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Does Disney shut down rides during thunderstorms?

1) Rides that close during lightning – Cast Members keep a constant eye on the weather radar at Walt Disney World. Unfortunately when lightning strikes within 10 miles of the parks all outdoor rides, including water rides close for the safety of the guests.



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Inclement weather may also affect entertainment—including shows and parades—in both parks. All outdoor attractions will close when lightning is observed in the area. We regularly update our Disneyland Resort Rules to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

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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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Everything is more spread out, so you'd be caught longer in the rain. Based on the usual summer forecast, we'd recommend a plan that includes visiting Animal Kingdom in the morning and EPCOT in the afternoon. Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios each have a fair amount of indoor attractions.

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Well, the good news is that you're given an automatic grace period of 15 minutes AFTER your Lightning Lane time has passed to scan into the Lightning Lane. Even better? If you arrive at a ride early, you can tap into the Lightning Lane five minutes BEFORE your window.

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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. But, if it is just a rainy day at Disney, the parks will remain open and no rain checks or refunds will be given.

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1) Rides that close during lightning – Cast Members keep a constant eye on the weather radar at Walt Disney World. Unfortunately when lightning strikes within 10 miles of the parks all outdoor rides, including water rides close for the safety of the guests.

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The following will close during rain:
  • Expedition Everest.
  • Kali River Rapids.
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris.
  • TriceraTop Spin.
  • Wildlife Express Train.


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When Is Rainy Season at Disney World?
  • January: 2.7 inches.
  • February: 2.8 inches.
  • March: 3.8 inches.
  • April: 2.5 inches.
  • May: 3.3 inches.
  • June: 8.7 inches.
  • July: 7.1 inches.
  • August: 7.8 inches.


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No, Disney does not offer rain checks or any kind of compensation for a rainy day. This does not mean that your day will be ruined. There are still things to do at Disney when it does rain. Check out our article on 10 things you can do on a rainy day at Disney World.

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Some parks are better to visit on rainy days than others. At EPCOT, the only attraction that would close due to weather is Test Track. Most of the other rides — along with plenty of restaurants and shops — are located in Future World and are relatively close together so you wouldn't have to walk far in the rain.

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Buy A Poncho Disney sells high quality ponchos in every one of their shops in the parks for $9. Of course, you can buy a poncho for cheaper elsewhere if you know it is going to rain. If you would rather bring a raincoat along with you, that would also work in protecting against rain.

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You can usually get a good sense of whether or not fireworks will be canceled by talking to Disney cast members throughout the day. Expect rain to modify or cancel parades. World of Color runs in the rain (it is all water, after all), so plan to catch World of Color either way!

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