Are amusement park rides safe in the rain?

Roaring over the tracks after a rain causes no real threat to the ride itself, with a major exception: Brakes! Rides with friction-type brakes often do not suffice in stopping the train during a steady rain. (remember ? Lack of friction is what makes the ride faster), but it also makes the friction brakes slower.



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Most operations will shut down their rides when lightning is in the immediate vicinity. As far as rain, it depends upon how safely the individual rides can operate under wet conditions since speed and braking are effected.

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Usually when the rain stops, the ride will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. Do know that each ride has different conditions in which it can operate depending on many factors so some of them won't be able to operate even if it's close to raining while some will start up as soon as the rain stops.

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Roller coasters, especially steel roller coasters, run more slowly when temperatures start getting into the 40s — because cold weather increases friction in the wheels. Cold weather also causes the track and other ride components to shrink slightly, which could lead to serious operating issues with the roller coaster.

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Other health conditions can make going on high-speed rides unsafe, including pregnancy, recent surgery, heart problems, high blood pressure and aneurysms, as well as the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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Some roller coasters are actually better in the rain. Nemesis, Oblivion and Shockwave are faster, if not even smoother during wet weather.

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Disney's official policy is that it does not offer refunds for rain. What is this? The show must go on, and even when it is rainy, Disney World is open. Now, of course if Disney does happen to close for a weather event (like a hurricane) they will issue refunds then.

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All amusement parks have lightening detectors that scan 15 to 30 miles away. As soon as there is a strike within in that range all tall rides are shut down. Most are shut down until there are no strikes within that range for 30 to 45 minutes. These rides are grounded to diffuse a strike.

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High-speed roller coasters are more dangerous than water slides. Children are more likely to be hurt in a Go-Kart than a water slide. Water rides account for 20% of amusement park and carnival injuries.

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These slides are actually more dangerous than roller coasters. Research conducted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs found that revelers are twice as likely to get injured on a water slide than a roller coaster.

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