Weather - Lightning and Rides?

[quinda]

I just got back from university, and strangely enough, my tutor used Walt Disney in a lecture about business management, and told a few stories about his trips to Orlando.

He said that the state is very prone to lightning, and they close the high rides if the lightning is within 10KM of a park - is this true? What happens if you're on a ride when they decide to close it? Do people panic?

Has anyone been there when there has been lighting? If so, how did the staff handle it?

[rsteven]

Wow, I'd not be wanting to be on top when a storm cuts through the area. Sure way to add to the effects of being scared.

I wonder if Walt Disney Orlando has adequate shelter for accomodating every single visitor inside the park if the need arose. Everyone may need to run indoors at the same time, is there enough space for this all at once?

[quinda]

I think they probably do have quite a bit of shelter if that is a normal occurrence in the area.

I still wouldn't want it to happen while I was there though - it would kinda ruin the day

It would be interesting to know how often bad weather hit. I'll be watching weather forecasts online for the area quite avidly now!

[bustour]

That would be a real drag if lightning came through on the day you're visiting. There policy in bold letters if this happens: As a reminder, the registration fees are non-refundable
and non-transferable.
You're just out of luck. But I agree, I wouldn't want to be on one of those rides if lightning was around.

[Hypnotique]

They would have to shut down the rides to ensure the safety of the park visitors. Once lightning is close enough to any ride, they are usually shut down. I used to work for an amusement park here and have been a supervisor with a carnival that does state fairs within the United States. This goes for water parks as well, once lightning is seen in the sky, the rides are shut down. It sucks, but at least you aren't getting fried on a ride. :P

[Lucien]

Wherever there is lightning, there is probably rain too. This would definently ruin your day especially if it was in the daytime. I feel verry sorry if this would happen to you. And yes, if someone got hurt on a ride because of lightning, I am sure Walt Disney is liable to pay you for damages.