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Performance Suspended as Severe Storms Sweep Walt Disney World

This summer has brought a seemingly endless string of rainy days to Walt Disney World Resort, affecting operations and guest experiences across its four theme parks. Visitors and staff alike have faced a challenging season as frequent downpours and thunderstorms have disrupted plans and altered the usual sunny ambiance of the iconic destination.

Since June, Central Florida has experienced an unusually high volume of rain, with heavy showers and storms becoming a regular occurrence. The persistent weather pattern has led to the temporary closure of several outdoor attractions and has forced multiple cancellations of popular shows and parades, including the highly anticipated Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park.

cinderella castle, storm, warning sign
Credit: Disney, Canva

Rainy Day Closures

Fans of the beloved nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! were met with disappointment as heavy rain over the past two days led to the cancellation of the highly anticipated shows. The downpour, which hit hard on September 9 and continued into September 10, rendered the outdoor performance area unsuitable for performance.

Walt Disney World’s Fantasmic! is a mesmerizing nighttime show that takes place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This majestic spectacle combines water effects, fireworks, music, and beloved Disney characters to create an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.

Fantasmic at Walt Disney World with Steamboat Willie
Credit: Disney

The show follows the journey of Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, leading viewers through his vivid imagination filled with stunning visuals and magical moments. As the story unfolds, guests are taken on a whimsical adventure featuring vibrant projections on water screens, pyrotechnics lighting up the sky, and larger-than-life Disney characters coming to life before their eyes.

As the rain fell heavily on Monday evening, and despite hopes that the weather might clear, the conditions remained unfavorable for the duration of the night. With safety being a top priority, Disney officials made the decision to cancel the performances, much to the dismay of eager guests who had been looking forward to experiencing the magic of Fantasmic!

Fans who had traveled from near and far to catch the show were visibly upset as the news spread. Many took to social media to express their heartbreak and share their disappointment.

Related: Guests Witness Shocking Scene During Fantasmic!

Can’t believe this happened 2 nights in a row
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Magic Persists, Despite Rain Closures

The cancellation is a semi-rare setback for Fantasmic!, which is known for its dramatic and immersive experience, which includes a mix of live-action, animation, and special effects. The show, which has been a staple at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for years, typically draws large crowds and is a key attraction for the park.

Disney is surely working diligently to ensure that future performances will go off without a hitch, weather permitting. In the meantime, park-goers are encouraged to enjoy other attractions and entertainment options available at Hollywood Studios.

Character in a red outfit and yellow bow tie with black ears and white gloves, holding sparklers with arms outstretched. Against a dark, starry sky filled with fireworks, the scene comes alive like a Fantasmic! performance.
Credit: Disney

This has not been the first cancellation of Fantasmic! due to weather-related issues, and it will likely not be the last. Guests can prepare themselves for the possibility of closures by looking at the region’s daily weather reports.

As the rain continues to clear, fans remain hopeful for a return of Fantasmic! in the near future. Disney has promised updates as soon as they are available and continues to monitor weather conditions closely to prevent further disruptions.

Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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