Orlando, Florida, USA – Entrance of Walt Disney World near Orlando – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Photo by Jerome LABOUYRIE
We have a guide on what to expect when the weather turns grim if you’re wondering how tornado warnings at Walt Disney World Resort are handled.
Although it doesn’t happen often, bad weather isn’t any Disney visitor’s favorite way to enjoy the theme parks, resorts, or Disney Springs! The state of Florida is known for its bright days, but poor weather can also strike. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and extremely cold and windy days are all possible. And that does occasionally include tornadoes.
Yes, that’s correct—there have been tornadoes at Disney World! So what should you anticipate in the event that a tornado warning or watch is in effect for Orlando’s theme parks and surrounding area? Everything you should know is provided below.
A Disney park can only close due to extremely severe weather, and in the few occasions that this has occurred in Disney World’s history, powerful hurricanes are usually to blame. Theme parks, attractions, and even park icons are all constructed to endure severe weather conditions, including powerful gale-force winds and Florida’s infamous thunderstorms.
Additionally, Disney World has established procedures for dealing with different kinds of bad weather, as one might anticipate. While a few attractions could close on a typical rainy day, the parks mostly stay open as usual.
First and foremost, cast members are alerted when bad weather is predicted or even observed, as Disney keeps an eye on shifting weather patterns and conditions. The parks and resorts will implement safety and security measures, including closing or clearing out attractions and areas, if the weather gets worse and there is a risk of lightning strikes. For instance, if lightning strikes too close, outdoor rides and entertainment would stop, and ferryboat operations will also halt.
However, Cast Members will generally just keep an eye on things and be vigilant until the weather improves or is upgraded to a more dangerous and urgent threat.
There are differences between tornado watch and warnings.
It’s crucial to understand the differences between tornado watches and warnings when it comes to tornadoes at Disney World. Neither one indicates the imminence of a tornado! If severe storms are predicted during your trip to the theme parks and resorts, you should be aware of the differences.
A tornado watch is merely a warning that one could occur. When there is a strong thunderstorm or tornadoes in other places, or when the weather is conducive to tornadoes, a tornado watch is issued. It doesn’t guarantee a tornado will form, but as the weather moves in, there’s a risk it might.
Conversely, a tornado warning is a more serious alert. When a tornado is detected by radar or has been visually observed, a warning is given. Therefore, you should take action and find a safe place to shelter as soon as you hear there is an active tornado warning.
While tornado warnings are more focused and restricted to places where a tornado is very likely to occur, tornado watches are sometimes issued for larger areas and regions.
What Takes Place at Disney World If There Is a Tornado Warning?
Before acting directly, Cast Members will keep an eye on the local weather when tornado watches are issued. When a tornado warning is issued for the region, Disney Springs, theme parks, and resorts will mobilize Cast Members to assist guests in finding safe havens.
Generally, attendees will be routed to indoor locations, like inner ride queues or nearby stores, in the event of a tornado warning or even a tornado sighting. Many Florida structures are already well-equipped to withstand strong winds because the state is accustomed to high winds from hurricanes and thunderstorms. After then, guests will remain where they are until the threat has subsided and an all-clear is issued.
Are you currently staying at a Disney World hotel? When there is a tornado warning close to the resorts, alarms usually go off, and visitors are advised to go to the ground floor (or lowest floor) of their accommodation and take cover in a safe, interior room away from windows. In a similar vein, you’ll be allowed to return to your hotel as soon as the threat has passed and the tornado warning is lifted.
Check the Walt Disney World Website for Updates if Tornadoes Are Possible.
Concerned about severe weather for your next vacation, including watches and warnings for tornadoes? Be at ease—Disney World has everything covered! If you would want more information or would like to make plans in case of uncertainty, you can check out Disney’s Weather Updates & Information page online. If severe weather is predicted, you can get all the important weather updates and information you might need from this source.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
