
When planning your magical Walt Disney World vacation, visions of sunny skies and warm weather often come to mind. But Florida’s weather can be a bit unpredictable, especially in the summer when rain and thunderstorms are frequent guests.
Understanding how weather can affect your plans and preparing in advance can make a big difference in keeping your Disney experience magical—even on stormy days.
How Thunderstorms Affect Disney Transportation
At Walt Disney World, a thunderstorm over Lake Buena Vista affects most of the transportation options. Disney’s watercraft services, including boats to Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, and Disney’s Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, and Contemporary Resorts, pause operations for safety. During these times, walking or catching a bus becomes necessary for guests staying at these resorts.
Skyliner fans beware: the Disney Skyliner also stops during lightning and storms. Guests at the Skyliner resorts, including Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach, and Art of Animation, can take a bus to get to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios instead.

Surprisingly, the Monorail system halts operation if lightning is nearby. Guests traveling from the Magic Kingdom to any of the Monorail resorts or on the EPCOT line should be prepared to wait or switch to alternative transportation until the storm passes.
Finally, car parks can get a bit chaotic during storms. While Disney’s parking attendants typically guide guests to open spots, they take shelter when lightning arrives, which can leave drivers to navigate the parking areas themselves.
Plan Ahead for Dining During Storms
One effect of rain in the Disney parks is that outdoor attractions temporarily close, causing many guests to seek indoor shelter in restaurants. This influx often fills dining areas quickly, and full-service restaurants can be challenging to get into without a reservation. We recommend securing an advanced dining reservation early in the day if you see rain on the forecast.
Quick-service dining areas also become popular during rain. A smart tip is to grab a bite as soon as you see dark clouds gathering or to head inside even if you’re not quite ready to eat. Getting in early can help you secure a dry, comfortable spot before the rush.
Delayed but Rarely Canceled: Disney Fireworks in a Thunderstorm
Disney’s fireworks are some of the most spectacular shows in the world, and it’s reassuring to know that fireworks are generally delayed rather than canceled during thunderstorms. This means there’s still a good chance to see “Happily Ever After,” “Fantasmic!,” or “Luminous: The Symphony of Us,” even if the start time is pushed back. Keep an ear out for announcements regarding delays, and consider bringing a rain poncho or umbrella to stay dry while you wait.
One smart move is to view fireworks from strategic covered locations. For example, watching from Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom allows you quick access to covered shops for shelter, while EPCOT’s World Showcase pavilions provide several spots along the water where you can duck inside if rain starts to fall.
Head to Indoor Attractions for Fun and Shelter
Outdoor attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Expedition Everest close when lightning is detected nearby, which naturally causes guests to flock to indoor attractions. Popular options include Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom, Spaceship Earth in EPCOT, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Avatar Flight of Passage in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Waiting in line indoors provides an ideal way to take shelter from the rain. If lightning lane reservations are available for these attractions during your trip, using one can help you maximize your time inside while waiting for the storm to pass.
Weather Tips for Disney’s Water Parks and Resort Pools
While the Disney parks offer a lot of options for indoor activities, it’s a different story at the water parks. Thunderstorms mean all outdoor water attractions, including Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, are temporarily closed. While you can take shelter in shops or restrooms, be prepared for potential delays before returning to the water. After the storm, you’ll often find shorter lines and fewer guests around, which can make the wait worthwhile.

If you’re relaxing at your Disney Resort pool when lightning strikes, expect to be asked to exit the water. Disney Resort pools close for safety until lightning is no longer nearby. Disney lifeguards are known for providing alternative entertainment in these situations, offering games, coloring, and activities in the hotel lobbies to keep families entertained until swimming can resume.
Enjoy the Thrill of a Disney Thunderstorm (Safely!)
One of the unexpected joys of visiting Walt Disney World during a thunderstorm is watching the impressive lightning shows that Florida’s weather can bring. There’s a unique atmosphere in the parks during rain, with a sense of calm and magic as the skies rumble. If you’re prepared with rain gear, such as ponchos, and have a flexible plan, rainy days can become some of your best Disney days.
So the next time you hear that thunder in the distance, don’t worry about it dampening your day. Disney is magical in all types of weather, and with a little preparation, a thunderstorm can simply be another memorable part of your Walt Disney World adventure.