Water park question - thunderstorms

[twinmomto3boys]

Sorry if this has been posted before, but I was wondering...

What happens during a thunderstorm at the water parks. Do they empty the pools during lightning? We are going in May/June and I have read that thunderstorms blow through nearly every day. Thanks for any information.

 

[buzz2400]

If they hear thunder in the distance they will pull everyone out of the water. Remember that rainstorms don't last very long there. One time when we were there there was a thunder and lightening storm. We decided to pack up our things and leave since there really is no place to hang out there when it storms, some people did find shelter and wait it out. They will not let people enter the water until the storm passes. If you are at TL you can always leave and go to the marketplace which is right down the road and then come back when the storm passes.

 

[grinningghost]

We always go in summer and have run into this everytime we visited a water park. It always amazed me how long they let things go on before they close them. Even if it gets really dark and you just know it's going to storm, you can continue riding the slides. They really wait until the last minute when it starts lightning and thundering and pouring. Unfortunately, the water parks at WDW don't offer much shelter from rain. We've learned that as soon as those darker clouds start rolling in, we head for the exit.

Best bet is to get to the water parks at opening time, when the weather is good and get in as much as you can before the storms roll in. Generally, by then, you've covered alot of territory and are ready for some lunch anyway. Have fun!

 

[Safari Steve]

WDW uses radar and weather satellite information to keep track of storms on property. The decision to halt operation during storms is up to park managers. If I remember correctly, this is the "rain check" policy.
If the water park is closed for the rest of the day due to lightning (rain never closes a park) and prior to closing the park was only open less than 2 hours, all guests in the park will recieve a one-day pass for another day at that park. Usually, thunderstorms (which are frequent in the summer... generally daily) are only passing. The parks have enough emergency shelter for everyone, but if the storm is long or you get bored, head to Downtown Disney or back to your resort for a while. The park will resume operation as soon as the lightning is a safe distance away.

 

[erinch]

we find that a great time to go to water parks is after "the" afternoon storm, which clears out the park. we've found we can get on many more slides in the last 2 hours after a storm than the whole rest of the day

 

[twinmomto3boys]

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate this great information!

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

When we were at TL in 1996, a storm blew in around 2:00. We had already been at the park at least 3 hours. We were issued a rain check, then the storm quickly cleared. We were just leaving the property, so we turned right around and went back.

They let us in without having to use our raincheck.

And yes, the park was close to empty for the rest of the day. It was WONDERFUL.

 

[jimmybop]

if a storm is coming they will make an annoncement saying there is a thunderstorm warning. They do have a radar screen right at the park itself (i've seen it in person when i was working there) and they know when to shut the rides down. there is a roof at most of the food stands and scarded pivillion roofs over picnic tables in the park. Lots of people will leave if it lasts for more then a1/2 hour, but if u stick it out, the lines will be very short