Does a poncho really keep you dry on Splash Mountain/GRR?

[ArchOwl]

Ok, so hubby and I are headed back to the DLR to celebrate my birthday. We will be there next week. While I love going on Splash and GRR, I HATE walking around in wet clothes. The highs are only forecast for the low to mid 70s (I know, that is hot some places, but not for me!). Usually I only go on those rides right before we go back to the hotel for lunch/break time. I would go on those rides more if I wasn't drenched every time.

I would be okay with looking like a dork if a poncho really keeps you dry. But I am skeptical if it would really work. I am guessing your feet and legs still get wet?

Yes, I know I am a total wuss. But last time I rode these rides, it took all day to dry and I was walking around in wet shoes and socks. Not fun.

Any advice welcome!

 

[Leash]

We wore ponchos on Kali rapids (similar to GRR) at WDW this past December and it kept us mostly dry, temps were in the 50's so we didn't want to get too wet. Your legs and feet will still get wet and like so will your shorts when you sit down if there is already water on the seat.
I advise taking off your sock before getting in line and put them in your bag (under the poncho) so they stay dry and give the seat a quick wipe off with your hand so the seat of your pants doesn't get soaked.
Also you are not the only person ever who didn't want to get soaked on a ride so wear your poncho without shame, and really you'll never see these strangers again so who cares what they think.

 

[Dizneydaz]

We wear ponchos on GRR and usually stay pretty dry. If you have waterproof shoes on (like Crocs) then you'll be fine. If you are wearing socks, definitely take your socks off before you ride and try to keep you feet up during the wettest parts. I suggest putting anything you want to keep dry in one of the free lockers located just to the left of GRR. They are free for 2 hours

One thing I always tell people on the ride is when the water comes over the sides don't lean forward. Your back will get soaked (and into your pants). If you are wearing shorts you legs may get a little wet but they will dry. If wearing long pants, roll them up.

I can't answer for Splash since I've never ridden it with a poncho but less water usually hits you on Splash vs. GRR so you should be fine.

Oh and when I wear a poncho and don't want to get wet at all I will put the hood on and wear a hat over. That helps keep the hair dry.

 

[skiingfast]

A poncho is certainly better than nothing.

If you have them shoes that dry quick, like sandals are really nice.

 

[kjd469]

I buy ponchos at the dollar store specifically for Splash Mountain...we too hate getting wet, regardless of the weather. I really don't care if we look like dorks, and when we are done riding, we "gift" them to others waiting in the line and believe me, there are always plenty of takers wanting them!!

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

Depends on the poncho.

I bought some ponchos from Walmart for around $2.50 that were really nice, made of sturdy material and did a good job of keeping everyone dry.

The ponchos I bought at the Dollar store (Honk's) on the other hand were pathetic. They didn't cover everything and were made with really flimsy material that tore all the time. Needless to say we all ended up wet using those.

 

[kjd469]

Depends on the poncho.

I bought some ponchos from Walmart for around $2.50 that were really nice, made of sturdy material and did a good job of keeping everyone dry.

The ponchos I bought at the Dollar store (Honk's) on the other hand were pathetic. They didn't cover everything and were made with really flimsy material that tore all the time. Needless to say we all ended up wet using those.

This is true...there are huge differences in quality...the ones at my dollar store are the higher quality thick plastic material that do an excellent job....there are some that are like flimsy plastic-wrap that are horrible - these come in a very small package about the size of a deck of cards - don't buy that kind.

 

[I'm_Wishing]

The wife and kids wear ponchos all the time because like you, they dont like being wet walking around the park. Ponchos do a pretty good job of keeping them dry. And we were lucky enough to get some of the mickey poncho's (the ones with the mickey ears) earlier this year. So they are looking forward to wearing them on our trip in July. Wear your poncho with pride!

 

[bumbershoot]

For me, ponchos are to keep my shirt dry. I've gotten my legs, feet, even rear end soaking while wearing a poncho, but I didn't have to deal with a soggy bra or too-clingy shirt from getting it wet, and that was all I really wanted.

 

[Mama Who]

We joke about ponchos being for sissies. Of course, we do it as we're putting them on.

They don't keep your feet dry and on GRR it's worth tucking your feet up on the center console before the big drop.

 

[Susie63]

We carried our crocs in our backpack and changed into them for water rides.They weigh nothing and were a nice break for our feet for 20 mins or so.Tuck your poncho under your backside and you'll be great.

 

[rbbs]

I have always stayed dry wearing one and I have yet to have anyone look at me funny. Part of the excitement and fun with the kids is getting your wet gear ready and making sure you stay dry while others get soaked. I don't think most people really care if someone is wearing one or not. I am more surprised by those that don't wear them

 

[ArchOwl]

Thanks everyone! I will give 'em a try and see how they work. Good idea about taking off your socks, for some reason it never occured to me.

 

[VallCopen]

But the fun is seeing who in the party gets soaked , unless it is you .

 

[jacs1234]

I might bring our flip flops on those days we're doing the wet rides. We'll be wearing our ponchos too.

 

[Bungle]

I would switch into sandals before the ride.

 

[SeattleTink]

A poncho keeps me dry.

We bought Disney ponchos (much better quality than the dollar store!) a couple years ago out of necessity. I think we paid $8.00. It was Pouring - Down - Rain!

Later that trip we decided to go on Splash Mountain at night...and I wasn't thrilled with being soaking wet. So, I wore the poncho. I was DRY! Sweet.

Now, I carry them when it is coolish, or at night if I want to ride a water ride and not get wet. It works like a charm. You might get a few splashes, but it is relatively nothing compared to wearing no poncho.

My family too, used to make fun of "Poncho Wimps"....well, I joined the club. I am a proud member of the Poncho Wimp Club.

I will still go "poncholess" if it is hot outside and know I will be dry in an hour, but for the times you don't want to walk around soaking wet, a poncho is the way to go.

 

[bumbershoot]

But the fun is seeing who in the party gets soaked , unless it is you .

Since we wear them, we've realized that the true fun is in seeing who gets *hit* by walls of water. And with a poncho everyone can have that fun (and the water is still cold through a poncho!) just without the hours of dripping from every piece of clothing, the chafing, the misery....

 

[cyclenut]

Wearing a poncho will definately keep your upper body dry and depending on how muchof you is covered, it should keep the upper part of your legs dry too. Make sure you sit on it to keep that part dry too.

This will be fine for Splash Mountain, but for GRR you really have to worry about your feet (as was already mentioned). Don't rely on putting them up in the center console either, that won't help much if the water comes in just right. You are at greater risk for getting soaked during the rapids than on the drops. Yes, you can get very wet on the drops, but there are some of the rapids where the water just comes right over and into the boat in a wave. That's where you get your feet wet.

If you can, bring and wear sandles. You may also bring an extra pair of socks. Even if you take your socks off, if your shoes get wet then your socks are just going to soak up the water from your shoes.

The pancho will also be helpful if you plan to get an up close view of World of Color. The Disney panchos are pretty good but they are a bit pricey at $8 a pop.

 

[helenb]

Bring a plastic grocery bag. When you get on the ride, take off your shoes and socks and put them in the bag, then tie it up with a knot and place it on your lap (under the poncho) or in the belongings pouch holder in the ride car. That should keep your footwear dry.

Another great option in the summer is to wear water shoes/sandals all day. Land's End makes really comfy water sandals that I can wear all day at a theme park.