Considering Florida’s nickname is the “Sunshine State,” you might assume that the weather at Disney World is constantly sunny, perfect, and warm…but you’d be mistaken!
A rainy day at Magic Kingdom!
Even outside of hurricane season, the weather at Disney World is notoriously unpredictable, and at times SEVERE. We have the videos and photos from Magic Kingdom when an actual “Severe Weather Warning” was issued for the area.
While we always do our best to report weather news, and share tips for how to survive rainy days in the parks, it’s always possible to get caught TOTALLY off guard. Big storms can sometimes happen unexpectedly, and when they’re especially serious, you might receive a “Severe Weather Warning” alert on your phone!
©The Weather Channel
After a few drops started falling, the floodgates quickly opened and it became a full-blown torrential downpour in Magic Kingdom.
Severe weather in Magic Kingdom
Tomorrowland looked awfully ominous, and eerily deserted! You can see how hard that rain is pounding down.
Tomorrowland on a “Severe Weather Warning” day
‘Twas definitely a WET walk to Tomorrowland!
Walk with us to Tomorrowland! pic.twitter.com/05d4Ok5qS7
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 11, 2021
People were quickly seeking shelter wherever they could find it! Areas like shops and restaurants are good ways to escape the downpour, but be prepared to find big crowds there too.
Hiding from the rain
The Lunching Pad, with its convenient overhang, suddenly became quite the hot spot!
The Lunching Pad
Just a few puddles…😅
It’s flooding a bit in Tomorrowland! ⛈ pic.twitter.com/ebvrpfxryt
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 11, 2021
Nope
Beyond just closed kiosks, LOTS of rides and attractions were closed around the park and the rest of Disney World. Outdoor rides were closed as they would normally be during inclement weather, but lots of indoor rides were also closed due to weather-related outages.
My Disney Experience screenshot ©Disney
Crowds rapidly began flocking towards the exits by Main Street, U.S.A.!
Time to leave?
The inside of Cinderella Castle was EASILY the most crowded spot — wonder why!
Seeking refuge with Cinderella
Somehow, even in severe weather, Fantasyland always manages to look crowded…
A very wet Fantasyland
But no matter the weather, the castle NEVER ceases to stop us in our tracks! Even if that means our shoes are filling up with water. However, if you don’t want all of your footsteps to squish along with you, consider keeping another pair of shoes in your park bag that can get wet during days it’s expected to storm.
Always a stunner
As we get closer and closer to summer, many more thunderstorms will be coming our way.
A look at Magic Kingdom right now. ⛈ pic.twitter.com/t0QMQEySal
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) April 11, 2021
We also spotted the temporary closure of water parks as a result of the weather. Later on in the afternoon, a Cast Member confirmed that it had reopened.
Blizzard Beach on a stormy day
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What are YOUR pro tips for surviving severe weather in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
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I ALWAYS have an “emergency poncho” in my back pocket when at Disney. You never know when you leave your room what the day will bring!
I was standing in the Peter Pan ride line which was extended in the Columbia Harbor House restaurant when the crazy rain started. They announced the ride was on hold but we were welcome to remain in line under cover. Not more than 15 minutes later, there was a load crack of thunder the lights blinked and the fire alarm went off. We had to evacuate the building, out of the line and into the rain. I quickly found the end of line OUTSIDE and jumped in but I think they closed it shortly after that. While standing in line in the rain, I say the Reedy Creek Fire Fighter go by but not in a hurry. I’d love to know what
I was at Epcot that day, it was awful! All the rides had 5 minute waits while Soarin had an hour wait! Everyone was inside The Land and there was barley anywhere to sit.
Are their particular weather apps you recommend for WDW? The one we had in March was very inaccurate. What does the DFB team use?
SynA, our reporters like the Weather Channel app.
I was at Epcot and even with a poncho, my fingers were pruned by the time it stopped…yes, we stayed and stuck it out. The bright side was we were able to get on the rides with short waits? lol
We were in HS. The rain was cold and the wind made it colder. Easily the coldest day at Disney for me.