
It is no secret that it rains a lot in Walt Disney World during specific months. Typically if you are heading down between late June into the end of October you will probably experience some rain storms. We don’t want rain to ruin your magical day, so take note of these tips to help keep you dry and dancing in the rain during your next vacation.
1. Come prepared
First and foremost come prepared for rain if you are going during the rainy season. There are many ways to do this. Consider packing a small umbrella that will fit into your park bag and can be grabbed easily when a storm rolls in. Think about purchasing cheap rain ponchos at your local dollar store that you can wear and toss if you want. Another option is to purchase a nice rain jacket to keep overtime. If you have a stroller, invest in a rain cover to prevent it from getting soaked while you are riding rides to stay out of the rain. These are all ways to help you be a step ahead when you arrive at Walt Disney World.
2. Extra shoes
This is such an important step when it comes to not letting the rain ruin a trip. Although tennis shoes are great for all the walking in the parks, they can be terrible when it comes to rain storms. It can take days for tennis shoes to dry out which means you could be walking in wet shoes if you don’t have backup. If you choose to wear tennis shoes in the parks (which is always a good idea), make sure to bring some sandals to wear when it rains or at least have an extra pair of shoes for everyone back at the resort. Having protection for your feet will keep everyone happy during the trip.
3. Know your options
Even though rain and storms can shut down some rides, there is still a lot to do in the rain at the parks. Make sure you know ahead of time what some of your options are at each park when the rain comes down. Here are a few of those options in each of the parks:
- Magic Kingdom:
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Enchanted Tiki Room
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Haunted Mansion
- It’s a Small World
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Hollywood Studios:
- Tower of Terror
- Rock n Roller Coaster
- Lightning McQueen Racing Academy
- Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Star Wars: Rise of Resistance (**If you have a boarding group.)
- First Time in Forever- A Frozen Sing Along
- Star Tours
- Toy Story Mania
- Animal Kingdom:
- Festival of the Lion King
- A Bug’s Life
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- DINOSAUR
- Navi River Journey
- Epcot:
- Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Soarin’
- Living with the Land
- Spaceship Earth
- Films in the World Showcase Pavilions
- Grand Fiesta Tour
4. Pick Your Park
I know many plan their park days 6 months in advance. Park Pass Reservations and dining reservations push us to have a plan before we even show up In Orlando; however, having some flexibility will help when rain hits. Keep in mind, currently, you can’t park hop until after 2pm.
- Animal Kingdom is a rough park to be in when it is a rainy day. There isn’t a lot of coverage making it even harder to stay dry. If it looks like a big storm is coming, consider skipping Animal Kingdom for another park that offers more protection from the elements. Although this isn’t ideal, it can keep everyone from feeling frustrated.
- Magic Kingdom has the most rides in Disney overall and because of that offers the most rides when it is raining. These rides tend to be closer together as well making it easier to jump from ride to ride.
- Epcot has a lot of areas to explore making it a great option for the rain. Each of the countries have great stores and many have educational areas that can keep one busy in the rain.
- Hollywood Studios can be tricky. There is no cover back in Toy Story Land. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has some coverage. Walt Disney Presents and Star Wars Launch Bay offer large areas and a longer experience to keep you out of the rain longer.
5. Resort Hop
If you don’t care to be in the park at all during the storms, think about checking out some resorts. If you are at Magic Kingdom, jump on the monorail and check out the Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian. Animal Kingdom Lodge is unbelievable and has so much to see and do consider catching a bus to visit here on a rainy day. Visiting some resorts is a fun way to see more of Disney and maybe even find your next home away from home.
6. Grab a meal
Another way to get out of the rain is to grab a meal somewhere. There are a lot of great quick service locations throughout Disney that will allow you to stay dry. Again consider trying a meal at a nearby resort. These places tend to be less busy and have great options. In the mood for a drink? Disney has lounges throughout the parks and resorts that offer small plates and delicious drinks. Taking some time to slow down and enjoy a meal is a wonderful way to hang out with family and stay dry.
7. Disney Springs
Heading to Disney Springs is a way to avoid the rain as well. If you love to shop and have great food, this is the place for you. Get a drink, shop and enjoy a delicious meal throughout the many new and improved areas of Disney Springs. There are so many unique and fun options at Disney Springs, everyone is sure to find something they enjoy here. Movie fan? Think about checking out AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs 24 on a rainy day.
8. Stick it out
When it rains consider sticking it out at the park. The rain often drives people away leaving the park less busy. If you don’t mind getting a little wet jumping from one attraction to the next, you can take advantage of the shorter wait times for indoor attractions.
Don’t let rain ruin your magical vacation, instead take into your plan these tips and you will be ready and prepared when those raindrops start coming down.