The Most Magical Place on Earth can also sometimes feel like the Most Rainy Place on Earth! With the Atlantic hurricane season lasting for half of the year, as well as typical Orlando rainstorms popping up at a moment’s notice, it is highly likely you will have rain at some point during your vacation.
But fear not, because with a little planning and flexibility, a rainy day can still be a magical one. When inclement weather strikes, it can be helpful to know what rides will and won’t be available during that time so you can plan accordingly. Check out our list of which Disney World rides close when it rains below.
Magic Kingdom
When inclement weather strikes (especially when lighting is in the area), the following rides can close at Magic Kingdom:
- Astro Orbiter
- Barnstormer
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Jungle Cruise
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Mad Tea Party
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Splash Mountain
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Walt Disney World Railroad
Worth noting as well, outdoor shows and parades such as Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire and the Festival of Fantasy Parade may be canceled during rainy weather. Instead, there may be a Rainy Day Cavalcade in place of the parade, or a modified version of the Friendship Faire.
When you’re waiting out the bad weather at Magic Kingdom, we’d recommend heading to an indoor show such as Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Carousel of Progress or Country Bear Jamboree. You can also head to an indoor ride such as “it’s a small world.” One of the many quick service restaurants can also provide an excellent shelter and allow you to sit down, relax, and perhaps enjoy a snack or drink; Columbia Harbor House is a great option, and when you sit upstairs you can enjoy a view of a rainy Magic Kingdom through the windows.
EPCOT
EPCOT can be a great park to visit during inclement weather. With plenty of indoor buildings to explore and restaurants to enjoy, you’re sure to find something to do as you wait out the rain.
The only ride at EPCOT to close during rain is also its only outdoor ride:
- Test Track
As you wait out the inclement weather at EPCOT, we recommend heading to any of the attractions in The Land Pavilion (Soarin’, Living with the Land or Awesome Planet). The indoor attractions and Sunshine Seasons quick service restaurant make this a great place to take shelter.
The Seas With Nemo and Friends is another great option for waiting out the rain: the majority of the queue for this slow-moving ride is indoors, and after you enjoy the attraction you can take your time exploring the many aquariums until the rain has passed.
Animal Kingdom
The majority of the attractions and exhibits at Animal Kingdom are outdoors, so plan accordingly for your visit. The following will close during rain:
- Expedition Everest
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- TriceraTop Spin
- Wildlife Express Train
Pandora – the World of Avatar can be a good land to visit while waiting for the rain to pass. Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage are both indoors and continue operating during rain; or you could visit the quick service restaurant Satu’li Canteen and enjoy the incredibly detailed theming inside as you relax.
Hollywood Studios
Over at Hollywood Studios, the outdoor attractions in Toy Story Land are the unlucky ones that must close when it rains:
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Slinky Dog Dash
Shows such as Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage, and Fantasmic! may also close in the case of inclement weather.
During rain at Hollywood Studios, perhaps head over to “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” show; at 30 minutes long, it will allow you to rest your feet in an indoor theater and wait for the rain to hopefully pass.
Our blog has plenty of helpful tips for planning a magical Disney vacation, even when bad weather strikes. Read more on why a rainy day can actually be the best here, and some tips on what to pack during the rainy season here.
Written by
Leia Cullen
Leia is a proud mom of two boys. She has been in love with Disneyland and Disney World since her first visit to the parks many years ago, and she continues to relive the magic now with her family. She is passionate about creating helpful content that shares news or information about all things Disney, in the hopes it helps others create their own magical moments.
