We were rained out..

[jaimebelle]

I had read that June was a rain season but this was unreal and although I'm sure there was some tropical reason for this rain but it still ruined the trip. It rained at noon everyday and on certain days for hours on end. Our second to last day it rained from 2pm until 10pm. When it wasn't raining it was overcast. For the entire trip there may have been 12 hours of sun.

Our trip was in Mid June, it's now July and I'm still so heartbroken! And worse, even with all the rain there were still terrible lines. And we were so cold on some days we had to return to the hotel for hot showers!! **tears** We tried to get on Test Track on 3 different days and it was closed! Does anyone know why this ride closes during the rain/after rain?

I just had to get that off of my chest!

Thanks,
Disapointed Disney Fan.. )=

[suevee]

I am so sorry about your trip. Last June it didn't rain to much at all and June 2000, it didn't rain at all! However, drought conditions existed then and maybe the last two years were unusual. Maybe June 2002 is more representative of "normal" June weather.:(

[Otimon]

So sorry to hear of your rained-out trip. I know how disappointed you must feel. To save and wait for a trip to Disney and then have it spoiled must have been heartbreaking for you.

Test Track is an indoor-outdoor attraction so it does close when it rains heavily or when lightning is within 5 miles of Epcot. I have had to tell this to guests countless times and always feel their frustration but Mother Nature rules there.

Wish I had known you were there so I could have been of some help to you.

Here's hoping your next trip will be filled with
Magical Moments!

[GaDisneyDad]

We were just there (June 15-21) and experienced the same thing you went through. I know how disappointing it can be to look forward to something for months and then have it not turn out the way you planned or expected.

Unfortunately, weather is the one thing at WDW that Disney can't control. In spite of the rain, we still managed to have a good time. There are a lot of indoor things to do and sometimes you just have to put your poncho on and go.

[vald1977]

Sorry to hear that your trip was disappointing :( . I am sure that rain everyday must have been very discouraging. Was this your first trip? I hope you are willing to give the mouse another shot someday because it really is a wonderful experience when you aren't wet, crowded, and cold. I know this doesn't help you now, but we have had great weather going in early May (hot and sunny) as well as less crowds. Hope you get to go on another trip soon and have better luck.

[jaimebelle]

Originally posted by GaDisneyDad
We were just there (June 15-21) and experienced the same thing you went through.

That was actually the week I was there. The exact same days too! We arrived on Saturday June 15th and Left on Friday June 21st.

When we arrived on Saturday it was raining. But it cleared by the 5:00pm so we went to MK. We were really lucky that day because the park was empty. We went on everything in MK that night alone.

It wasn't really unitl Thursday that the rain finally caused us to pack it up and go. It started to Rain and didn't stop! So on Friday we went to a mall. And to our GREAT DISAPOINTMENT it didn't rain until around 3:00pm!! Oh well, I guess it just wan't meant to be.

The funny thing is that I joked months ago that "with my luck" it would rain the entire trip!! (and yes this was our first trip!)

Thank-you for all of your kind words. I would like to return but first, with the money we spent I'm craving to go on an all-inclusive relaxing vacation. To say the least our rainy Disney vacation was very stressful!

[kkozma]

This is also the period of time we were there and tho the rain was bad, there was more bad news for us. We arrived saturday and got to go in the pool at AKL for a few hours, ate at Boma and really enjoyed it. Then on returning to our room found a message that my FIL passed away that day at 1:30. He had been pretty sick. My husband had to leave me and the kids in FLA from Tuesday thru Thursday. I felt bad for my DH because he is a restaurant manager and really needed this vacation. I was so sad it got spoiled for him. The rain was quite a depressing site on top of already heavy hearts. We wore ponchos and tried to stay upbeat for thekids but it just was not a vacation I will remember fondly...Oh well all the more reason to go again- it can't get any worse only better...

[Lcm2108]

We were rained out as well! My family went 6/14-29/02. This is the 4th year in a row we go in June and usually love it. Boy, was it wet. The 27th and 28th were our best days. There was a tropical "wave" over the area and that's what the TV said was causing all of the rain. I brought 7 bottles of sunscreen and came home with 7 bottles! LOL! Even though we go often (4-5 times/year), the June trip is our "long" trip. I feel cheated!

Despite the rain, we had morning in the parks where we did what we planned before the rains came. We swam one time. Oh well, we'll just have to wait until December (that is, if it is not FREEZING)!

