What do you do when it rains at Disney World?
Most outdoor rides close for lightning, not rain itself. Bring ponchos, choose indoor attractions during storms, and pick Hollywood Studios when rain is forecast, because most of its big rides are inside.
Rain in central Florida often comes in short afternoon storms. A little planning keeps the day on track.
What closes
Rides pause for nearby lightning more than for rain, and outdoor rides are hit hardest. One 2026 round-up described these closures during a storm:
- Magic Kingdom: outdoor rides such as Big Thunder Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Jungle Cruise, Dumbo and Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Indoor rides such as Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan's Flight and it's a small world stayed open.
- EPCOT: Test Track closed. Soarin', Spaceship Earth, Frozen Ever After and Living with the Land stayed open.
- Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog Dash closed. Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway stayed open.
- Animal Kingdom: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest closed. Pandora, Festival of the Lion King and Zootopia: Better Zoogether stayed open.
Outdoor shows, character meets and water features also pause for lightning. Check the My Disney Experience app for live closures.
Which park to choose
Hollywood Studios is the best rainy-day park, because most of its major attractions are indoors. Magic Kingdom also has many indoor classics.
Tips
- Bring ponchos. Disney sells them, but they cost more in the parks.
- Ride during the storm. Lines for indoor rides can shrink while others wait it out.
- Plan a meal for the heaviest hour. A table-service reservation makes a good shelter.
- Bring dry shoes or socks. Wet feet end days early.
- Keep phones in a waterproof pouch.
- Save outdoor rides for after the storm. Lines may reopen with short waits.
Our first-timer's guide covers the other park-day decisions.
Check Disney's own pages
Disney prices, policies and availability change, so check Disney's own pages before you book.
