Disney World sees more than its fair share of thunderstorms.
But most of the time, we’re accustomed to seeing those thunderstorms during Florida’s rainy season in the summer. But tomorrow, severe weather could impact Disney World … in January. Let’s take a closer look at the forecast.
This past weekend, Disney officials shortened the course for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon because of expected lightning in the area on Saturday morning. Now, severe weather predicted for the Orlando area might affect outdoor rides and shows at Disney World on Tuesday.
Meteorologists at WESH-TV say that a “considerable threat for strong to severe storms” will move into the area in the late afternoon and evening on Tuesday, bringing a chance for damaging winds and the possibility of a tornado.
Here’s a look at our risks for tomorrow folks. Not only is there a concern for tornadoes but the chance for damaging winds, notice the hashed lines NW of Orlando, could reach or exceed 70 mph. Stay weather aware Tuesday. We have you covered! pic.twitter.com/AWKTytvSak
— Tony Mainolfi (@TMainolfiWESH) January 8, 2024
What happens when a thunderstorm hits Disney World? Well, outdoor attractions always close in the parks when there is a threat of high winds, lightning, or other dangerous conditions. (Here’s a complete list of attractions that close when there’s severe weather.)
The Festival of Fantasy parade doesn’t happen when it’s raining — though you do get to see characters in a “rainy day cavalcade” if the weather isn’t too bad. And you may find yourself crowding into a store or quick-service restaurant with lots of other guests.
If the severe weather impacts Disney World later into the evening, fireworks shows in Magic Kingdom and EPCOT could be canceled.
So, here are some tips if you’re planning to go to Disney World on Tuesday!
- Consider getting there as early as possible. At this point, the forecast is for this weather to move into the area later in the afternoon, so you may want to adjust plans to be there first thing!
- Prioritize outdoor rides in the morning. Outdoor rides will close if there is any chance of lighting in the area, so if the rides your group really wants to ride are outdoors, you might want to get them out of the way first thing.
- Bring rain gear! Wear waterproof shoes if you have them, bring a change of clothes for everyone and stash it in a locker at the front of the park (don’t forget SOCKS — it’s miserable walking around in wet socks!), and bring ponchos, rain jackets or even an umbrella if you have room to carry one. (Important tip on that umbrella, though — take it out of your bag and hold it in front of you when you are going through the security line — otherwise the metal detectors will alert and security will need to check your bag, slowing you down.)
As far as we’re concerned, any day at Disney World is a good one — even a rainy one. Keep in mind that if the weather clears out in the evening, it’s likely you will enjoy less crowded parks because folks will decided to go back home or back to their hotel when (if!) these storms hit. So our suggestion is to pack your patience and stick it out!
Keep following DFB or the latest Disney news!
The Bizarre Discount You Can Only Get at Disney World When It Rains
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
![](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DFBGuide-ShortCode-Image-1.png)
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
TRENDING NOW
We've got some Disney essentials coming to Aldi SOON.
We've got a warning about TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom!
It's no fun getting to the park early and the rides you're excited for aren't...
We found the BEST Bath and Body Works candles to make your house smell like...
There are so many hidden gems of food and drink at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort,...
Get these Disney must-haves now!
Disney's tuition reimbursement program has changed.
What can we say, sometimes the intrusive thoughts win...Here are 4 things we regret impulse-booking...
We've got big news about a popular Disney World event!
We're finding out which Disney World hotels are overhyped and actually underwhelming!
Monsters Inc is coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. We're looking at what might be coming,...
There's a NEW popcorn bucket coming to select Disney locations!
We know we talk about Disney souvenirs a lot, but we're not kidding when we...
Sometimes you just can't let a good thing pass you by, and word on the...
We asked our readers on Facebook about the Disney World trends they'd REALLY love to...
Score MAJOR savings on your next flight thanks to this JetBlue sale!
We met a new character!
Stop EVERYTHING and check out these Disney Loungefly bags that are on sale for up...
Disney World restaurants menus are changing!
Here are a couple of some pretty sneaky changes that Disney World thought we wouldn't...