I am so sad! Is our DL trip ruined?

[MAH4546]

Not to be a party pooper, but just to add a little realism (to help you avoid disappointment), I thought you should know that when it rains, the outdoor entertainment is generally cancelled. Therefore, definitely plan to see fireworks, parades, Fantasmic! the very first showing possible when it's not raining. We were there last December and it rained about half the days we were there. We were able to see fireworks, but ended up missing the parade and F! because of rain.

Fantasmic! is canceled because of lightening, rarely rain.

Here is a recent Fantasmic show in drenching rain:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCZPtAzEPNo

 

[HydroGuy]

15 days out? WOW! I don't think I have ever checked a forecast 15 days ahead of time. In So Cal, a rain forecast 15 days out could mean anything - including sunshine.

That said, it IS December, which is one of our rainy seasons (if we have have one).

For example see "Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158. Five days of rain in December on average.

 

[FourOrchards]

Thanks everyone for your kind reply's.

You have gotten me excited for the rain...especially if it means less crowds.
I just figured that it would still be crazy busy just the same because people wouldn't be canceling their trips because of rain...we aren't.

I do realize that the weather can change at anytime in California. But I do think we have a pretty good chance of getting wet. I am planning on that. We will be taking rain suits for everyone, extra shoes, and socks.

Thankfully we are staying at the GC so we will be close to our hotel. We'll be able to take breaks and get dried off if needed. Sit by the fire and enjoy...

I will be disappointed if we aren't able to see WOC. We haven't seen it yet. Will that be canceled due to rain? I'm thinking it would be.

We will make this trip what we want of it...rain or shine! It is Disneyland at Christmas after all!!

 

[jason417]

weather.com and accuweather.com have already reduced the amount of rain forecasted for the weekend. Who knows, by the time the weekend gets here those forecasts might say "sunny and 75"

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Fantasmic! is canceled because of lightening, rarely rain.

Here is a recent Fantasmic show in drenching rain:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCZPtAzEPNo

Maybe they've changed their shoes!

When we were there on December 11, 2009, the second show was cancelled about ten seconds after Mickey came out and started the show. We were told that it was due to fear that the dancers would slip on the wet ground. Who knows, though? Maybe the weather forecasters working the show saw the possibility of lightening, but there wasn't any that I saw. The first show that night had gone on despite some light rain.

So, just to be safe, if I want to see F! on a trip when there's the possibility of rain, I know I'll plan to see it on one of the first available showings.

 

[Janell]

I love DL in the rain. Bring extra shoes and socks. Sometimes shoe don't dry out over night. Ponchos are great and I think the easiest to use at DL. I also pack zip lock bags for camera, phones, money. Anything you don't want to get wet in a down pour.

The rain will cut down on the crowds which will be great. And after the rain it's the prettiest in So Cal, sky very blue.

Have fun.

 

[kelmac284]

We are also supposed to be there the 17th through the 21st and I am bummed about the rain. But I am REALLY worried about WOC. I have already booked Ariel's and am wondering what they do if it rains. Do they cancel the show???

What if we have already had dinner and then it rains are you out of luck?

Anyone know the answer to this?

 

[QueenDoOver]

We have been when it was rainy and I am also one that loves the rain. It seldom lasts for an entire trip, so I just focus on making the most our of the short ride lines and lower crowds. It is really fun. Things that help us enjoy in the rain: In addition to raincoats and ponchos, rain pants and water proof shoes that still have support. Lands End has great water proof walking shoes. Last time, some of our party didn't have water proof shoes and we took garbage can liners from the hotel and put them over the socks before the foot went into the shoe. Shoes still got wet, but socks and feet were dry! Worked just great.

 

[MAH4546]

I will be disappointed if we aren't able to see WOC. We haven't seen it yet. Will that be canceled due to rain? I'm thinking it would be.

No, it is not. WOC performs in the rain. Always has. Lightning will cancel it, that's it.

Maybe they've changed their shoes!

When we were there on December 11, 2009, the second show was cancelled about ten seconds after Mickey came out and started the show. We were told that it was due to fear that the dancers would slip on the wet ground. Who knows, though? Maybe the weather forecasters working the show saw the possibility of lightening, but there wasn't any that I saw. The first show that night had gone on despite some light rain.

So, just to be safe, if I want to see F! on a trip when there's the possibility of rain, I know I'll plan to see it on one of the first available showings.

In the rain, there is less movement of the actors. For example, during the pirate ship scene, no acrobatics, just staying stationary. But the show goes on.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Another comment about rain: Just because it says rain in the forcast doesn't mean it will rain heavy the entire day. Sure, there may be days like that once in a while, but often the rain will be heavy and light or stop off and on during the day. So, even a rainy day may not be all bad.

 

[katesorad]

Our weather in Southern California really is insane. Honestly, if it calls for light rain or some rain or rain at all, you're most likely to get about 10 minutes every few hours of light sprinkling. During that time, just head into an indoor attraction, shop, or restaurant! If for some reason it decides to rain a little heavier, grab some ponchos! Your trip definitely won't be ruined. And I'm telling you.. if it rains, most of the locals will freak out and either go home or find shelter, even if it's just a little drizzle.. so rain will only help if it does happen! The crowds will suddenly disappear, and you'll know exactly how many people there were actually locals..

