You may want to reconsider if you’re counting on these attractions to complete your Animal Kingdom experience.
If you’ve ever been to Florida in the summer, you probably know what’s coming: rain. Not just a light drizzle—full-on afternoon downpours that can pop up fast and stick around just long enough to soak everything. It’s part of the deal when visiting Disney World between June and September. And at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, that rain can do more than dampen your socks—it can close down two major rides in a flash.
Don’t Count on These Attractions
Expedition Everest is one of Animal Kingdom’s biggest thrill rides. It sends guests flying through the Himalayas on a high-speed coaster that dips, dives, and even goes backward. Since so much of the track is outdoors and exposed, the ride shuts down quickly for safety when rain gets too heavy or lightning is nearby.
Kali River Rapids is a water ride, but that doesn’t mean it can handle some nasty Florida weather. This raft-style attraction already gets you drenched, but if the rain gets too intense—or lightning’s in the area—the ride shuts down temporarily. Too much water on the course can mess with the flow, and Disney isn’t about to risk that.
These closures are pretty routine during Florida’s summer storm season. The good news? They’re often temporary. Once the lightning clears and the rain eases up, both rides usually come back online fairly quickly. Still, if you’re rope-dropping Animal Kingdom with these rides at the top of your list, it’s smart to hit them early—before those classic Florida afternoon storms roll in.
Seeking Shelter?
Thankfully, Animal Kingdom has plenty of attractions that stay open rain or shine. You won’t be stuck with nothing to do just because of a little bad weather.
Avatar Flight of Passage is a must-ride and completely indoors. This immersive simulator puts you on the back of a banshee flying through Pandora’s landscapes, and the rain outside won’t affect your journey at all.
Na’vi River Journey, also in Pandora, is another all-indoor attraction—slow, calming, and perfect for escaping the weather.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug! is a quirky 3D show inside the Tree of Life.
DINOSAUR is a dark ride through prehistoric chaos, also fully sheltered. Now would be the time to catch this 27-year-old attraction before it closes to make way for the new Indiana Jones ride.
Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! are two Broadway-style shows that run throughout the day. Both are performed in large, covered theaters with air conditioning (bonus!). Even on sunny days, these are great stops—on rainy days, they’re absolute lifesavers.
And if you’re just looking to temporarily get out of the rain, there are plenty of nearby gift shops and food spots offer shelter—and snacks. Just know you may have a lot of company also seeking shelter.
A Few Outdoor Experiences That Might Stick Around
Some outdoor experiences—like Kilimanjaro Safaris or the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail—can stay open in light rain. In fact, animal sightings sometimes get better in cooler, wet weather. Just throw on a poncho and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
Summer storms at Disney World are practically guaranteed, especially in the afternoons. And while Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids are two of the first attractions to go down in wet weather, there’s still a whole world of adventure waiting. The trick is to be flexible, pack your rain gear, and embrace the unpredictability. Sometimes, a rainy day ends up being one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
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