Disney has countless attractions the whole family can enjoy. But beware if you’re banking on these rides to make your day at Animal Kingdom.
You can plan out your Disney day down to the minute, but Animal Kingdom has a way of throwing curveballs—especially if your plans rely on two particular rides. The rain will certainly close them down, potentially for hours.
Timing Is Everything
During Florida summers, afternoon storms are basically guaranteed. They may be quick, but they’re fierce. If you want to experience these rides, the morning hours are your best bet. Rope drop them if you can. Otherwise, you might miss your window entirely.
It’s worth noting that closures usually aren’t all-day situations. Once the weather clears up, Disney often reopens the rides. Still, that doesn’t help much if your one-day Animal Kingdom plan gets thrown into chaos by a mid-afternoon thunderstorm.
When Thrills Turn Into Letdowns
Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids are two of the park’s headline attractions. They’re thrilling, they’re iconic, and unfortunately, they’re also notorious for closing without much warning, especially in the summer.
Expedition Everest, the high-speed roller coaster that races through the mountains, is as much an outdoor ride as it is a thrill machine. The track is fully exposed in several spots, which means even the slightest threat of lightning or heavy rainfall will bring it to a stop. If you’ve ever been in line and watched cast members close it off with a friendly smile and a “we’ll reopen when it’s safe,” you know the pain.
Then there’s Kali River Rapids. Yes, it’s a water ride. Yes, you’re supposed to get wet. But there’s a big difference between a controlled soak and an unpredictable storm. If it starts pouring—or if lightning is nearby—the ride pauses operations. It’s a common misunderstanding: guests assume because it’s already a water ride, it can handle anything. Not quite.
It’s Raining – Now What?
Luckily, Animal Kingdom has some amazing attractions that don’t rely on good weather. Avatar Flight of Passage is one of the most popular rides in all of Disney World, and it’s fully indoors. The same goes for Na’vi River Journey, a beautiful, slow-moving boat ride.
Then there are the shows. Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! are perfect rainy-day activities. Not only are they air-conditioned, but they offer impressive entertainment that’s just as good—if not better—than the rides themselves.
If you’ve never done DINOSAUR, now’s the time—it won’t be around much longer. It will soon close to make way for the new Indiana Jones Ride.
Some outdoor attractions tend to stay open in light rain, as well. Make sure to bring a poncho and check out the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Embrace the Unexpected
Rainy weather doesn’t have to wreck your day, but it does require a little flexibility. When those storm clouds roll in and Everest and Kali go down, don’t panic. There are still trails to explore, animals to watch, and popcorn to eat. Just know in advance that those two rides are the first to bail when things get wet—and plan accordingly.
