Bad weather at WDW

[familytravelplanner]

We are leaving next week for our first trip to WDW, and the forcast looks terrible. Lots of rain, thunderstorms, etc. Yes, I realize the forcast can change considerably in the next week (fingers crossed!), but I like to be prepared in case we have to spend the week in ponchos! Does anyone have any advice for making the best of a week of bad weather? We have DD7 and DS4 and we plan on visiting all four parks. I have planned an itenerary for our trip, but I would like to include a backup plan in case things don't go well weather-wise. Thanks!

 

[behappy]

is that rain seems to have little impact at any of the parks, other than to thin out the crowd a little. All the rides are open, unless there is an 'active' thunderstorm nearby. Just have ponchos (a baseball cap helps if any of your crew where glasses) and appropriate footwear (we usually wear sandals for inclement weather) and you won't miss much and should be able to ride most rides. Some of the rides (e.g. Space Mountain) aren't impacted by wet weather much at all, while others (e.g. Thunder Mountain) might not be as much fun in a heavier rain. Remember, on rainy days, lots of people go do those alternate activities you are thinking about (like DisneyQuest or shopping in Downtown Disney) and you're liking to find larger crowds there, than in the parks!

 

[Aubrey]

Considering that you may be there during the busy memorial day weekend, you will come to bless the rain for thinning the crowds. Disney is great in the rain !!! Parades and outdoor performances are certainly impacted but the rides are almost all weather protected. You will undoubtably have some dry spells and you can take advantage of outdoor events then. While it is raining, tour the attractions/rides.

 

[jacncaitsmom]

Remember, just because it says isolated thunderstorms or scattered does not mean it is going to rain ALL day. In Florida, we have "isolated thundershowers" all summer. That just means an afternoon thundershower lasting about an hour.....so plan accordingly.

 

[DISNEYBIGGDOGG]

Do not fret the weather. In Florida in can rain every day and then the sun come out and become a beautiful day. Come with the plan that you have and make sure to bring your poncho's. Do not let rain ruin your vacation, I know that rain never ruins ours.

 

[familytravelplanner]

Thanks for the great advice (esp. the baseball cap idea - DD wears glasses!) And by the way, the forcast has already changed for the better!! But we still have 6 days before we leave, so I'll wait until the night before we leave to get the final forcast. But I'll throw the ponchos in the bag just in case and I feel sure we can have a great time come rain or shine!! Thanks for the encouraging words!!!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Last year we had the same forcast. Rain and thunderstorms predicted every day.

I was so upset after months of planning that I was practically in tears. I talked to a dear friend that used to live in Tampa and she said that the storms would at the most only last an hour and I would barely notice them. She was right!!

What a relief! I too, was trying to work alternate plans but I didn't have to bother. I just bought dollar store ponchos and never used them.

 

[kilee]

I am going to give on tidbit of advice. If you can help it, try to schedule AK for a day that may not have rain in the forecast. We have done Epcot and MK in the rain-- without a real issue. (never MGM) We have also done AK in the rain, it was somewhat miserable. It just doesn't have as many "indoor" attractions to go to when it's that wet.

 

[DisneyBen]

It usually rains anyway in the afternoons at WDW. My advice is the same as others on this thread. Don't let it get you down. The rain will thin out the crowd a good bit, and while it is raining, most of Disney's rides are indoors.

 

[LindaBabe]

I recommend just the opposite - GO to Animal Kingdom! It feels like you're walking in the steamy jungle - and the animals don't go in when it rains, just the people do. Besides, if you're already wet, what can Kali River hurt? The birdshow is, however, cancelled if it's raining steadily.

 

[joloco]

we returned sunday from ten days in disney. Weather was great! The first 4 days 90+ and sunny to partly sunny. The next five days I was concerned, weather said 30% to 60% chance of rain daily ( scattered / isolated)......Everyday same weather.....Wednesday we had an afternoon Downpour (for all of 20 minutes)....we just kept getting on & off Space Mountain. Saturday afternoon we had a refreshing drizzle for 5 minutes at AK. Saturday night there was a lot of lightning (no rain) I was worried fireworks might get cancelled, but it didn't. I wouldn't worry about it. Have fun.