Disneyland in the rain

[jennabennabofenna]

I am going to DL the 23rd through the 25th of april. I just saw on the 10day forecast its going to be raining or showering those days. Pretty much that is the only week i can go so moving the trip to another week isnt really an option.

Soooo..... it will be me, my mom, and my two DDs. they are ages 1 and 3 1/2.

What do you think about me going in the rain? or showers. Will the parade be cancelled? & also, i have been looking for child/baby size ponchos but cant find them online. Does anyone know where i can get them, or if Disneyland has some? Thanks!

 

[skiingfast]

If it rains, in the morning or heavily through that day consider yourself lucky. The park will be empty.

You can easily buy ponchos for everyone at the resort if it rains.

The parade could be cancelled, Fantasmic, and fireworks if it's windy. A small number of attractions close when it rains, mostly in Fantasyland.

Don't make a big deal about this, the forecast is not reliable and indicative of what will happen at DLR. It will be mostly dry.

 

[jennabennabofenna]

If it rains, in the morning or heavily through that day consider yourself lucky. The park will be empty.

You can easily buy ponchos for everyone at the resort if it rains.

The parade could be cancelled, Fantasmic, and fireworks if it's windy. A small number of attractions close when it rains, mostly in Fantasyland.

Don't make a big deal about this, the forecast is not reliable and indicative of what will happen at DLR. It will be mostly dry.

Iv always wanted to experience DL in the rain So im excited and my mom doesn't mind either. as long as i can get ponchos for us and see the parade ill be good I will plan on seeing the parade the first night (even though thats our day in DCA) just in case its cancelled on tuesday.

 

[mmlover74]

With your young children, I am sure you will want an adult poncho to cover the stroller. That will help keep them dry.
target or walmart should have child ponchos.

 

[jennabennabofenna]

thanks! i actually have a rain cover for my stroller & my oldest DD has rain jacket and rain boots, so now i just gotta get something for my youngest and myself

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Adult ponchos at Disneyland cost $9 each. We didn't buy any; someone just mentioned it to me when they were complaining about the rain on Friday. Don't know what the kid prices are.

Rain can be good for thinning the crowds, but it's deceptive to tell people the park will be "empty." Other factors come into play, such as time of year (you'll probably be fine with those dates though) and what rides and shows you actually want to experience. Also, crowds may be smaller, but rides don't necessarily run up to capacity and with some rides and attractions closed people's choices are more limited and, therefore, some ride lines can be bloated.

I can tell you what this past Friday was like. There was lots of rain. It poured at times and rained steadily for long periods of time. There was thunder and lightning. I have never seen so many people at the Tough to Be a Bug Movie . Admittedly, this was the end of spring break, so vacationers who had spent their money already were going to come probably despite the weather. Some locals clearly showed up as well as the Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story scores would attest to.

The park was not "empty." Thinned crowds, definitely. Way better than a regular spring break day, definitely. Shorter wait times in general, absolutely. Just don't go in expecting to walk onto everything. There were still hours during the middle of the day on Friday when Tower of Terror ranged between 55 and 75 minute wait times, even during heavy rain; it is indoors after all. Toy Story still saw 40-45 minute waits for large chunks of Friday, even during the rain. By evening though, the wait time varied between 20 and 25 minutes which was great and clearly an effect of decreased crowds due to the rain. Space Mountain got up to 40 minutes at times, but since it was spring break that should have been more like 60-70 minutes. Peter Pan saw waits of 20-25 minutes but would normally be twice that. The rest of Fantasyland looked good, and you really could walk onto a lot of the rides there throughout the day. Walking around the parks was much easier than usual for such a busy time of year since fewer people overall meant less congested walkways. Lots and lots of puddles to soak feet and pant legs though. Again, these are just some examples, and crowds this past Friday were going to be higher rain or shine than they will be for your dates.

