I hope everyone is staying safe out there. Today, I braved Hurricane Helene and spent the morning in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There wasn’t much going on due to the weather, but the soggy morning did lead to low crowds.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
When I got to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this morning the weather was still fairly calm. Hurricane Helene would eventually impact operational schedules for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort in the afternoon and evening.
My first stop was Discovery Trading Post to put on my rain jacket. Inside Discovery Trading Post, I saw the create-your-own headband collection. Unfortunately the “Inside Out 2” characters still haven’t made their way into the parks, but the “Nightmare Before Christmas” characters are available.
Low Attraction Wait Times
After putting on my rain jacket, I walked over to Pandora – The World of Avatar to see what the wait times were like for Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage. They were VERY low. The weather scared off the normal crowds leaving Na’vi River Journey at only 15 minutes and Flight of Passage at 35 minutes at park opening.
Drums Refurbished
I also noticed that they finally cleaned and replaced the drums in Pandora. When I visited today, they weren’t turned on so they weren’t interactive. It’s still nice to see Disney cleaning up some of these details that matter to the guest experience. No one wants to play a drum covered in gunk.
Kali River Rapids
Kali River Rapids doesn’t open until 9 a.m., an hour after the park opens. I was surprised to see so many people waiting in line for a water ride before it even opened on a day like today. I prefer being dry, so I certainly wasn’t riding Kali River Rapids this morning. Would you ride Kali River Rapids on a rainy day? Let me know in the comments.
Dinosaur
There were no major changes in the Dinosaur area. I think this space is aesthetically pleasing, but if Disney sticks to the concept art they showed most recently for the reimagining of this area the changes will make it even nicer.
Marley Morning
I said good morning to my favorite Disney Crocodile, Marley. Marley is from Jamaica so he’s pretty used to the tropical weather.
Dug and Russell
On my way out of DinoLand, I watched Dug run up to a grownup Russell for a morning walk. It was so precious, I almost exploded. These are the moments that remain special to me in the Disney Parks.
Hurricane Preparation
The only real hurricane preparation I saw in Animal Kingdom today was umbrellas being zip-tied down everywhere.
Rainforest Cafe
I knew that the weather was going to turn soon, and it took everything in me not to dip into the Rainforest Cafe, but I pressed on to explore Hollywood Studios.
To Disney’s Hollywood Studios
I really expected the sky to fall on the drive over to Hollywood Studios this morning, but it managed to hold it together until I arrived. I, unfortunately, did not get very close parking in either park today so it was an anxiety inducing brisk walk to and from the car.
Entrance
BAH HUMBUG. I knew I was gonna get played by one of these random bands of tropical terror. I am not made of sugar, so luckily I did not melt, but I swear the rain waited for me to get far enough away from my car to not turn back. Let me tell you, as a Floridian, there are rainy days, and then there are moments where the sky falls and there’s no escaping.
This is a sky fall moment. Here’s a short clip of the entrance of Hollywood Studios. You can literally see the waves of rain flooding in.
Even prepared in my rainboots and jacket, I still got soaked. My shorts looked more like swim shorts, and my rain boots had tiny puddles on their own. I took off my shoes later and literally dumped water out of them.
Here Comes the Sun
In just enough time for me to find shelter, the rain stopped, the sun emerged, and everyone continued about their day like nothing ever happened.
Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge was fairly quiet this morning. I think this land is particularly beautiful when it’s wet and just dark enough for the lights to come on.
There was nothing new going on in the market of Galaxy’s Edge, but I do wish they would open a lamp stand. I love the different lamps they use in this space.
Facade Failure
I noticed that the facade near the entrance of Galaxy’s Edge was a little messed up. The window on the top floor, second from the right, has the blinds drawn just enough to show that the backside is entirely open.
The middle floor window, second from the left, is open. The curtains are torn and wet, whipping in the rain.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! was closed today due to the weather, but Cast Members were kind enough to manage the space as a shelter from the rain.
Good Morning Gertie
Since I work for WDWNT, I had to say good morning to our girl Gertie. She seemed totally unbothered by the storms. To be fair, she has seen many before.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid Signs
DISNEY, I beg, please refurbish and replace the Voyage of the Little Mermaid signs or remove them entirely. They look horrible. Since my last visit, the scrim behind the main entrance figures has only ripped more. Maybe this storm will be enough to force Disney to do something about it.
Peep the hidden Mickey in the bubble in the top left pic. It’s one of Nana’s favorites.
Hurricane Preparation
Hollywood Studios also locked down all of their umbrellas with zip ties. This is pretty common practice for Walt Disney World during rough weather. I did not see any other hurricane preparations during my visit this morning.
Bird of Paradise Flowers
I spotted these Bird of Paradise flowers near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster today. They’re making me look forward to the Flower and Garden Festival next year.
Adios!
There really isn’t much to report from the parks today other than Hurricane Helene coverage. I hope all those effected by this storm stay safe. I look forward to dryer days ahead.
Have you ever been to Walt Disney World during a natural disaster? Let me know your story in the comments below.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.