Credit: Inside the MagicDisney World guests have documented dramatic flooding at EPCOT.
Things don’t always go as planned at Disney parks, and in Florida, the culprit is often the weather. Sudden downpours, tropical storms, and hurricane threats have long been part of the Disney World experience. Despite Mickey Mouse’s reputation for meticulous operations, the unpredictable climate has repeatedly disrupted park days and even forced large-scale closures in the past.
For example, in late September 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 storm. To safeguard guests and staff, Walt Disney World canceled Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party, adjusted park hours, and closed or modified several attractions across the resort.
Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton – a Category 3 storm – struck central Florida, leading to a one‑day closure of Walt Disney World and the cancellation of select cruise itineraries. Behind the scenes, some employees reported feeling pressured to stay on duty amid dangerous conditions, despite flash‑flood and tornado threats.
Going back to fall 2022, Hurricane Ian prompted a full closure of all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), Disney Springs, and the sports complex from September 28–29. Damage was reported at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, with operations resuming in phases starting September 30.
Even less dramatic storms have caused chaos at Disney in the past.
Severe thunderstorms have also forced sudden changes to operations. Lightning strikes regularly shut down outdoor rides such as Test Track at EPCOT or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom.
Flooding is also a major threat when the skies turn grey at Disney World. EPCOT guests experienced this for themselves yesterday when Disney’s second-oldest theme park in Florida was hit by flash floods.
Flash Floods Strike EPCOT
Parkgoers took to Reddit to document the conditions at EPCOT on August 28.
Please share your Epcot flood experiences today.
byu/Good-Anything7706 inWaltDisneyWorld
Guests were shown making their way through deep water in World Showcase’s Mexico Pavilion. However, it seems like the heavy rain was a park-wide issue.
“Got stuck in Italy when the rain really started coming down,” said one guest, “we were under the overhang outside right outside of the perfume store, when the rain stopped, we were heading towards Canada, area just after America Pavilion and just before Morocco was easily ankle deep…wild! Some of that lightning was definitely less than a mile away.”
Another said, “I walked from the back of the Japan [Pavilion] all the way to the tram. I was soaked head to toe and everything was wet. Heading back tomorrow to do more booths.”
In typical Florida fashion, the rain appears to have struck quickly. “The wind was really picking up tonight,” one guest explained. “I left just as I felt the first raindrop. I wasn’t even there for an hour. Before leaving my house, it showed no rain. But of course, typical Florida, it ended up raining anyway. A few days prior, the forecast showed a high chance of rain and it didn’t even end up raining.”
Of course, we’re currently in the midst of Florida’s hurricane season. While this officially stretches from June to November, the peak of the season runs from mid-August to mid-October. Even when Orlando doesn’t sit in the path of a hurricane, the season tends to usher in the Sunshine State’s most intense storms. More storms are forecast for today, with rain also slated for every day through next Friday.
In other words, maybe don’t wear your best shoes to Disney World in the next few weeks.
Were you caught in the heavy rain at Disney World yesterday?