Rain can put a damper on your day, however at a Disney park even a rainy day can be magical. In fact, a rainy day can actually be a great time to explore Disney parks (learn more on point #3). Weather is one thing on a Disney vacation that cannot be controlled, instead know what to do.
Plus, after rain sometimes comes a rainbow! Photo above was captured in Magic Kingdom, May 2018.
1. Be Prepared
Rain day gear includes: ponchos or umbrellas, extra pair of sneakers & socks (or consider packing a pair of flip flops to change into), Ziploc bags (to keep electronics dry) and sweatshirts or rain jackets are a good idea as well. Even if the weather is warm, guests will feel the chill after getting wet from rain (and then walking into air-conditioned areas). For guests with strollers, consider a stroller cover. Being prepared for the rain before it happens, means not having to run for cover! Prior to a vacation to Disney, I always head to the Dollar Tree.
2. Grab A Bite To Eat
When it starts to sprinkle, instead of leaving the park, grab a bite to eat. Disneyland and Disney World have a variety of restaurants for all tastes, have a full meal or just stop by for an appetizer or dessert! Quick Service restaurants are your best bet for last minute dining. Luckily, there are many to take shelter, read just a couple of great options now. Flo’s V8 Café is a great casual quick service option in Disney California Adventure park offering American foods. At Pandora – World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom, guests can try unique flavors in healthier dishes, while staying dry with plenty of indoor seating.
3. Ride Again
When it starts to rain, many guests will clear out of the parks. However, the guests prepared for rain will stay (like you!). Therefore, rain usually means shorter lines for select attractions. Use My Disney Experience App or Disneyland App to check the wait times for current attractions. Then, ride your favorite more than once! Raining heavily? Just hop back in line for your favorite indoor attraction! For Disney World guests, read the best to worst Disney World Parks to visit in the rain. Magic Kingdom wins for the most available indoor attractions.
4. Enjoy Indoor Attractions, Shows & Characters
Here are the 15 best Disney World attractions to head to when it rains. At Disneyland in the rain? Read the list of indoor Disneyland attractions offered. Both parks offer some of my favorite indoor attractions including: Soarin’ (Epcot or Disney California Adventure park) and Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Park). Or, catch a show such as Frozen – Live at the Hyperion (Disney California Adventure park) or Festival of the Lion King (Animal Kingdom) and many more. There are also many meet & greets with Characters indoors to consider as well. Some attractions will close in the rain however, much of the parks will remain open as usual. One outdoor rainy day exclusive can be found at Magic Kingdom, the Rainy Day Cavalcade.
5. Shop For Souvenirs
Both Disneyland Resort and Disney World have plenty of shops in the parks to keep guests dry while they browse. Consider using the time while it rains to complete your souvenir shopping. For those staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, keep your purchases dry with Merchandise Pick up and delivery. This saves guests from having to carry items around, (check out longer than 48 hours to utilize), your items will be sent to your resort’s gift shop.
photo credit: Thanks Sara A.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.