Rain and even thunderstorms forecast, what will be closed in Hollywood Studios? Other parks?

[lovetogowdw]

Looking at the forecast for this weekend (we only have two possible days in the parks - Sat and Sun) and it doesn't look good. We've never been to Toy Story Land or Star Wars Land, so we don't know what to expect. What's closed in the rain (and if lightning is in the area)? What are the best strategies for staying in the park in those areas and still enjoying the experience?

 

[yulilin3]

If there's lightning every outdoor experience closes. Attractions and shows
If it's just rain, SDD might still operate but outdoor shows close or do a shortened version (Indiana Jones)
The good thing about dhs is that most things are indoors, the only things that have an issue with weather are SDD, Indiana Jones, JT, SWaGFFA and the CoH

 

[holden]

Keep in mind too that it could rain at MK and be fine at DHS. FL rain is very strange.

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

Keep in mind too that it could rain at MK and be fine at DHS. FL rain is very strange.

And usually only lasts long enough to clear the parks out a little

 

[CNYMickeyFan]

Lightening in and around the area seems to control what stays open or gets shut down. Disney has a protocol they follow to when lightening is predetermined, and I apologize that I can't remember what the number is, number of miles away.

 

[SaintsManiac]

It does look like a nasty system might roll through. Good luck to you, OP!

 

[gatour]

Lightening in and around the area seems to control what stays open or gets shut down. Disney has a protocol they follow to when lightening is predetermined, and I apologize that I can't remember what the number is, number of miles away.

I am guessing at the minimum it is five miles. In general that is what it is for car races with grand stands. Also seems to apply to stick and/or ball sports. Plus there is a window past the last lightening strike hit within radius before things return normal (normally 30 minutes).

 

[TinkSassy]

Looking at the forecast for this weekend (we only have two possible days in the parks - Sat and Sun) and it doesn't look good. We've never been to Toy Story Land or Star Wars Land, so we don't know what to expect. What's closed in the rain (and if lightning is in the area)? What are the best strategies for staying in the park in those areas and still enjoying the experience?

Those areas are very open. If you have hard rain - Muppets is close to one exit of Star Wars Land and will operate through lightning. In Toy Story your only true cover is TSMM and that will also operate. Outside the entry to Toy Story Land are some character meet and greets that are inside and the Walt museum that would all be available and dry.

I would assume MFSR will continue operating in the rain and possibly lightning based on the ride system. I don't know about RotR - that will be a new thing. SDD is completely exposed so possibly in light rain but not if there is lightning. A2S is covered but open to the sides so will operate as long as it is just rain.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I am guessing at the minimum it is five miles. In general that is what it is for car races with grand stands. Also seems to apply to stick and/or ball sports. Plus there is a window past the last lightening strike hit within radius before things return normal (normally 30 minutes).

30 minute rule is true at small park I work at

 

[Delirium]

At MK, the Ben Franklin Kite Flying Experience in Liberty Square still operates.

 

[krayzie]

We waited in the Smuggler's Run line when it started storming last Saturday morning.

 

[_19disnA]

When we were there earlier this year, rides that are fully or partially outdoors were the ones impacted by rain/lightning at all of the parks. For those rides it is a safety issue, so I am glad Disney shuts them down when storms approach. Good time to do the indoor rides or perhaps go shopping or eat lunch/dinner (depending on the time of day).

 

[xipotec]

Or better yet, stay close to the ride and get on right away when all those other folks are shopping and eating....

 

[lovetogowdw]

Thanks all! As it turned out, it was lightly drizzling when we rode the the Alien Saucers, it had just quit raining when we made it to the SDD line, and we lucked out at the timing of the rain while in Galaxy's Edge! The on/off rain (including downpour) kept the crowds lighter than they otherwise would have been, so for us, it turned into a good thing (more access to rides in what otherwise would have been a jam-packed park). Appreciated the info!