If you’ve vacationed in Orlando before, you know how it goes—sunshine in the morning, then a sky-splitting thunderstorm by mid-afternoon. Well, guess what? That classic Central Florida summer pattern is officially back, and it’s already catching some Disney World guests off guard.
Earlier this week, visitors aboard the Disney Skyliner were in for more than just panoramic park views—they ended up stuck mid-air as a powerful thunderstorm rolled across the area. Lightning bolts were reportedly visible flashing frighteningly close to the gondola route, prompting fresh concerns over summer storm safety and travel plans at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Afternoon Thunderstorms? Welcome to Summer in Orlando
If you’re new to vacationing in Florida, here’s a crash course: from late May through early fall, rainstorms arrive like clockwork. Warm, muggy mornings turn into stormy afternoons—often with very little warning. You’ll hear thunder rumbling by lunchtime, see clouds building by 2 p.m., and likely find yourself scrambling for shelter by 3.
This is just how Florida weather works in the summer. But this week’s storms made a dramatic entrance, leading to some harrowing moments for parkgoers using the Skyliner.
Guests Suspended on the Skyliner During Lightning Storm
In a now widely shared post on the Facebook group Orlando Tips for Brits, a guest described being stuck in a Skyliner cabin during a severe storm. According to the post, lightning lit up the sky “right next to the cable line,” sparking understandable anxiety from those onboard.
While the Skyliner system does suspend service during storms with lightning or high winds, sometimes the weather arrives before all cabins can safely offload. Guests reported being safely evacuated once the system resumed, and no injuries were reported. But being stranded hundreds of feet in the air during an electrical storm? That’s a Disney memory no one wants.
Disney Clips Guy shared the photo of the skyliner stuck in the air during the major storm, taken from a guest in the actual skyliner itself.
Yesterday?
Yikes! This can’t be real!! pic.twitter.com/Zh6mWatoYr
— Disney Clips Guy (@disneytipsguy) May 26, 2025
Why Does the Skyliner Shut Down?
Disney’s gondola-style Skyliner is generally safe and beloved for its scenic efficiency, but it’s no match for Florida lightning. As a precaution, operations are paused whenever nearby lightning is detected. If you’re onboard when that happens, you may find yourself stuck for a short period while Cast Members wait for a safe window to resume service.
Each cabin is equipped with an emergency kit and ventilation windows, and Disney monitors conditions constantly—but the experience can still rattle even seasoned parkgoers.
Summer Storm Season Tips for Disney Visitors
Planning a summer trip to Orlando? Be ready to roll with the weather. Here’s what we recommend:
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Plan early park hours. Start your day early and take a midday break when the rain usually hits.
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Avoid the Skyliner between 2–6 p.m. This is prime thunderstorm time, so opt for buses or walking paths when possible.
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Don’t skip the poncho. It may feel dorky, but it’s better than spending $15 on a Disney one after you’re soaked.
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Use My Disney Experience app weather alerts. You’ll get warnings about approaching storms that can help you decide when to take shelter.
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Know Disney’s transportation game plan. Watercraft and Skyliner service may pause, but buses tend to run in all conditions.
A Wet and Wild Summer Ahead
Forecasts are pointing to a stormier-than-average summer in Central Florida this year, with increased lightning activity and short-but-severe afternoon downpours. If this week’s Skyliner incident is any indication, we’re just getting started.
But don’t cancel your trip just yet. Summer storms are a part of life in Orlando—and the parks are well-equipped to handle them. With a little planning and a flexible mindset, you can still enjoy a magical (if occasionally wet) Disney vacation.
Just maybe keep your feet on the ground after 2 p.m.
