A “Code 101” is BAD NEWS in Disney World. Here’s What It Means.

Disney4me · March 31, 2023

Are you hip to all the Disney lingo?

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Rise of the Resistance

From the plethora of acronyms you’ll need to understand while planning your Disney vacation to the hidden Swahili details you’ll find in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney World is filled with other languages, codes, and slang that only the biggest Disney fans will understand. Sometimes, knowing these codes can even save you some trouble! If you’ve ever been to Disney World and heard “Code 101,” you might know what we’re talking about — and probably had to rethink your plans for the day.

It is fairly common for rides to have to shut down periodically throughout the day due to weather and unexpected problems. So, what happens when a ride needs to close? Typically, you’ll be able to see in the My Disney Experience app that the ride has been temporarily closed. If you are waiting in line when this happens, a Cast Member will also make an announcement for those waiting that the attraction is not currently running.

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Slinky Dog Dash during a temporary closure

But before the announcement is made or the app is updated, you may overhear cast members using “Code 101” to communicate amongst themselves that the ride has gone down unexpectedly. It’s a way for Disney to communicate a closure before they decide to announce the news to visitors. If you do overhear this code while waiting in line, it might be time to make a decision about whether you want to continue waiting in line or not.

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Tower of Terror

Because it’s not uncommon for rides to temporarily shut down throughout the day, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place to mitigate the setbacks. If outdoor coasters are an important stop in your Disney day, for example — keep an eye on the forecast! Many of these rides will not stay open if there is severe weather in the area, so make sure you get in line for these rides while the weather is clear.

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Seven Dwarves Mine Train

Another way to prevent disappointment from these closures is to try to ride your must-dos early in the day. If you rely on riding your favorite attraction after the sun goes down, and then the ride experiences a closure — you might be out of luck. While it might be tempting to hold off on certain rides until the wait times go down later in the day, that could be a risky decision. You never know when a temporary closure can affect your favorite ride.

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Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster entrance

It’s never fun when your plans get derailed in Disney, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. We’ll continue to share all the latest Disney tips, so make sure to follow DFB for more!