Does anyone modify their park schedule when it rains?

[momof2cutegirls]

Alright, I hate to ask this but I am going to anyways. I am in the process of tentatively planning a park schedule for our December 2006 trip. I am able to make ADR within the next few weeks. My question to you all is do you have a 'back-up' schedule in case of bad weather?

If it were just an adult trip, I would go to parks with rain. But with small children, the thought of a rain-filled day at WDW doesn't sound appealing. We only do three days of the parks so it does leave some room to change. But then you get in to ADRs, and it gets a little crazy.

I'd like to hear what others do in cases like this! Any suggestions would be really helpful!

 

[Psymonds]

Some related questions, how often does it rain in December? do the florida parks operate differently in the rain. I have been to DL in the rain and know that some attractions don't operate, or are limited (but crowds are greatly reduced, as it rains so infrequently) but would assume that, since it rains more often in Central Florida, that the parks would be more rain tolerant.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

If there is lightening in the area, then the outdoor rides will shut down. If it is just a light rain, most will stay open. Some of the roller coasters might close as well because it hurts to be hit with rain while going fast.

We usually wind up changing our schedule a little but we do it at the time and don't make a back up plan. We can usually figure out if it will be a quick rainstorm or a long one and that will aid in our decision.

 

[Evil Queen]

The only parks we leave is the water parks. I've never really had an alternate plan. This year, we added a day to make up for any bad weather days. If we don't use it for that, it's just a free for all day.

 

[drewswife]

I keep an eye on the 10 day forcast. If they are predicting a really raining day then I will adjust my achedule. I usually save Future World in epcot for the worst day. The only thing that might be closed is test track.

 

[Cogswel_Cogs]

The only thing I do differently is the busses. I always try to head to the busses before it stops raining completely.
If not busses are insane.

 

[Kimi313]

When DD was little we usually would just duck the gift shop or restaurant and grab a bite but now we just keep on going and do the inside attractions. Last year we were traveling with a couple of her friends and it started pouring at MGM and people were already lined up for the parade, so we decided to go do Ariel and Great Movie Ride. We took off running down the middle of the street because of everyone being lined up, and they all started clapping for us like we were the parade, the kids loved it They started waving and we just kept on running. Now I don't recommend this during one of central florida's lightning storms. While at world showcase one of them rolled up and we went into UK pavilion and that was some wicked lightning and thunder!

 

[HayGan]

We actually had a few days with rain last December (first week) Luckily the one day when it rained ALL day, we were in Epcot so lots to do inside. We had not problem in walking around in our ponchos all day (DH and I as well as our kids 3 & 5). Was it ideal - no but it was certainly manageable! Figment alone kept us busy for hours

 

[thelionqueen]

Nope, no alternative plans, just always carry our rain ponchos and $1 umbrellas.

 

[patrokls]

It rained last Tues when I was at the Magic Kingdom. Pretty much from 10am until 6pm. It really kept the crowds down and the only rides I saw that were shut down were Dumbo and the Magic Carpets. Plus it was great fun being the only nut running around the park without a poncho. It's only water after all.

 

[Ted and Holly]

It is important to note that there are really two general weather patterns in Central Florida.

One, the "Summer" pattern goes from around May 24 to September 1 (ish). This pattern includes the typical daily afternoon thunderstorms. They usually happen around 3 or 4 pm and don't last too long.

The "Winter" pattern runs opposite the "Summer". This is typically a dry time. Rain tends to come in day long events, rather than the afternoon storm pattern.

Obviously the rules mean nothing if there is a tropical weather system around, but you get the picture.

So in December, as suggested, I would watch the 10 day forcast. Also note that is can get pretty chilly by the end of December so a rain day would be pretty uncomfortable.

There is another recent thread that people expressed how much fun they have in the parks during the rain.

Ted

 

[CathrynRose]

Some related questions, how often does it rain in December? do the florida parks operate differently in the rain. I have been to DL in the rain and know that some attractions don't operate, or are limited (but crowds are greatly reduced, as it rains so infrequently) but would assume that, since it rains more often in Central Florida, that the parks would be more rain tolerant.

When we lived there in 2004 - 2005. It didnt rain much in December (if any).

Youll be good to go!

 

[almacdonald]

We were at MGM when it rained last week. It was the best day of our whole trip! Not too hot and the crowds were managable. The only things I noticed to be operating differently were the Indiana Jones show and the Lights Motors Action stunt show which both had a stunt or 2 cut out and the Jedi training was cancelled. Other than that it was business as usual.