WARNING: Severe Weather Could Affect Disney World TOMORROW

Disney World sees more than its fair share of thunderstorms.

A rainy day in EPCOT.

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.

Rainy day at Magic Kingdom

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.)

Magic Kingdom

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!

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