 

[Imaginationsetfree]

I agree with the previous posters - rain = short lines.

I was there a few weeks ago, and it rained pretty much all day. Yes, it was wet, but we had a great time anyways. But the park was DEAD. I was talking with a cast member who said their numbers dropped from 47,000 people in the morning to 32,000 in the afternoon when it started pouring. The result for us? We rode every ride in the Disneyland park, plus rode Space Mountain 3x, BTMR 3x, Indy 3x, Matterhorn 2x, took an extended break for lunch, did some shopping, and caught Fantasmic. Best. Day. Ever.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

I dont want to be a party pooper here but the local guys are saying we're going to have a bit of a winter storm roll through. I truly hope it's just light rain here and there because we didn't dl in the rain on a cold dec day a few years back and we were miserable! Soaked to the bone and they closed dca 2 hours early because it was pouring and super empty. Anyway, it might just be out in the IE where I live but it'll be a decent rainy weekend coming our way. Bring extra socks, keep your feet dry and wear a poncho. The lines are non exsistent and that kinda makes it fun. Again, I may be wrong but I do hope that it isn't too wet out there.

 

[dizneedoll]

When we went for Halloween in October it rained both days and the evening of our Halloween party. It turned out to be one of the best trips ever though! The rain kept crowds away and I think the park looks so pretty wet! My feet got drenched but I didn't care. As many have said, it's up to you if the trip will be ruined or not. Go and have a good time! Don't worry about the weather. There isn't anything you can do about that anyways.

 

[NewbieMouse]

I'd love for it to rain on our trip. Rain = less people! Just get a poncho and enjoy the shorter wait times!

 

[Ariel224]

Agreeing with all the previous posters that ponchos are a must. We had rain on the last day of our trip on 11/20. We had stopped by Dollar Tree, where we got the packs of 2 for $1. I made sure we had one for each person, one to use as a stroller cover (bring binder clips to hold it on), and a couple of extras in case someone's got torn (which did happen to DD when she got hers caught on a railing as she walked by). Also, recommended if using a stroller: an extra sweatshirt for the primary stroller pusher. The only cold I experienced was when the rain would hit my wrists and wick up my sleeves under my jacket. Luckily I was able to change my shirt halfway through the day and all was good. We also had extra socks and pants for each of the kids, of which only one pair of pants were needed. Had to rent a jumbo locker to store everything, but it was well worth it.

Dollar Tree also has the "magic towels", which are really washcloths compressed and packaged down to about half the size of a deck of cards. (FWIW, I also saw princess ones in the little gift shop in the castle for about $4). These come in handy to put down when seats have gotten wet, because even on indoor rides, ponchos drip on the seats and ponchos don't always cover your booty! And all of the outdoor benches will be soaked.

All in all, we had a fabulous day, because the crowds were really low for a Saturday. Got tons of rides done. Alice, the Teacups and Autopia were the only closures I knew about. The rain had pretty much stopped by early afternoon. At that point crews were out sweeping any standing water to the drains, so lingering puddles were never an issue. It did rain a few more minutes that evening right before Fantasmic, so the Peter Pan scene didn't have the acrobatics, and the fireworks were cancelled due to upper level winds.

Attitude is definitely key. DH was dreading the rain and it took him awhile to get into the magic that day. I was looking forward to it, and except for when my sleeves got soaked and I got cold, it was an amazing fun filled day! Do what's necessary to stay dry (which = WARM) and it will be fine.

 

[WonkaKid]

I went to DL Tokyo on my last full day in Japan about two years ago. It rained pretty heavily until the early afternoon (fortunately I had an umbrella). But the crowds were good and I refused to let it ruin my day. I had a great time. And don't forget: at DL you're often inside of something -- POTC, Space Mountain, PP. Indeed, for the last hour of the day, I had a virtual run of the park. It was fantastic. The only thing I wish I'd had the foresight to bring was dry socks. Or shoes . So: put that/those on your list.

You'll have a great time. As so many others have said, it's all about attitude. I'd say better to have rain and light crowds than sun and heavy crowds .

Enjoy!

 

[jtown]

I have been watching the weather to get the 15 day forecast and it's finally out. We are going to DL Dec 17-21 and it's forecasting R-A-I-N!

How can this be?!? So is our trip ruined or what or can fun be had in the pouring rain?

1) You can't trust a forecast more than a couple days out.

2) In SoCal, "rain" = scattered showers. "Showers" = Occasional drizzle. You have to figure in the exchange rate. Everything is inflated here because we have such mild weather.

3) Same goes for the "chance of precipitation" percentage. Knock off 10-20%.

So bring some cheap ponchos (camping stores often have them for a dollar or two) and keep extra shoes and socks in the car. But also bring shorts. It was 90 degrees at my house yesterday.

 

[blackjackdelta]

We are coming from Oregon and are hoping it rains. Figure if it rains the crowds will be less.


Put on your rain coat and have fun.

I am with you, I love it when it rains.

Jack

 

[gippaloo]

TRUST ME...DLR is soooo much better when it rains! I mean you get to pretty much walk onto any ride you want, and the crowds are so much lighter. I honestly wish for rain when I go to Disneyland now. Plus you are going around Christmas time which is normally SUPER busy. So rain would be a good thing!!