Is Universal worth it in the rain?

[Mrs. Pirate]

We are supposed to be at Universal (my kids are only interested in Harry Potter and the Mardi Gras parade) on Wed and they are calling for heavy rain. How much shuts down in the rain? We have only been once before several years ago and had hot perfect days. My other option is to move my Universal day to Thursday or Friday but I already have MK and Epcot Fastpasses/meals planned for those days. Sadly, I have already bought my Universal tickets.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[bchbetha]

Most rides and lines are inside. I would still go!

 

[Scifidiner]

yes.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Most rides and lines are inside. I would still go!

Absolutely!

It looks right now like the morning is clear, so get there early (be well in line already when they open at 9:00) and get any outside things done. From 10:00-noon, there are "isolated" and "scattered" T-storms, so you may get lucky, then the only "heavy" ones are around 3:00, and it goes back to "scattered" at 5:00, and down to "cloudy" at 7:00. Just do the indoor rides during the worst times.

https://www.wunderground.com/hourly/us/fl/orlando/date/2019-02-27

as/of 2/25 @1:15 -


The parade is at 6:15 and 7:30 that day, so at least the 2nd one should be OK.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/events/mardi-gras/index.html#parade

 

[nkereina]

I agree that I would still go. The weather can change so quickly there, and there's enough to see and do indoors that you won't feel like its a waste if it does end up being a wash out. I would rather have to miss a few rides at Universal due to weather, than attempt to re-schedule a day of FPs and ADRs at WDW, which can be really difficult.

 

[Disxuni]

The only things that shut down are things that are outdoors and that's if it's storming, but that includes the time as the storm is approaching. As for the parade, that might get shut down depending on the weather at the time. As I know with WDW, if it just rains (not storming) they'll do the Rainy Day Character Cavalcade parade and Universal I do not believe has a Plan B if it rains.

Other than that, I wouldn't let the rain scare you if you have a poncho, or you're willing to get a little wet through the transitions, as umbrellas aren't the best coverage, especially if it's windy, or if that doesn't matter to at least have your electronics in a zip lock bag.

 

[PollyannaMom]

at least have your electronics in a zip lock bag.

Good idea!

(and I love your avatar pic!)

 

[Disxuni]

Good idea!

(and I love your avatar pic!)

Thank you! First picture I took when I became an AP in '16 for the first time in years.

I got the idea of zip lock when one of the only times I wore a lanyard I went on a water ride and it was completely dry once I got off. So, from that moment on before I left, if I ever thought of possibly going on a ride that even had a little water, or knew it will / might rain I always brought a zip lock, especially since those water rides do not have free lockers and it's the only thing I really worry about getting wet.

 

[danielocha30]

On Heavy rain days the parks are empty, wear waterproof shoes some areas used to flood a little, be ready to get wet and go on with your day. Outdoor roller coaster and rides will close. Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringotts are indoor, mos of diagon alley it is also under roof, Hogsmead can be a problem but is doable.

 

[skylock]

Buy ponchos at the dollar tree before you go, take a zip lock to put them in when not in use. Toss when you leave.

 

[wilbret]

Yes! We love rainy days in the park, because so many others do not!

 

[imprint]

Buy ponchos at the dollar tree before you go, take a zip lock to put them in when not in use. Toss when you leave.

We get the cheap dollar store ponchos too, but I like to take it another step. They are packaged so small, I take 2 or sometimes 3 for each person in our group. We use them as a one-and-done. If we take them off, then we dispose of them and open new ones if the rain comes back. It's much more cumbersome to try to carry folded (more likely wadded) used ponchos than to have extra pre-packaged ponchos.

 

[kbelle8995]

Yes. It still is worth doing in the rain.