Certain things will not happen in rain. Teacups and Alice in Wonderland close. If rain is heavy and prolonged enough, Gadget's Go Coaster in ToonTown closes (it was closed Friday afternoon). Weather got bad enough this past Friday, they closed Screamin' briefly. Normally they will run that even in the rain; I expect it was the thunder and lightning that dictated that closure. Parades will not happen. Meet and Greets decrease in number but don't stop altogether. You see fewer furry characters, and the meet and greets move indoors. Fantasmic goes on if it was scheduled and if they can get the stage dry enough in time. Fireworks happen in light rain, but if there is wind they will be canceled. WoC also plays in the rain but can be canceled if wind and rain are severe enough. Most rides really do stay open but may not be as enjoyable to ride in the rain; that's a personal tolerance thing I would think.

That far out, I wouldn't worry that the weather report is accurate. Just prepare yourself for the idea that it might rain, and decide to make the best of it whatever happens. Extra socks and/or waterproof shoes for the parks, extra dry clothes back at the hotel, and an afternoon break to regroup are all good things to plan on. There are plenty of places to duck into to wait out little storms while at the parks, and I seriously doubt you will experience weather conditions as intense as they were this past Friday since that seemed atypical for this time of year. A few showers won't be that great a deterrent to enjoying the parks and will probably thin the crowds some.

 

[taaren]

Btw, those $9 ponchos last a long time. We bought ours for $7 in 2005 and are just now thinking about retiring one of them.

Also, the child ponchos fit an 8-10 year old well, but its almost long enough to trip my DS5. When DNeph14 outgrew his a few years ago I started wearing it, and it fits me alright (I'm 5'7", medium size). So if you have a smaller child a rain jacket and boots would be a better bet.

 

[jennabennabofenna]

Adult ponchos at Disneyland cost $9 each. We didn't buy any; someone just mentioned it to me when they were complaining about the rain on Friday. Don't know what the kid prices are.

Rain can be good for thinning the crowds, but it's deceptive to tell people the park will be "empty." Other factors come into play, such as time of year (you'll probably be fine with those dates though) and what rides and shows you actually want to experience. Also, crowds may be smaller, but rides don't necessarily run up to capacity and with some rides and attractions closed people's choices are more limited and, therefore, some ride lines can be bloated.

I can tell you what this past Friday was like. There was lots of rain. It poured at times and rained steadily for long periods of time. There was thunder and lightning. I have never seen so many people at the Tough to Be a Bug Movie . Admittedly, this was the end of spring break, so vacationers who had spent their money already were going to come probably despite the weather. Some locals clearly showed up as well as the Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story scores would attest to.

The park was not "empty." Thinned crowds, definitely. Way better than a regular spring break day, definitely. Shorter wait times in general, absolutely. Just don't go in expecting to walk onto everything. There were still hours during the middle of the day on Friday when Tower of Terror ranged between 55 and 75 minute wait times, even during heavy rain; it is indoors after all. Toy Story still saw 40-45 minute waits for large chunks of Friday, even during the rain. By evening though, the wait time varied between 20 and 25 minutes which was great and clearly an effect of decreased crowds due to the rain. Space Mountain got up to 40 minutes at times, but since it was spring break that should have been more like 60-70 minutes. Peter Pan saw waits of 20-25 minutes but would normally be twice that. The rest of Fantasyland looked good, and you really could walk onto a lot of the rides there throughout the day. Walking around the parks was much easier than usual for such a busy time of year since fewer people overall meant less congested walkways. Lots and lots of puddles to soak feet and pant legs though. Again, these are just some examples, and crowds this past Friday were going to be higher rain or shine than they will be for your dates.

Certain things will not happen in rain. Teacups and Alice in Wonderland close. If rain is heavy and prolonged enough, Gadget's Go Coaster in ToonTown closes (it was closed Friday afternoon). Weather got bad enough this past Friday, they closed Screamin' briefly. Normally they will run that even in the rain; I expect it was the thunder and lightning that dictated that closure. Parades will not happen. Meet and Greets decrease in number but don't stop altogether. You see fewer furry characters, and the meet and greets move indoors. Fantasmic goes on if it was scheduled and if they can get the stage dry enough in time. Fireworks happen in light rain, but if there is wind they will be canceled. WoC also plays in the rain but can be canceled if wind and rain are severe enough. Most rides really do stay open but may not be as enjoyable to ride in the rain; that's a personal tolerance thing I would think.

