It can rain frequently in Central Florida. And when that happens, some rides around the Disney Parks might close temporarily for safety reasons. But does Disney ever close the whole park due to rain? What does Disney do when it rains — and what should YOU do? We’ve got the answers!
Wet day in Magic Kingdom
If you’ll be in Disney World for more than a couple of days, there’s a high chance that you’ll run into a pop-up storm or some rain and potentially lightning during your trip!
Spring and summer comes with LOTS of rain in The Sunshine State! But that’s no reason to let that stop you from having fun during your Disney World vacation. So we’re sharing some great ways to turn rainy days into AWESOME days in Disney World!
The good news is, if you’re in a Disney World hotel while it’s raining — or even hurricane-ing (no, “hurricane-ing” isn’t an actual word, but we’re coining it here, folks) — you’re in one of the safest places possible. Disney World has earned the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s “StormReady” certification.But here’s a less fun fact — hurricanes DO still happen here. And though you’re SAFE, this may not exactly be how you envisioned spending your magical vacation (and those precious vacation dollars).
The crowd in Hollywood Studios before Tropical Storm Nicole
It’s good to know what to expect and how EXTREME things can get around here.According to Orlando weather reports, Florida sees anaverage of 12 named storms annually, including six hurricanes and up to three major hurricanes. Though, it’s important to remember that most of the most significant storms don’t impact the Disney World area too much.
Rainy Day in Magic Kingdom
So, when should you worry about your Disney World trip overlapping with a hurricane?NOA A classifies hurricane season as the period from June through November when hurricanes usually form in the Atlantic Ocean.This is when storms have the highest likelihood of impacting Disney World.
More people in Animal Kingdom
Far more than mere rain, hurricanes can be pretty intense. They are tropical cyclones capable of HEAVY rain, strong winds, lightning, thunder, tornados, and flooding. So, it can be comforting to know that Disney World is generally a safe place to ride it out, though it can be best to reevaluate your travel plans if a hurricane is predicted during your travel window.
Hurricane Ian near Disney World
Disney’s website states, “If ahurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Centerfor the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date,you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort Hotel Package and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney)without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.”So, you have some flexibility and CAN cancel or reschedule your trip to avoid the severe weather and any impacts that could have on your travels.
Rain from Hurricane Ian near Disney World
Disney World has closed the parks for a few hurricanes and provided activities for guests at the resorts while they weathered out the storms:
- In 1999, Disney World closed once:
- Hurricane Floyd — closed for 1 day, September 14th
- In 2004, Disney World closed three times:
- Hurricane Charley — closed for 1 day, on August 13th
- Hurricane Frances — closed for 2 days, September 4th and 5th
- Hurricane Jeanne — closed for 1 day, September 26th
- In 2017, Disney World closed once:
- Hurricane Irma — closed for 3 day, September 9th, 10th, and 11th
- In 2019, Disney World closed once:
- Hurricane Dorian — closed for 1 day, September 3rd
- In 2022, Disney World closed once:
- Hurricane Ian — closed for September 28th and September 29th
- Hurricane Nicole — closed early on November 9th and had a delayed opening on November 10th
Hurricane skies in Disney World
Though planning a Disney World trip between June and November certainly comes with the additional worry that a hurricanecouldthreaten your vacation, there area few things that you can do to plan ahead. For example, spend some extra time choosing the hotel for your vacation. Some Disney World hotels are pretty spread out. The only way to find food from your room is to walk outside, while the resorts will likely still have electricity and running water. Food is important no matter where you stay, so choosing a hotel that doesn’t require going outside to reach amenitiescan be beneficial.
Looking gloomy in EPCOT!
But, as you can see, Disney doesn’t close the parks very often, and only in severe weather. So, what can you do when it’s raining and the parks are still open? Well — almost anything! Many folks avoid the parks during the rain, which can mean that you’ll see few people in the parks, but because some of the outdoor attractions close during the rain or with lightning in the area, that can mean that lines and wait times at indoor attractions go up!
These are the rides and attractions that usually close when it’s raining at Disney World:
Magic Kingdom
- Astro Orbiter
- The Barnstormer
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Jungle Cruise
Mickey Hurricane
Animal Kingdom
- Expedition Everest
- Gorilla Falls Trail
- Kali River Rapids
- TriceraTop Spin
Hollywood Studios
- Slinky Dog Dash
EPCOT
- Test Track
Keep in mind that the summer weather pattern in Florida means that there is a chance of rain almost every day. BUT, also read (or watch) the forecast — most summer days, there is a chance of thunderstorms in the late afternoon — giving you all morning to enjoy the parks rain-free. In addition, those Florida thunderstorms — which they can be intense — usually last for a short time, and then the skies clear and it’s back to sunshine. The actual rain may literally last for 15 minutes or less. So we definitely don’t recommend deciding to stay indoors all day just because of a chance of rain!
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But what if that forecast calls for rain ALL DAY, and you don’t want to use one of your park tickets on a day when you can’t experience everything the park has to offer? There are still other things you can do to enjoy your rainy vacation day.
Shop. Dine. Play.
Disney Springs has several options (and we’re always down for any excuse to visit Disney Springs).
Splitsville has a menu that caters to many different palates, so your whole family can likely find something they’ll enjoy. You canbook your dining reservation online right here, andbook a bowling lane as well—you can bowl, eat, or do both.
Get lost in World of Disney, the largest Disney store in the WORLD, and if you surface from that adventure with your family and your budget in tact, there are dozen of other shops and boutiques in Disney Springs you can explore and find unique treasure to commemorate your rainy day shopping splurge!
World of Disney
Take in a show — and there are a few options for this! You can get tickets for Cirque du Soleil’s new Drawn to Life show to see acrobatic and artist dancers and aerialists bring a story to life. Or head over to Raglan Road or House of Blues to enjoy some music with hearty vittles that’ll get your toes tappin’ and tastebuds celebrating.
We’ve Eaten at Every Disney Springs Restaurant. These Are the Best.
And don’t forget your resort! Disney resorts have tons of amenities and activities for everyone to enjoy. And when the weather gets fiesty, the Cast Members are prepared with lots of games, activities, and interactive trivia to keep the whole family entertained (you might even see of your favorite Disney characters pop by for a quick howdy!).
King Louie
And, if you do happen to find yourself in Disney World during a hurricane, know that Disney will offer many resources and information you need to weather the storm (like meal kitsand notifications through theMy Disney Experience app).
We’ve got a HUGE LIST compiled of several different hurricane tips to help you prepare for potential severe stormy situations. Just drop us your email at disneyfoodblog.com/HURRICANEPREP, and we’ll send you a FREE PDF of all our best tips and tricks for riding out an Orlando hurricane in the middle of your Disney vacay.
Click HERE for Your FREE PDF of Disney World Hurricane Prep Tips!
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What’s your favorite thing to do at Disney World when it rains? Let us know in the comments below!
