Severe thunderstorms

Image: Amy Kellogg , Flickr (license)

Parks affected: Walt Disney World

While a little thunderstorm may not sound like a big deal, in Florida, especially during the summertime, a little rain can turn into a dangerous storm very rapidly, especially as high-speed winds, hail, lightning, and even tornados can develop in minutes. Even though Walt Disney World has a long-term plan in place for severe weather brought on by a hurricane, dangerous thunderstorms can form in only a few hours, giving the resort precious little time to prepare.

When severe weather is first spotted on radar, all operations Cast Members are put on alert. Though Walt Disney World has never closed a park during a severe thunderstorm, there are several emergency protocols in place should the weather take a turn for the dangerous.

One of the most immediate concerns is lightning. Lighting bolts are not uncommon in Florida, and even though they are scary, they aren’t immediately dangerous. However, if lightning gets within a certain radius of guest areas, Disney will shut down all outdoor rides and entertainment, including shows, meet and greets and nightly fireworks. Ferryboat service may also be suspended. Though monorails typically run through severe weather, a scary incident occurred in 2014 when lightning struck a monorail causing an emergency stop. No one was hurt and everyone was safely evacuated following the incident. 

Image: Christian Lambert, Flickr (license)

Though lightning is a fairly common byproduct of a severe thunderstorm at Walt Disney World, in rare circumstances  tornados may appear as well. If a tornado warning spotted near a theme park, Cast Members will direct all guests outside to head indoors. Most interior queues and stores are equipped to handle high winds, and Cast Members will direct guests away from windows.  Guests will then shelter in place until an all-clear signal is given.

If a tornado is reported near a hotel, an alarm will sound and all guests will be asked to head to the bottom floor of the resort and will be gathered in a secure, interior room (usually a conference center or ballroom). Once the danger has cleared, guests will be allowed to return to their rooms.

Image: Christian Lambert, Flickr (license) 

 Hail can also be a concern during a severe thunderstorm. If conditions are favorable for hail development, cast members will urge guests to move into interior areas until the danger passes. Though you might not think that hail is very serious, a strike on the head can cause a concussion, so its best to exercise caution. 

Finally, flooding can also occur during a severe thunderstorm. Though there haven't been any situations where floods have been responsible for a lot of damage at Walt Disney World, localized flooding can close attractions in low-lying areas. Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom is one area that is particularly susceptible to flooding during severe weather, with this area occasionally roped off until the water drains. 

As with all other emergencies, Disney will keep guests informed of all operational changes that happen during a thunderstorm. Luckily, most thunderstorms are brief and will pass in only a few hours. 

What to do if an emergency happens on your vacation

Image: Christian Lambert, Flickr (license)

Though it's unlikely, emergencies can happen at any time (even during a Disney vacation) and it's important to know what to do if a natural disaster happens while you are visiting a Disney park. 

Follow all Cast Member directions: This may seem like common sense, but when you are in the middle of an emergency situation it can be difficult not to give in to your instinctual "flight" response, especially when dealing with an immediate threat like an Earthquake or severe thunderstorm. However, even though your first instinct may be to head for the hills, it is imperative that you follow all instructions and not try and circumvent the situation, no matter how uncomfortable it is. Even if you're right at the end of a ride like The Seas With Finding Nemo and could walk right out, if a cast member tells you to stay in your ride vehicle until further notice, make sure you follow the instructions, even if you aren't entirely sure what's happening or why you're being asked to stay. 

Keep your party together: Again, this may seem like common sense, but especially when the threat isn't immediate, traveling parties may be tempted to split up. For instance, even though the Magic Kingdom may be open 24 hours before a hurricane is projected to hit, it's probably not a good idea to make plans for half of your party to go to Adventureland while the other half goes to Fantasyland. If an emergency evacuation is called, you don't want to be scrambling around looking for your family members instead of exiting the park calmly. 

Keep calm: Ans speaking of calm, it may be difficult to keep a level head while the earth is shaking or the wind is howling, but try your best not to panic so you can pay attention to following instructions and staying safe. Guests can take comfort knowing that Disney parks and resorts are some of the safest places in the world during a natural disaster, and if they are able to stay calm and use common sense they'll make it through whatever mother nature throws at them during a Disney vacation. 

Image: Andrew Evans, Flickr (license)

While no one wants to have their day at Disney dampened by a natural disaster, Disney has taken exhaustive measures to ensure guest safety throughout these emergency situations. Have you ever been at a Disney park during a natural disaster? Share your stories below!