A routine monorail ride toward EPCOT turned into a lengthy ordeal on September 8, 2026, when a lightning strike reportedly knocked out power to one of Walt Disney World's EPCOT-line trains. Passengers found themselves stuck aboard the stopped monorail for close to two hours while the situation was resolved.
As the wait stretched on, guests were instructed to remove windows from the train to allow for ventilation — a far cry from the climate-controlled ride the EPCOT monorail line normally provides between the Transportation and Ticket Center and the park. One passenger, TikTok user Tanya, documented the experience in videos showing both the stopped train and the window-removal process.
Central Florida thunderstorms are a well-known part of summer life in the region, and lightning can temporarily knock out outdoor attractions and other operations across Walt Disney World. A nearly two-hour delay aboard a stationary train, however, goes well beyond the typical weather-related inconvenience, and for guests with dining reservations or other timed plans inside EPCOT, the stoppage likely had ripple effects throughout the rest of their day.
Once passengers were finally able to exit the monorail, Disney reportedly provided each guest with a $50 gift card. The compensation drew additional attention online after a second TikTok surfaced showing what guests received once the situation concluded.
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The incident is a useful reminder that even a short hop on Disney transportation is worth building a time buffer around — most rides go smoothly, but Florida weather doesn't follow a park itinerary. This story was first reported by Disney Fanatic.
