Disney World and Universal Slammed by Flood Threat as Government Issues Emergency Weather Alert

Orlando theme park fans are battling more than long lines and summer heat this week. A full-on Flood Watch has taken over Central Florida, drenching Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and the surrounding areas in what some guests are calling a “waterlogged nightmare.”

Issued Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the National Weather Service placed Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Volusia, and Brevard counties under a Flood Watch until 8 p.m. ET, citing dangerous levels of rainfall, clogged drainage, and a possible risk of rising creeks, urban street flooding, and soggy chaos at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

So what’s causing this mess? Blame it on Invest 93L — a rogue system stirring up tropical trouble all the way from the Atlantic and across the Florida peninsula. And the theme parks? They’re right in the eye of the disruption.

Mickey, Meet Mother Nature

Forget afternoon thunderstorms — this isn’t your typical 3 p.m. summer drizzle. According to meteorologists, 2 to 5 inches of rain is expected across the next 24-48 hours, soaking everything from Cinderella Castle to Hogsmeade’s rooftops.

For guests at Walt Disney World, that means:

• Outdoor rides like Test Track, Slinky Dog Dash, and Expedition Everest are seeing rolling closures.

• Character cavalcades, fireworks, and castle shows could be delayed or canceled altogether.

• Waterlogged pathways, especially in older park sections, have guests tiptoeing through puddles deep enough to ruin sneakers.

• Even Skyliner and boat transportation options are being paused intermittently due to high winds and lightning alerts.

At Universal Orlando, guests report similar problems. One family on social media posted footage of employees scrambling to sweep away standing water near the entrance to Jurassic Park River Adventure.

The Unwelcome Guest: Invest 93L

It’s not a hurricane — at least, not yet. But Invest 93L, a low-pressure system that spun off Florida’s east coast, is acting like one. As it drifts toward the Gulf, it’s dragging buckets of tropical moisture with it and pummeling the central part of the state.

Even though the storm is not expected to strengthen until it reaches warmer Gulf waters later in the week, Florida is already feeling the punch — and Orlando is stuck in the soggy center.

Rain totals are stacking up faster than Genie+ Lightning Lane reservations on Christmas Day.

The Forecast: Wet, Wild, and Miserable

By midday Tuesday, guests at Disney World were trading mouse ears for ponchos and running from lightning strikes more than ride queues.

One visitor joked on TikTok that they’d experienced more drops from the sky than on Tower of Terror.

Theme park apps like My Disney Experience and Universal’s official app have been pushing alerts throughout the day, warning guests of ride closures and weather delays. Several guests at EPCOT reported that The Seas With Nemo & Friends queue was overflowing — not with people, but with rainwater.

Meanwhile, over at Magic Kingdom, the hub between Main Street and Cinderella Castle turned into a wading pool. Splash Mountain may be gone, but its spirit lives on… on the sidewalks.

Will the Parks Close?

Historically, Disney and Universal don’t close for rain — but certain weather conditions will cause shutdowns of specific attractions, especially anything with outdoor loading or elevated tracks.

That includes:

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

• Flight of Passage (if lightning strikes nearby)

• Dumbo and Astro Orbiter

• VelociCoaster and The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Transportation can also be impacted. Skyliner service is notoriously sensitive to lightning, and ferry boats between Magic Kingdom and the Transportation & Ticket Center may pause for guest safety.

There’s no word yet on full park closures, but if the Flood Watch escalates to a Flood Warning, Disney and Universal have been known to cancel nighttime shows or encourage guests to leave early.

Orlando Airport Feeling the Storm, Too

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is also reporting delays and gate shuffles due to the weather system. Guests flying in for summer vacations — or trying to flee the soggy scene — may want to check their airline apps regularly.

The ripple effect on Magical Express replacements, rideshares, and shuttles is already being felt. Drivers are navigating road flooding in Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista, especially near hotel zones.

It’s Not All Bad News… But It’s Close

The silver lining? Shorter lines… if you don’t mind getting soaked. Many families are retreating to indoor experiences like:

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic

• Carousel of Progress

• Spaceship Earth

• The Bourne Stuntacular

Some guests are even turning it into a game — trying to see how many indoor attractions they can hit before their socks are completely waterlogged.

Final Forecast: Pack the Ponchos and Stay Flexible

This week was supposed to be a sunny, character-filled summer dream for thousands. Instead, it’s looking more like a Splash Zone — everywhere.

If you’re planning to brave the parks during the Flood Watch, do yourself a favor: grab waterproof shoes, backup outfits, and make peace with the fact that your planned 10-minute wait for Peter Pan’s Flight might turn into an indoor marathon of hiding from lightning in Columbia Harbour House.

Or, as one soaked guest put it on Instagram: “I came for the magic, stayed for the monsoon.”

Stay dry out there, theme park fans — this summer’s shaping up to be anything but predictable.