was far more severe than usual, lasting several hours and causing substantial delays. Such weather-related disruptions are a reminder of the challenges travelers face when visiting a destination like Orlando, where weather can change in an instant.
When booking a Disney vacation, it’s important to prepare for the unexpected, particularly when visiting Orlando during its storm season. While Florida’s weather is generally warm and sunny, the region is prone to heavy rainfall, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. These storms can cause delays in both air travel and park operations, which can ultimately affect a guest’s entire vacation experience.
For those traveling to Disney, staying informed about the weather is crucial. It’s important to keep an eye on updates from Orlando International Airport as well as park alerts for any changes to ride availability. By staying flexible and adjusting plans on the fly, guests can still enjoy their Disney experience, even when weather challenges arise.
The current storm has shown just how much rain can impact both the travel experience and park enjoyment. For many guests, rain is just a minor inconvenience, but for those with limited time at the parks or tight flight schedules, it can mean significant delays and canceled plans. As always, it’s essential to have a flexible mindset when embarking on a Disney adventure, especially during Florida’s more unpredictable weather months.
Still, despite the disruptions, the magic of Disney remains. Guests who were temporarily grounded at the airport or stalled in ride lines could still experience the magic in other ways. Attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World, which are unaffected by rain, continue to offer entertainment during stormy weather. Additionally, many guests found joy in the smaller, more intimate experiences available at the parks, such as character interactions and indoor exhibits.
It’s clear that when it comes to travel and Disney vacations, a little bit of rain isn’t enough to stop the magic from flowing. While the weather today has thrown a wrench into many guests’ plans, the ability to stay flexible and roll with the punches has helped ensure that the vacation still goes on, even with a few rainclouds in the sky.
For future travelers heading to Walt Disney World, it’s worth considering the possibility of a weather-related hiccup. With a bit of foresight, strategic planning, and a willingness to go with the flow, any storm can be weathered—both in the airport and the parks. After all, in the world of Disney, the show must go on, rain or shine.