Rain Policy for Fireworks/ Parades?

[shelemm]

I imagine that if there is a huge downpour, that these are canceled. But what if there is some rain and they pretty much know it will stop in a half hour? DO they simply delay the fireworks or parades? Do they make an announcement? What about Fantasmic?

There's some rain forecast for this weekend, and I'd like to plan accordingly.

TIA!

 

[lpizzuro123]

We were in WDW in December at a MVMCP. It was raining on and off all evening. They delayed the parade about 30 minutes (and it seemed shorter to me). the Holiday version of Wishes went off as planned. When speaking with other guests later that week we heard that Fantasmic was cancelled the same night.

Linda

 

[jwfla422]

I know they will cancel Fantasmic if it rains, not sure how far advance they determine that.

As far as the parades go that all depends on when the rain hits. I do know they won't run Spectro in the rain for obvious reasons. But, we have actually seen the afternoon parade at MK in the pouring rain. I would think they'd cancel the Mickey's Jamin Jungle parade because some of the puppet type floats could be heavily damaged. The more delicate the floats/costumes the more likely they will cancel or delay a parade.

 

[followme2disney]

I have been at EPCOT when Illuminations was cancelled due to rain, but i have been at MK and watched Wishes while it was raining.

 

[taximomfor4]

I have been at EPCOT when Illuminations was cancelled due to rain, but i have been at MK and watched Wishes while it was raining.

We were at EPCOT on a terribly rainy day, and were assured by any and all CM's that they still have it, regardless.

We stuck around, and watched....but by then, the rain had temporarily cleared out.

Beth

 

[BubblPopElectrc]

I remember one time we saw Fantasmic in the rain. It wasn't downpour but it was still definitely enough to be annoying. I remember they kept making an announcement that it could be canceled due to the weather, but it went on as planned.

 

[Iluvpluto2]

Last September I stood in the middle of Main Street in the pouring rain to watch Wishes. It was the first time in years that I had watched from the park and not the balcony of the Contemporary and I was determined to see it no matter what. It was worth it, but when we go back this year, I hope to have a nice clear night to enjoy it.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

They do make announcements when there are rain delays/cancellations. Last summer my friend was in Spectro and kept calling me to tell me if it was a go or not. When they cancel the parades, it for the safety of the performers as well as the crowd. Some of those floats can't be easy to handle in a downpour.

 

[Kimberly815]

I have been there when they canceled Spectro. They delayed it as long as they could, and then finally officially canceled it. They did have Wishes that night.

Also I have been there when they canceled the afternoon parade in the Magic Kingdom. They had a "Rainy Day Parade" in its place- pretty much made up of cast member dressed in rain gear singing, and a couple of buses full of characters.

 

[jaysue]

I have been there when they canceled Spectro. They delayed it as long as they could, and then finally officially canceled it. They did have Wishes that night.

Also I have been there when they canceled the afternoon parade in the Magic Kingdom. They had a "Rainy Day Parade" in its place- pretty much made up of cast member dressed in rain gear singing, and a couple of buses full of characters.

Sounds like it was a lot of fun

Cheers
jaysue

 

[Kimberly815]

Sounds like it was a lot of fun

Cheers
jaysue

It was actually pretty fun. We just happened to catch it by chance as it went by. Got some good photos of characters. The song is addicting, and we were singing it as we slopped through the rain and puddles for the rest of the day!!

 

[Evil Princess]

Illuminations goes on, rain and all, unless there is lighting I believe within 3 miles...or something like that.

 

[boBQuincy]

I have watched Illuminations in the middle of a heavy (very heavy) rainstorm. The flame barge might not be used in case of high winds but in many trips to Epcot I have never seen Illuminations cancelled.

 

[disnut8]

My experience with Illuminations is the same. I watch it every trip and just about every time of the year. It's never been cancelled on me. One year, it was twenty degrees at 9:00 PM, the wind was awful and people looked like Escimos along the lagoon. There must of been about 500 of us. If Disney had any reason to cancel Illuminations, it would be that night. The cost of that show and the people watching it did not make for a great ratio for Disney. It went on as usual. Right on time.

 

[Lucky82061]

Most of the shows/parades will still be a go during light rain. If the rain gets heavier Disney will delay it as long as possible before saying that it is cancelled. They want to put on the show for everyone as much as everyone wants to see it. Fantasmic seems to be the one that gets cancelled first in terms of fireworks shows... but even that, they will pack the amphitheater and just keep announcing that it may be delayed/cancelled. They will only cancel it far in advance if they are 300% sure the rain will not let up or if there is lightning in the vicinity.

 

[Joanna71985]

Wishes will not be canceled. But the live entertainment (parades/shows) will be canceled if it is raining too hard, or if there is lightning in the area.

 

[MiniGirl]

Sorry this is off topic, but.......
Kimberly, I love your hurricane cloud Mickey ears. Those are the best.

 

[jaysue]

It was actually pretty fun. We just happened to catch it by chance as it went by. Got some good photos of characters. The song is addicting, and we were singing it as we slopped through the rain and puddles for the rest of the day!!

The memories that dreams and great trips are made of

Maybe one day we will get the same chance

Cheers
jaysue