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Disney World is currently experiencing some very severe weather. One ride at Magic Kingdom was just struck by lightning. Additionally, almost a dozen rides are also down.
Severe Weather
Earlier this week, Joe predicted a strong late-season cold front moving through Florida. He called for showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, some with heavy downpours. Check out more details on his forecast HERE.
However, since then, things have turned more serious. Currently, Disney World is experiencing very severe weather this morning, March 12.
A tornado watch remained in effect until 11:00am EST this morning, March 12, for 4 counties in East Central Florida, including Disney World. Keep an eye on the weather for any changes or extension of this warning.
Ride Closures
Rides close for a number of reasons. Disney may need to perform extended maintenance so the ride closes for a refurbishment. This is very common, and in fact, sometimes those refurbishments are even extended. In fact, Expedition Everest will remain closed longer than originally planned.
Other times, a portion of a ride closes. Perhaps work on part of the attraction is needed, but closing the entire ride is not necessary. This is currently happening at Tower of Terror. We are seeing extremely high wait times as Disney closes some of the elevators.
Of course, weather and electric issues can affect attractions. There has been some crazy weather this past week which created flood-like circumstances at Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom. Just yesterday several rides were closed at Magic Kingdom yesterday. You can read about that HERE.
Magic Kingdom rides down
Unfortunately, those closures continue into today as several rides are down.
Splash Mountain was actually struck by lightning at some point this morning, and the ride is closed due to that event. We are unsure if anyone was on the attraction when the event occurred and if anyone was injured. Additionally, we do not know how long the attraction will be closed.
Splash Mountain was struck by lightning today, March 12. The ride is currently down.
Additionally, several other rides are currently closed. Those include:
- Astro Orbiter
- The Barnstormer
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Jungle Cruise
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Splash Mountain
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Tomorrowland Speedway
These are all outdoor attractions and are likely closed due to severe weather in the area. Stay dry and safe out there if you are at Magic Kingdom today! You will likely see attractions close and reopen periodically throughout the day.
It appears that the the other parks are not affected by the weather. Currently, only Test Track is down at Epcot. This is completely normal and expected when it rains.
Are you at the parks today? What is the weather like right now? Join the conversation in the comments below and on Facebook.
Share the love!
NancyJane
Thursday 21st of April 2022
That's cute
Laura
Sunday 13th of March 2022
This is the reason I will not go to Disney when I have to make a reservation. I have a special needs young adult who uses a wheelchair. It would be ridiculous for us to bring him to a park where weather is not our friend
DaviHardy
Sunday 13th of March 2022
I’m a local and visit the parks frequently. Disney has hundreds of lightning rods all over. Most likely it was a lightning Rod. I was at HS when lightning hit one. It’s loud, vibrates, very bright, and scary. No damage or injuries. Central Florida has daily summer downpours with thunder and lightning. Usually occurs late afternoon, lasts 20-30 minutes. Just take shelter and wait it out, then enjoy the park!
Joyce Hardy
Sunday 13th of March 2022
They close down any outside rides when lightning is within 3-5 miles. Rides reopen once the storm passes. Lightning is very common in Orlando during rainy season. In the summer there is usually a daily late afternoon downpour with thunder and lightning, lasting about 20-30 minutes then it’s over. Enjoy the park after that!
Donna
Saturday 12th of March 2022
I live about an hour from Disney. In the last 20 years there have only been a couple of times they have closed due to weather and it has to be a humdinger, like a hurricane. From what I've experienced, guests go inside shops, attractions or eat until the weather calms down.