That far out, I wouldn't worry that the weather report is accurate. Just prepare yourself for the idea that it might rain, and decide to make the best of it whatever happens. Extra socks and/or waterproof shoes for the parks, extra dry clothes back at the hotel, and an afternoon break to regroup are all good things to plan on. There are plenty of places to duck into to wait out little storms while at the parks, and I seriously doubt you will experience weather conditions as intense as they were this past Friday since that seemed atypical for this time of year. A few showers won't be that great a deterrent to enjoying the parks and will probably thin the crowds some.

hmm okay. Alice in Wonderland & Tea cups are my 3 year olds favorite rides. But as the day gets closer i will check out hourly forecast and make sure to ride the rides will might close first.

& we wont be riding any big rides really. Except BTMR, HM, and possibly splash. For the most part we are going to stick to all the kiddie rides, mostly in fantasyland.

Thanks for all those tips!

 

[Girimama33]

We will be there the same time. I hope it doesn't rain, but it won't ruin it for us. I was planning n brining the rain cover, boots, jackets. My family lives down there, and my Mom told me the weather may be really warm when we get there.
Who knows? We will just be prepared for whatever. Good thing we are driving.

 

[jennabennabofenna]

Btw, those $9 ponchos last a long time. We bought ours for $7 in 2005 and are just now thinking about retiring one of them.

Also, the child ponchos fit an 8-10 year old well, but its almost long enough to trip my DS5. When DNeph14 outgrew his a few years ago I started wearing it, and it fits me alright (I'm 5'7", medium size). So if you have a smaller child a rain jacket and boots would be a better bet.

hmm okay then they probably would fit my 3 year old, shes tiny.
thanks for the reply

 

[jennabennabofenna]

We will be there the same time. I hope it doesn't rain, but it won't ruin it for us. I was planning n brining the rain cover, boots, jackets. My family lives down there, and my Mom told me the weather may be really warm when we get there.
Who knows? We will just be prepared for whatever. Good thing we are driving.

aww i hope you have a magical time, rain or shine

 

[heather_sue_98]

Oh, I love Disneyland in the rain! When DD5 and I went in October we were lucky enough to have it rain on us for two out of three of our days. Here's my advice:

If rain is in the forecast, but it's not raining when you get there, assume it could start to rain any minute. In your case, it sounds like that would mean go right to Teacups and Alice. Same logic goes for the parade and any outside shows. Although, on the rainy days, they did do a small "Cavalcade" parade, which was just the double decker bus stuffed with characters. It was better than nothing though. Ask about this though. We would have missed it if we hadn't just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

If characters are important, consider a character meal. Such a fun way to see a bunch of them, even if it's raining outside.

Take a break. This is easy to forget when you feel like you have been rushing from inside place to inside place all day, but my DD still really needed it. And we didn't even go back to the room. Just a leisurely lunch at WWS and then sat by the GCH fire for a bit.

Ride the train. A fun way to stay dry, and plan what to do next.

Don't miss the Animation Academy in DCA. This is where many of the characters are if it is raining. We got Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and the Chip and Dale within about 20 minutes. We saw Minnie leaving, but had already seen her earlier that morning.

If it stops raining, think fast about what you want to do. On our second day, after nine hours straight of rain (not sprinkles, but RAIN) it suddenly stopped at about 5:00. We bee lined to PFF where the princesses were out, and switched one final time before PFF closed at 6:00. We were able to meet six different princesses within about forty minutes and two short waits in line.