Lisa

[magic teacup]

Well, I guess it's just rained almost everyday in florida for a month. We were there june 27-july3 and it rained everyday at some point. Not enough to totally devistate plans but we missed some parades I'd like to have seen. Makes you wonder about that sunshine state motto doesn't it??? On our way back to Ga. there were huge T-storms literally the whole way back. I didn't feel I got enough magic personally soooooo DH said I could book a 2 night stay for us in Nov. and with the codes today it was a good deal. Hugs to you all who need a 'worthy' disney trip. Best advice.....start planning again. :cool:

[chach]

I'm just curious. We will be going to WDW next July. We
have always gone in the Fall (off-season) but because of the
childrens school we are forced to go in the Summer. I have always heard that the daily rains are "blessings" because they
cool everything down and reduce the crowds in the Parks. These posts seem to point to just the opposite ???? Does everything except the indoor attractions close down during rainstorms ?
Does the rain have any advantages ?

[DISNEYDADINOREGON]

July is the rainy season. A CM at MGM told us that Florida has 240 days of lighting per year. I will not go in July again. We did not plan any specific days at any parks. There are a few parks that do well in the rain. I think World Showcase does well because of all the shops and resturants. MGM has lots of indoor shows. There will be crowds. We did not wait for anything due to fast pass. We have been trying to go on Test Track for 2 trips, and finally got to go this one. Great ride! We will try for spring 2004 next.

[newmousecateer]

So sorry the rain ruined your trip. :( :(

Hopefully you will get back there again some day have a trip filled with magical moments. :D

[Antonia]

In January the COLD nearly ruined our trip. We never really swam, but did use the hot tubs a few times then froze when we got out. We were standing in Epcot wearing coats, gloves and ear muffs. My insane husband tried to play golf and the only thing he had that fit the dress code for the golf courses was a pair of khaki shorts and he wore them in freezing, biting wind only to discover that they broke the dress code because of the weather - everyone else was in pants - even blue jeans. We finally saw a guy wearing shorts - besides my insane husband - only to discover that this guy had artificial legs!!!!!!!!! It was a hoot and we laughed at my husband for days or he was quite nearly frozen after 18 holes. I learned on that trip that the weather can wreak havoc on your plans. Hope your next trip is a blast of warm, dry weather!

[jaimebelle]

Originally posted by chach
I have always heard that the daily rains are "blessings" because they
cool everything down and reduce the crowds in the Parks. These posts seem to point to just the opposite ???? Does everything except the indoor attractions close down during rainstorms ?
Does the rain have any advantages ?

When we arrived on Saturday we went to the park around 5pm after it had stopped raining. There were no lines at all at MK and we walked onto all of the attractions. For example..we walked right through Pirates and right onto the boat! No such luck the rest of the week! The only other time we were able to avoid large lines was the Jungle cruise. After 2 hours of rain there wasn't a soul in line! So my theory is that it's after the rain that the lines die down but definately not during! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed.

Epcot, there was a lot to do inside. But Test Track was always closed.

MGM, I loved MGM. When it rained people seemed to hide. I'm not sure where. So the rain was okay there.

Downtown Disney was possibly the worst! Walking outside with the poncho.. going in and taking it off and getting chilled to the bone by A/C. Over and over. It took us three times before we actually stayed to see anything. Do Not go to Downtown Disney in the rain! BRRR..

The waterparks kept closing. The Disney Tranist driver actually asked on the bus there if anyone was crazy enough to be going!

[madcoco]

Sorry to hear it ruined your trip. What got me, was going to some places and locals who didn't know we were part time residents saying it was normal Florida weather.June was not normal.The area did badly need the rain but it was hard not to get depressed.We did like the cooler than normal temps.(especially when it was 115 at home)Didn't hit 90 for 3 weeks.

[tarabl]

We were there too. June 16-22. Supposed to be leaving on the 23rd but we felt like sponges and checked out a day early. It was our fourth time as a family and we did everything we wanted to do and more.

Our other four trips it was so hot in August, my favorite time to go since crowds are lessened(last week), that we would have welcomed rain.

I feel like we didn't have a vacation either since everything was planned around the rain. On that horrible Thursday we were ready to pack up and leave Friday morn but to our surprise it was the best day we had at Disney-no rain till after 3:00. On Saturday woke up to a thunder storm and that was it for us. That was the day we were going to do a water park, but with the thunder we knew we couldn't so we left.

Drove down in the rain, rained all week, and drove home in the rain till NC (we are in Philly, PA) but we still had fun.

