Overview

• At about 6:01 PM on August 5, lightning struck the highest spire of Cinderella Castle even though skies appeared clear
• No injuries or structural damage have been reported at Magic Kingdom following the unusual strike
• Cast members promptly suspended outdoor attractions—including Astro Orbiter, Dumbo and Jungle Cruise—until a nearby thunderstorm passed
• Walt Disney World’s network of lightning rods and dedicated weather‐monitoring team safely redirected the bolt and tracked evolving conditions
• The National Weather Service emphasized that lightning can travel up to 12 miles from a storm, dispelling the myth that clear skies guarantee safety