Cue the thunder—summer weather has officially ARRIVED in Orlando, and it’s already bringing chaos to Disney World’s skies.
Earlier this week, guests riding the Disney Skyliner were left dangling mid-air when a massive storm rolled through Central Florida, unleashing bolts of lightning terrifyingly close to the popular gondola system. According to shaken riders and viral reports circulating in online forums, including Orlando Tips for Brits, people were stuck in cabins while thunder boomed and flashes of lightning lit up the sky just feet from the cable line.
Let’s just say, it was not the magical evening they were hoping for.
Lightning and the Skyliner Don’t Mix—Here’s Why
If you’ve ever taken a ride on Disney’s high-flying Skyliner, you know it’s generally smooth sailing. But when Florida’s summer weather hits? It becomes a whole different story. The Skyliner automatically suspends service when lightning is detected nearby—but sometimes that pause hits while guests are already mid-ride, and there’s no easy way to evacuate.
The result? You’re stuck inside a swaying gondola hundreds of feet above the ground, staring out at a sky lit up by lightning forks, wondering if that splash you just felt was sweat or pure fear.
And no—this isn’t the first time it’s happened.
Facebook Group Blows Up After Incident
One user in the UK-based Facebook group Orlando Tips for Brits detailed the white-knuckle experience, claiming lightning was clearly visible along the cable line while they were trapped inside. Other users chimed in with similar horror stories, calling the sudden weather shift “terrifying” and “the worst ride of the trip.”
While Disney has not officially commented on the specific incident, the system did resume after the storm passed. No injuries were reported, but the social media buzz suggests this storm left a lasting impression.
Disney Clips Guy shared the photo of the skyliner stuck in the air during the major storm, taken from a guest in the actual skyliner itself.
Yesterday?
Yikes! This can’t be real!! pic.twitter.com/Zh6mWatoYr
— Disney Clips Guy (@disneytipsguy) May 26, 2025
Summer Storm Season Is HERE
If you’re planning a Disney trip in the coming weeks, consider this your warning: Florida’s infamous afternoon storm cycle is back in full swing. Lightning. Torrential rain. Thunder so loud it shakes Cinderella Castle. It’s all part of the deal from late May through early September.
This week’s chaos might be the first big one of the season—but it won’t be the last.
What You NEED to Know Before You Ride the Skyliner This Summer
- Storms hit fast. A clear blue sky at noon can be a full-on thunderstorm by 3 p.m.
- Skyliner shuts down FAST. It doesn’t wait for things to get dangerous. Once lightning is near, it’s suspended.
- You might get stuck. If you’re mid-ride when the shutdown hits, prepare to stay put until it’s safe to unload.
- Disney has emergency kits inside cabins. There’s water and a venting system, but no one wants to use them.
Should You Still Ride It?
That’s up to you. The Skyliner is efficient, scenic, and usually a fan-favorite—but summer weather adds a wild card. If you’re even slightly storm-phobic, maybe stick to the buses between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Because when you’re trapped mid-air and lightning’s putting on a show around you, no Mickey-shaped snack is going to calm your nerves.
Bottom line: Welcome to Florida in summer. The magic’s real—but so is the weather drama.