[plugnickle]

We were at Disney on June 14th, and spent the following three days at Universal. It rained practically all day at Disney (and each day at USO), and the crowds didn't diminish until very late. We just stayed and enjoyed the cool tempratures. I have tried the pauncho's before, but they make me sweaty and uncomfortable. Walking in the rain was actually fun.
I have adopted an attitude of enjoying myself even when things do not go as planned. There has been no such thing as a perfect trip for us, so I try not to sweat the small stuff and just thank God that I have the physical ability to still walk around the parks as much as I am able. A positive attitude in the face of adversity can lighten just about any occation. It's all in the mind . :smooth:

[Ballybunion3]

While I agree that good weather enhances a vacation, I must say that the only thing that can ruin a Disney vacation is one's own attitude.

Whenever I go, I PRAY for rain, because I KNOW the crowds will be lighter, and the heat will be much more tolerable. We always go at summer/peak season because we won't take the kids out of school. If it's good weather, we just make sure to get up early and get out of the parks by noon, when the hordes are marching in! Then enjoy the pool for the afternoon.

I'm sorry for anyone who says their vacation was RUINED by rain, but I have to wonder - did all the people that went have the same experience? (I'll bet a lot of people made the best of it and had a GREAT time as I have read in several other responses!)

Another thing - I noticed in Bob NC's trip reports that he didn't notice the rain like a lot of people seem to be complaining about. Was he just lucky, or did he have a protective bubble over himself? Or did he report more accurately - that it rains in the afternoon like clockwork because of t-storms (that's just the way it is in the South - lived there for a long time....).

Just a reality check - and for those who are going to WDW soon and are worried about the weather, don't waste your time worrying. Just bring your ponchos from Wal Mart, wear sandals, and come with the attitude that you're going to enjoy yourself no matter what - it really does work!
:p

[otownguy]

Hello all, After many months of lurking I finally registered when I read this thread. I have lived in Orlando for over 20 years and I can definitely say that this past June was not normal. As a matter of fact it was the wettest June that I can ever remember. Please do not let the weather this year be an indicator of the norm. In fact as I recall June is typically a dry hot month with July and August falling into our summer afternoon rain pattern. Typically in these months you will get 1/2 hour to one hour of rain every afternoon and then the sun will come out and really heat things up. I know that it is no consolidation but we really need all the rain that we can get as we are coming off of a 3 year drought and if you can believe it we are still on water restrictions in Orlando area.

On a happier note, now that I have become a member of this site I will check in from time to time to offer assistance, since we usually will get the resident seasonal pass and go to the parks quite often, sometimes just to see a particular show or just to have dinner. We live about 20 minutes away from downtown disney and can offer a locals point of view. :cool:

[plugnickle]

otownguy,

I for one would greatly appreciate the up-to-date information.

[vald1977]

Welcome Otownguy :D !

[Lcm2108]

Welcome Otown guy!

You are absolutely right: This June was NOT normal!

Lisa

[madcoco]

Welcome to you also Otownguy. Even with all the rain it is still only slightly above normal for the year and the water table is way down.Here is a pic from June at one of our fav offsite outdoor patio spots. Pebbles at Crossroads. No out door dining that week it was under water.

http://www.printroom.com/_vti_bin/ViewImage.dll?userid=MDM3&album_id=87564&image_id=1&courtesy=1

[jaimebelle]

Originally posted by Ballybunion3


I'm sorry for anyone who says their vacation was RUINED by rain, but I have to wonder - did all the people that went have the same experience? (I'll bet a lot of people made the best of it and had a GREAT time as I have read in several other responses!)

I'm sure it is all about attitude but let me sum up my situation.

I am a student who lives in Canada who spent several months saving every penny earned for a trip to Florida for 6 days. It was a very expensive vacation. Between two people we spent $4000. on accomadation/Disney Pass and travel alone (In Canadian Dollar) This was our first time South of New York State and I craved the sun more than anything.

And I know that the other people who have posted have been to Disney before so please remember that this was my FIRST trip to Florida and to Disney so having built up so much excitment and spent so much money (that I do not have) I think you would have been disapointed and said your trip was ruined too. The chances of my being able to return anytime soon? Unlikely. It is expensive to vacation in the states and it is very expensive to go to Disney. This was supposed to be THE trip.

