Chances are, it’s going to rain at least once while you’re in Walt Disney World.
Although we’ve been lucky enough to not get rained out every single day, it’s always good to be prepared for it, just in case it does.
That Florida weather can sure be unpredictable.
Surviving The Rain At Walt Disney World
Make Sure You Are Prepared With The Essentials
Ponchos
For maximum convenience, we tend to go with ponchos. They are portable, easy to throw on over your clothes, and we feel like it’s easier to maneuver our way around the Parks.
They’re not the most fashion forward attire, but they do help keep you from getting completely soaked.
Pro Tip: Ziplock bags are one of those items we always pack when we travel to Walt Disney World. Once we take off our ponchos, we throw them in bags to keep the inside of our backpack dry. Once we get back to the Resort, we hang them up to dry, so they’re ready to go the next time we’re stuck in a rainstorm.
Umbrella
If you prefer to bring an umbrella, I would recommend a nice small, compact one.
Since you will have to carry it around all day, you will want to consider how easy it will be to carry around and get in and out of ride vehicles.
And if you can, bring an extra bag to stick your wet umbrella in, so you don’t get everything in your Disney Park bag all wet.
Rain Jacket
Rain Jackets are great if you want something sturdier, less disposable, and in my opinion, looks better than a poncho.
Know What Attractions May Close Due To Rain / Lightning
Some rides can’t function properly when it rains too hard or there is lightning in the area. Knowing which attractions have the potential for closing temporarily can save you some heartache and wasted time.
What happens if an attractions closes during your Fastpass window?
If your attraction closes during your Fastpass window, you will get a “rain check” to be redeemed any time during the day. It will show up in your My Disney Experience App as a “Multiple Experiences” Fastpass.
All you need to do is show up at an attraction when you’re ready to scan your new fastpass. Just make sure to check the App beforehand to see which Attractions you can use it for.
Which Attractions have the potential to close during a rain/lightning storm?
Magic Kingdom
- Splash Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Jungle Cruise
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Dumbo The Flying Elephant
- Liberty Cruise Riverboat
- Astro Orbiter
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Happily Ever After
Epcot
- Test Track
- Illuminations
Hollywood Studios
- Fantasmic
- Slinky Dog Dash
Animal Kingdom
- Kali River Rapids
- Expedition Everest
- Primeval Whirl
- River of Lights
Be Flexible with your plans
Grab something to eat
Luckily, Florida rain showers usually don’t last too long. Stopping for a bite to eat, even if it’s just a snack, could kill just enough time for the rain to let up while you’re munching away.
Take this as an opportunity to try some new restaurants (or old favorites) as you wait out the rain.
Hop in line for an indoor attraction
While there are some attractions that close down when it’s raining, there are many more rides that do not close since they are inside. Just find the closest one and hop in line (Bonus if the queue is also inside!).
Pro Tip: My favorite place to be while it’s raining is in The Land Pavilion in EPCOT. Not only is it the home of Soarin’ Around the World (one of my favorites!), you can also ride Living With The Land, and get something to eat at either Sunshine Seasons Food Court or The Garden Grill without ever leaving the building.
See a Show
There are so many great shows to see around Walt Disney World. Most of them are indoors, so you have a chance to get off your feet for a little while and enjoy the air conditioning.
Shows typically run between 15 and 40 minutes, so you may be inside long enough for the rain to stop before the show lets out.
Go Shopping
We don’t exactly need an excuse to go shopping for souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home. But, since you have time, use the rain as an excuse to do some shopping.
The stores do get busy during the rain, though, so be prepared for lines at the registers.
Go Swimming!
When the rain starts letting up, consider heading towards the pool or one of the 2 Water Parks.
Guests tend to run for the hills when it starts raining. So, if you start heading towards the water, you will get ample space to move around in the pools and Water Parks.
As long as there is no thunder or lightning, water rides will remain open when it’s lightly raining. You’re wet anyway, so a little rain isn’t going to hurt you.
Naptime
A Disney Vacation is exhausting!
Take a nap midday, while it’s raining, so you can be refreshed when you go back into the parks for those Extra Magic Hours!
**This post contains Affiliate Links. By purchasing through the link, we may receive a small commission. It does not cost you anything, but it does ensure that we can keep on going, so thank you**
