Anaheim experienced an unexpected, torrential downpour Friday evening, significantly impacting operations and visitors at the local theme parks. The sudden rain led to the closure of rides, the cancellation of evening fireworks, and left many patrons drenched at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood advisory for Orange County, which includes Anaheim, on Friday. The advisory was in effect from 7:28 p.m. local time until 9:30 p.m., coinciding with the heavy rainfall.
Many individuals posting on social media expressed surprise at the storm, noting that rain was not anticipated for the day. While some visitors quickly sought shelter or headed to the parking lots, others remained in the parks, either prepared with rain gear or opting to experience the storm on what was described as a warm Southern California night.
Addison Zegan, 36, who manages the Disneylanders Instagram and Spotify accounts, was at California Adventure around 7 p.m. when thunder and lightning began. He subsequently moved to Disneyland to record the storm, where he encountered "the biggest California raindrops I’ve ever seen." Zegan shared a video depicting people wading through the Frontierland area of Disneyland as a cast member worked to clear a drain. He estimated that the heaviest part of the storm concluded around 7:45 p.m.
The unusual nature of the storm, particularly the thunder and lightning, garnered attention in the Los Angeles area, where such weather events are rare. The Los Angeles Times highlighted the event with a headline noting, "Torrential rains hit Orange County, send visitors scrambling for cover at Disneyland." The publication also linked the storm to expectations for the upcoming El Niño warming of the Pacific Ocean.
Despite the disruption, visitor reactions varied. Some social media users seemed largely unfazed by the sudden downpour. Fabian Bon, for example, shared a video on Facebook encouraging followers to embrace the rain, and posted a photo in front of Cinderella’s castle, suggesting there was "something magical about feeling the rain at Disneyland." Another parkgoer commented that a "flooded day at Disney is better than any sunny day anywhere else," indicating a positive outlook amidst the wet conditions.
