Though Walt Disney World may feel like a magical place far from reality, unfortunately, when central Florida gets hit with severe weather, the resort has to act. Generally, this means being prepared for thunderstorms, tornadoes, and of course, hurricanes.
However, there is a lesser-known weather condition that has begun affecting operations at the resort that visitors might not immediately know is even happening: drought. And while the effects currently being felt around the resort are relatively minor, there could be some big changes on the horizon if Central Florida doesn’t get some substantial rainfall soon.
Drought, Walt Disney World, and the current Central Florida burn ban
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando has only gotten two inches of rain since the new year and is currently in its second driest stretch from Jan. 1 to April 5 since the late 1800s. The Drought Monitor also shows 55 percent of Florida is under severe drought now, up from 20 percent at the start of this year and less than 1 percent last year at this time. Combine the dry conditions with the state’s record temperatures in the 90s, and you’ve got what could be a very dangerous situation at theme parks.
Currently, the resort, as well as the larger Orange, Osceola, and other surrounding counties, are under an open flame burn ban. This means that guests are prohibited from using sparklers, firepits, or grills on Disney property, even those that are connected to their resort. All activities involving an open flame have also been immediately modified to not include fire as well.
This mostly affects the Fort Wilderness campground, where all campsites have a firepit area as well as outdoor grills. However, other resorts like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort that have fire pit areas have also been affected by the burn ban. And while the slight modification of activities may not affect guests too much in the short term, further changes could be made in the near future if central Florida doesn’t get some rain soon.
Walt Disney World has modified its fireworks shows in the past due to drought conditions
Just as fireworks shows are modified when there are severe weather conditions like rain, lightning, or wind, Disney can also modify fireworks shows due to drought conditions. In 2017, which was another dry year in Central Florida, Disney changed the sizes of types of fireworks it used in its parks in an effort to help mitigate the risk of nearby brush fires.
This move was met with some criticism at the time, as firefighter union representatives said that they needed to keep watch for long hours to ensure that there were no fires. Firefighters also encouraged Disney to clear out brush and install sprinklers in wooded areas to help further decrease fire risk.
Some even said that Disney continuing their nightly fireworks show was a violation of the larger burn ban (which was similar to the one in effect now). However, according to WFTV, fireworks displays are specifically exempt from the burn ban, as long as the correct permits have been filed.
Though there were some reported flare-ups that year which resulted in outside help being needed to quell fires on Disney property in 2017, the drought period that year largely passed without incident, and no fireworks were canceled due to dry conditions. However, that could change in 2023, especially if this historic drought last for much longer.
Could nightly fireworks shows at Walt Disney World be suspended due to fire risk? It has happened twice before
Though nightly fireworks are still happening at Walt Disney World’s theme parks, if conditions continue to get worse, we may eventually see the suspension of pyrotechnic nighttime entertainment. Disney has a comprehensive fire safety program that includes strict guidelines that help minimize the risk of fire, even in dry conditions, thanks in part to the use of flame-retardant materials as well as fallout areas that are monitored by firefighters. Disney works closely with local fire departments to ensure that they are aware of the schedule and location of fireworks shows and can quickly respond if there are any issues.
However, despite all of the safety measures in place, if conditions are such that there is a legitimate fire risk, it is possible that fireworks shows could be modified to not include pyrotechnics, like a projection-only Happily Ever After or Fantasmic! without the sparklers or fire on the lake. However, if the situation is deemed too extreme, or the shows are not able to be performed without the pyrotechnics, they could simply be outright canceled.
Though this may sound a little strange, Walt Disney World has actually suspended fireworks shows in the past due to drought conditions. In 1998, a severe drought led to water restrictions and concerns about fire hazards. As a result, Disney temporarily suspended its nightly fireworks shows. In 2007, the park also canceled some of its fireworks shows due to a drought that affected the area. Though it has been over a decade since Disney has had to stop its fireworks shows due to drought conditions, this is a historic dry period for central Florida, and drastic actions may end up being necessary, especially with high temperatures making conditions worse.
While the magic of Walt Disney World may seem impervious to the outside world, severe weather conditions such as drought can affect operations at the resort. As central Florida faces record temperatures and a severe lack of rainfall, Disney has already implemented an open flame ban, and further action may be taken if conditions get too extreme.
The safety of guests, employees, and the surrounding environment is of utmost importance to the resort, and they have a comprehensive fire safety program in place to minimize risks. Though Disney has suspended fireworks shows in the past due to drought conditions, this is a historic dry period for central Florida, and it remains to be seen if drastic actions will be necessary to ensure the safety of all involved.