As always, dress in layers. I wasn't cold with my t-shirt, jacket, and poncho, but DD was. And a good tip that we learned from a CM after DD had soaking wet sneakers and socks was to do a dry pair of socks, then a plastic bag, then another pair of socks and then shoes. Worked great, since we were caught much more off guard by the weather than it sounds like you will be.

If I were to do it again, I don't know that I'd have dealt with the poncho for DD. I think I would have sprung for the rain jacket.

Good luck! Just plan what you can, go with the flow, and have a good attitude even with the rain.

 

[mrsmcnoggin]

so, we are going to be in disneyland this week also and i was a little bummed about the weather as well. This is our first time to disneyland for my kids and about 15 years since the last for my husband and I. we have 3 kids, DD 7, DS4 and DD1. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me if there are any rides that have undercover or indoor ques and which ones your mostly standing outside. Just trying to figure out what we can do if we need a break from the rain. Also, are PFF, jedi training academy and tinkerbell meet and greet closed in the rain?? We will have fun no matter what, just wondering how we might have to change our plan of attack if it rains a lot.

 

[Pesky]

I'd probably look for a longer rain coat that will cover your bottom when sitting down and maybe even part of the back of your legs. Even if it is not raining, if it was, the seats may be wet. Agree with bringing something extra and ziploc bags if you need it.

 

[martikus]

I'm stressing about the rain forecast! I know Anaheim isn't supposed to get a lot of rain, but I was picturing sunny weather, pool afternoons & no rain for our first DL trip.

I don't know why but this is stressing me a lot. A vacation is a vacation, but just not the picture I had in my mind. Now we'll need to pack some heavy clothes for the cooler weather.

Here's hoping it drastically changes before we leave on Saturday

 

[jory29]

Slippery slippery the walkways, etc. are in the rain. We live in Canada where we are used to ice, etc., and I am really surprised how slippery the walking surfaces at the parks are in the rain.

Don't ride the roller coasters if it's raining hard. California Screamin' was very ouch, lol. We laughed the whole way through, but it was because it hurt a lot, ha ha.

 

[scoker]

I second or third the child rain ponchos being really big. It was a challenge for my DD who was for at the time of our rainy visit. I would be prepared ahead of time with something else. The adult poncho was fine for the rest of the adults and did the job but to be honest I found it pretty uncomfortable and wished also that I had something else with me. I just saw kids and adult packable rain jackets and rain suits at walmart. They were in the sporting goods/camping area. We will be in the parks the 23-27th so maybe we will enjoy some of that rain with you. This is our second trip to DLR and fifth trip to SoCal in two years and it has rained every single trip so we kind of plan on it now.

I also agree with PP that rain does not necessarily turn DLR into a ghost town. Our first rainy visit was early October of 2010. We visited mid-week and it rained pretty steadily the two days we visited. Both days we waited on average 15-25 minutes for rides. Some outside rides like the teacups where closed and since the rain was steady people where all heading for the indoor ques and rides.

Hope you have a great visit! We leave on Saturday for two days in Beverly Hills before arriving at Disney. CAN NOT WAIT!!!!!!!

 

[msheriffm]

Never put much faith in a California weather report. I live in SF Bay Area and they are wrong more than right. Last week's storm was the worst thunder and lightening storm I have ever seen in my area. Don't worry about the weather it sounds as if you are prepared and who knows it might be sunny.

 

[seagodess]

I'm from Oregon where it rains 9 months out of the year. It wouldn't bother us at all. We dont even use umbrellas or anything. I think it sounds like fun actually. We recently went to the zoo when it was raining. It was great. All the animals were out and very few people there. I remember last time DH and I went to DL. We walked down the street and it started to sprinkle. People freaked out and ran in buildings, and looked at us like we grew a extra head or something because we kept walking. lol

 

[Dolby1000]

Just looked at the 10 day forecast and the highest chance of rain on any day is 20%. Temps look a bit cool, but I don't see any significant rain chances at all.

Of course, I also agree that any forecast beyond 24 hours likely isn't accurate, i really wouldn't sweat any significant rain chances in Southern California in late April.

Dolby1000