Disneyland in the rain

[Newbie500]

We will be in the parks from 12/21 through 1/1 this year. Coming from Connecticut. Weather report predicts rain every day from 20% chance all the way up to 70% according to weather.com. What can we expect as far as crowds, attractions? What's the best plan for a rainy day? We will be bringing rain coats, hats, layers, etc. with us. Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

On a rainy day, just make sure you have waterproof shoes and a spare pair of dry socks. Rain coats are great, but I have to say, last month we were there for Thanksgiving with torrential downpours and actually found cheap ponchos worked better. The rain was so bad it soaked through out "waterproof" jackets. Honestly though, most of the time, the rain isn't that bad. Be careful on IASM...we thought it'd be nice to get 10 minutes of dry relaxation, but we failed to account for the fact that the boats would be outside as well. We had easily about 2 inches of rain accumulated in the area where you put your feet. Otherwise, good places to hide if it rains too hard include Animation Academy at DCA and Steamboat Willie, the Lincoln show, and Tiki Room at DL. Try to snag an indoor table for meals, too. If you don't already have reservations, try to get at least one a day so you're guaranteed a dry place to go.

As for crowds, it's a toss up. Usually, crowds are lighter in the rain. But, you're going to be there right at the highest peak time of the year. If there's any chance of rain 12/26-12/31 since it's mostly people who have planned a vacation vs. locals with APs, it will probably still be crowded. But you might have luck in the days leading up to Christmas. That's been my experience at least.

 

[MonocularVision]

A very long thread on this topic happened just a few weeks ago:

Rain discussion

 

[chickapin parterre]

rolls of quarters for the dryer in your lodging, stay away from cottons and heavy on synthetics

 

[WonkaKid]

We will be in the parks from 12/21 through 1/1 this year. Coming from Connecticut. Weather report predicts rain every day from 20% chance all the way up to 70% according to weather.com....

I've been to DL about 200 times. Generally speaking, rain is the one thing that can be relied upon to keeps crowds low. However, this rule doesn't apply during the holidays. Many people are in a similar situation as yours: they've booked their trip and aren't going to change it merely for rain. I was at the park on Thanksgiving and it rained. Crowds were still larger than a typical day. I suspect they'll be largely uneffected by rain at this time of year. My advice, then, is to go with low or no expectations. Whatever happens, have a great time! I'm sure you will.

 

[chickapin parterre]

A very long thread on this topic happened just a few weeks ago:

a lot of long faces this Christmas forecast, years of planning and it comes down to unpredictable event. Our Yuma Christmas BBQ has been canceled with last night forecast....so far every rain forecast the last 30 days has come true in the salad bowl of the world, just hard to grasp it falling on the happiest place on earth.

 

[midnight star]

If it does rain, keep in mind the ride closures. Especially if crowds are still there, it could make the park a little more packed.

Read through those discussion threads too! Stay dry and warm!

 

[B3rlingirl]

Waterproof pants!!!
And like the pp said: waterproof shoes and a poncho to put over the water proof jacket (that worked great for me) I also used a dry bag so my backpack stayed dry and a ziplock bag for my phone.

Depending on the amount of rain crowds might not be too crazy but lately rain didn’t have a great impact... but heavy rain will thin out the crowds (at least towards the night) because most people don’t wear proper clothes.

Some rides will be closed even during lighter rain (like Alice for example others are noted in the linked thread above... page 2 I think)

 

[AndrewC]

Alice closes due to rain? There isn't much that's outside....

 

[midnight star]

Alice closes due to rain? There isn't much that's outside....

Yes.

 

[midnight star]

This is from Gothic rosie's page. A list of the rides that close when it rains. I would even add RSR to the DCA list. It can run in the rain, but not for long. Same with Incredicoaster. I've done it in the rain (very very painful), but it can break down if it's too wet. When I did it in the rain. We got all the way through the ride, but after getting off, we saw another one of the cars stuck on the part where Dash counts down. And people were getting poured on from the rain.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Very informative threads on rain at DLR and good rain gear for the parks:
Rain expected between the 6th and 8th?
Rain
Can we chat rain?
Advice for solo trip with rain!
Thanksgiving day crowds, despite the rain, pics + park map offer)

 

[B3rlingirl]

This is from Gothic rosie's page. A list of the rides that close when it rains. I would even add RSR to the DCA list. It can run in the rain, but not for long. Same with Incredicoaster. I've done it in the rain (very very painful), but it can break down if it's too wet. When I did it in the rain. We got all the way through the ride, but after getting off, we saw another one of the cars stuck on the part where Dash counts down. And people were getting poured on from the rain.
View attachment 459648

When I was there during rain the incredicoaster ran just fine all day if I remember we correctly but RSR was down all day (rain started in the early morning hours before the park even opened)

 

[SeaDis]

When I was there during rain the incredicoaster ran just fine all day if I remember we correctly but RSR was down all day (rain started in the early morning hours before the park even opened)

In heavy rain wear your sunglasses/glasses on Incredicoaster. Even at night. Ouch!

 

[socaldisneylover]

Updates on a couple of upcoming storms. Forecast is for rain to arrive late Sunday afternoon, with the worst coming through late Sunday night, and between 10 AM & 10 PM on Monday.

The rain doesn't completely leave the area until Tuesday night, and there's a break until mid-afternoon Wednesday (Christmas), with heavy rain starting late afternoon Wednesday through late Wednesday night. For now, Thursday looks to be clear.

Timing could change, but the storms hitting will not. They look to both be sizable systems that will blanket the region for many hours.

 

[fly girl]

We just returned from a wet Thanksgiving trip. My advice, waterproof shoes WITH silicone waterproof shoe cover. (I had on a pair of Columbia sneakers with the silicone over it and it kept my feet dry all day.) Also make sure your shoes have great traction. The smooth pavement and wood planking can be very slippery when wet.

We also had ponchos over our waterproof jackets. Highly recommend. And I also had an umbrella. Before I stepped out it felt like overkill with all the gear, but I was thankful I had everything and I used it all.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... Before I stepped out it felt like overkill with all the gear, but I was thankful I had everything and I used it all.

I think a lot of people feel this way and are tempted to leave much of the gear behind either at home or in the hotel room. Or they downgrade to cheaper or less sturdy gear. (How bad could it be, right?) Then they spend a full day in the parks in a heavier rain storm and discover, like you did, that you really do end up needing the full gear and that it really isn't overkill -- at least, not with a serious storm.