[Ballybunion3]

I truly am sorry that your vacation was ruined because of the weather. My post was probably insensitive to you, but was more intended to give hope to those first-timers who are going in the near future. I really do believe you can have a good time in WDW despite the weather (we were there for our first trip during Hurricane Erin in 1995, and even though an evening and half the next day - out of a 4 day trip - was completely wiped out because the parks were closed, we had a GREAT time!). Like I said, it rained from the moment we arrived through our drive home, but it was one of the most memorable trips we've ever had... crowds were lighter and sun was not blazing. Boy did we have to sprint to complete the park Commando thing though!!

Even though the weather was horrible, did you enjoy WDW otherwise? Would you come back if you could? I know it's expensive, and I do feel badly for you that you spent so much and felt let down. Hopefully someday you'll be able to go back and the weather will cooperate.

May the sun shine on you from now on.


All the best to you!




:smooth: :smooth:

[otownguy]

Hello all, and thanks for the warm welcome. I just reread my post and noticed that I wrote consolidation instead of consolation (OOPS). Madcoco, what a great picture. Was the patio really under water? We love that Pebbles too and go there quite often. Oh well the cat's out of the bag. To all you DISers from out of town, Pebbles is a true Gem for dining off property. SSSh don't tell anyone else!!;)

[madcoco]

The patio was under water for quite a while.That was taken on June 19th. I thought maybe Pebble's was offering new swimup dining. ;) It is up at the top of our list as well for local eateries.
sorry to let the secret out.LOL

[Tess]

We were there during your vacation, too. (I wrote a trip report "Yellow Ponchos & Rain, The Soggy Saga of our 10 Day Trip"--it's dropped to about page 3 or 4 by now, I'm sure. ;) Our family arrived on 6/14 and departed a day earlier than planned 6/22. Fortunately for us, it wasn't our first trip and certainly not our last--we'll be back next summer at the same time!

I concur with otownguy--this year is an exception and NOT the rule! In fact, we just had visitors here from Deltona and they commented that June was so depressing and they were bummed about the weather! They said they felt just awful for those folks traveling in "The Sunshine State" during June/early July because they could hardly stand the weather themselves. They were very grateful to be here where we have not been blessed with any rain AND have had very warm temperatures, too! Our area has been warmer than Florida most of the summer. Go figure!

We've never seen so much rain in June OR the low temperatures as we had this year. We've been during August--3rd week (terribly rainy--tropical storm) and October--2nd week (another tropical storm). June has always been blessed with hot, sunny weather and those typical afternoon cloudbursts that were easily dodged since they were brief, as otownguy said. Unfortunately for all of us that traveled during June and early July this year, there was just one of those low pressure weather patterns hanging over the southern states that didn't move! I can attest that temps in the 70s and low 80s is not normal for June! I also agree with you, there were days when I would have welcomed long sleeves (they would have been miserable when wet though)--I don't pack anything with sleeves for June trips to Florida!

Our family has the "duck" mentality when it comes to rain--we don those yellow ponchos and go for it. We have never (not even during the two previous tropical storm encounters) stayed in our hotel room due to the weather. Not so this year! We spent THREE evenings and quite a few afternoons holed up because the weather (especially the lightning) was so daunting! We were all pretty bummed about the amount of time we lost to the weather, but you can't control Mother Nature. We tried to get out on one occasion despite the downpour--but it was just so wet that we were all miserable and after so many days of water, water everywhere--we'd had enough. Unless you were there during this time, you have no idea--this rain was not the "normal" afternoon shower you expect during the summer.

The pools were closed religiously every day that we were there for periods of time due to the weather. We've never experienced this happening with any frequency (even during the tropical storms--although who would want to swim during those downpours is beyond my imagination) in the past.

All of that said--we still had a wonderful vacation and can't wait to get back next summer. Yeah, we missed the sun (we love the hot, sticky weather--that's why we go in June) but we didn't have to bother with sunscreen for the kids--Ron and I don't bother--and we got to do everything we wanted and more. It worked for us because we had no plan this time around save a few PS for lunch--we tried to just go with the flow and not stress over missing the lounge around the pool time. We improvised a lot and that in itself was fun.

I feel for you Jaimebelle and wish we could do something to make you feel better--maybe time will give you better perspective. I remember after our first trip to WDW, we vowed NEVER to return again (and we didn't see one drop of rain the entire week)--LOL--we were so overwhelmed. Within a few months we were back on the vacation planning wagon because we had learned a great deal from our mistakes during the first trip.

I hope you are able to get back and my fingers are crossed that you have a more normal weather pattern. If Disney could learn to control the weather--its stock would be skyrocketing rather than dropping like a boulder! ;)