Imagine you are in Disney World, and thunder and lightning suddenly start because of the Orlando weather.
What should you do? Where should you go? How can you stay safe?
In the event of a lightning storm, Disney World has a specific policy in place to keep park-goers safe.
This policy includes safety guidelines and procedures for you to follow when a lightning storm occurs.
This article will break down Disney World’s lightning policy in detail for you. I will also outline the safety guidelines that park-goers are expected to follow and what happens when a lightning storm occurs.
So read on, and be sure to keep this information in mind next time you find yourself in the park during a storm!
In This Article:
01. What Is Disney World’s Lightning Policy?
The lightning policy at Disney World is designed to keep park-goers safe during a lightning storm. The policy outlines safety guidelines and procedures for dealing with lightning storms.
When lightning occurs within ten miles of Disney World, all outdoor rides are shut down. In addition, any ride that is exposed to lightning will be shut down until the lightning has passed. Parades, fireworks, and outdoor shows will also be postponed or canceled.
02. Where to Stand
During a lightning storm, park-goers should stay in their hotel rooms or inside any building open to them. It is not advisable to go outside unless instructed to.
03. Where Not to Stand
Park-goers should not stand near any windows or use swimming pools during a lightning storm. Anyone in the pool should exit safely and as quickly as possible.
04. Actions Disney World May Take
If there is a lightning storm at Disney World, park officials may take the following action depending on the severity of the lightning.
- Park officials may ask park-goers to exit the park
- Park officials may stop the monorail and buses from ferrying park-goers
- Park officials may cancel special events, such as fireworks or parades
- Park officials may close the park
05. Reopening Wait Times
Disney World officials must wait at least 15-30 minutes after the last lightning strike before allowing park-goers back into the park. Then, in the event of another storm at that time, Disney World officials must wait until the storm has passed before allowing park-goers back into the park. This waiting process could take as long as several hours, depending on the severity of the weather.
Final Thoughts:
During a severe storm, Disney officials will urge park-goers not to go outside unless they have been instructed to do so. Instead, park-goers should stay in their hotel rooms or inside any building open to them until the storm passes. Unfortunately, some events, including parades, fireworks, and outdoor shows, might get canceled, which can suck. If the lightning is very severe, Disney officials may ask park-goers to exit the park, stop monorail and buses from ferrying passengers and close the park.
My name is Olivia Smitherman. I’m a travel writer and theme park enthusiast! Florida has some of the best theme parks in the world. I love them all. Each time I visit a theme park, I gather tips and advice that I share with you, my readers. See my bio for more information about me.
