Surprise Closures Hit Walt Disney World After Overnight Power Disruption

On a Friday morning in February, guests arriving at the Walt Disney World Resort were greeted with unexpected ride closures linked to an overnight power disruption.
Specifically, the failure affected operations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, rendering two of the park’s most prominent attractions, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, inoperable for much of the morning. The cause was attributed to a planned power outage that occurred overnight, but the impact extended well into the day. Notifications regarding this maintenance were communicated to guests, albeit some patrons were caught off guard by the disruption.

Planned maintenance outages at Disney parks are not uncommon; however, this particular incident highlighted how even scheduled work could lead to unanticipated inconveniences for park visitors. During the downtime, cast members at the park managed guest expectations, informing them that both attractions would resume operations as soon as possible. Although technical issues occasionally arise, particularly in a place as large and complex as Walt Disney World Resort, the combination of a planned power outage with ride closures created a ripple effect affecting guest experiences.

Impact on Popular Attractions

The outage had specific ramifications for popular attractions, most notably for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The former, which invites guests to join Mickey and Minnie on an animated adventure, and the latter, famous for its immersive storytelling and cutting-edge technology, are both high-demand experiences at the park. Reports indicated that while the disruptions were temporary, they did prevent many guests from enjoying what are considered essentials of a Hollywood Studios visit.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway remained closed for the majority of the morning, leaving fans of the cartoon characters disappointed. The highly anticipated Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which usually generates long lines and requires reservations, was similarly affected. Prolonged outages in attractions that rely on complex ride systems like these are often influenced by power fluctuations that necessitate additional safety checks before reopening, further delaying guests’ access.

The closures prompted many guests to seek alternatives; however, the innate appeal of these attractions lingered in their minds. While the duration of the temporary disruptions was an inconvenience, it was the knowledge that these innovative rides would eventually return that kept spirits somewhat lifted among the visitor crowd.

Guest Reactions and Experiences

As the gates opened at Hollywood Studios, the air was thick with anticipation. Yet, upon learning that Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance were both closed due to a power outage, the mood shifted dramatically. Guests expressed disappointment and frustration, particularly those who had traveled specifically to experience the rides. One guest shared:

One of the cast members mentioned there was a power outage last night. Mickeys railway and rise of resistance never opened today!

Sucks for us, was my main reason for this trip!

Power outage
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Thankfully, both rides were able to reopen and are now currently operating. With the power fully restored, visitors at Hollywood Studios could enjoy the world of Mickey and Minnie once more, as well as plunge into the epic stories of the Star Wars universe without further interruptions. The brief bout of Disney ride closures no longer loomed over guests, as they collectively resumed their journey into the magical realms that define Walt Disney World Resort.