Orlando Weather HELP!

[Wendylet]

So we are heading to wdw in a few days. Looking at the weather there appears to be a LOT of precip predicted. For you wdw vets out there what does this really mean? 40-60-80% chance of rain. Almost every day….

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

It's Florida!!!! It rains. Pack disposable ponchos. Pack extra socks and underwear. Pack a positive attitude...and you will have an awesome trip.

 

[georgina]

So we are heading to wdw in a few days. Looking at the weather there appears to be a LOT of precip predicted. For you wdw vets out there what does this really mean? 40-60-80% chance of rain. Almost every day….

When I look at the forecast, even on days of 80% chance of rain, it says 'an afternoon thundershower'. Typically there will be a shower somewhere, we have been there when it has rained at one park but not at another.

 

[Wendylet]

It's Florida!!!! It rains. Pack disposable ponchos. Pack extra socks and underwear. Pack a positive attitude...and you will have an awesome trip.

Yes I have been to Florida before but not in May. Just wondering if it means a brief shower afternoon/evening or likely a half day deluge. We do have ponchos but wondering if I need 2 each or 10 each!

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

Pack disposable ponchos. Be prepared if it rains because sneakers or sandals your feet are gonna hate you.

And yes bring ponchos. While some on WDW are cheap, most are $$$ so much so a poor cast member asked if I was sure I needed so many (we had a wheelchair and an ECV we were afraid to leave out withoit protection.)

 

[Wendylet]

Also we are intending to hit Typhoon Lagoon May 15. Should we be concerned about thunderstorms on that day? Will they close the waterpark or how does that work?

 

[Smugpugmug]

I'm going the same week as you and I've been keeping track of the weather coming up on my trip. Every day the weather has changed. I've seen May 12-14 go from completely sunny to rain every afternoon back to partly cloudy with no rain and now it shows rain in the afternoon. I was even worrying about thunder and rain on my entire AK day (May 8) and now it's showing mostly sunny with no rain.

I would prepare for the rain regardless of what the weather app says. It rains a lot in Florida, especially in May as it is the beginning of rainy season. Bring ponchos (I have the Disney ones that I bought a few years ago and they work for me) and try not to let it ruin your experience. I went to WDW in September last year and it rained every. single. day. I was still able to have a good time despite the rain.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

25 year local - Planning in advance for rain is pretty useless, as the weather forecast changes hourly for Central Florida. It does not typically rain in May the same way as the summer rainy season rains, which is more mid-June and on. We have had very little rain recently - WDW has had a couple of late day storms but much of Central Florida has been in a drought. We are still in the period where it is not the collision of west - east energy that cause our heavy thunderstorms, so much of the rain we get comes from systems that either are pulled down from the northwest, or slide in from either the gulf or Atlantic. There may be a front coming through Saturday morning (the 7th) but rain chances are pretty low after that for the next 3 or 4 days. 35% chance of rain means its possible but not highly likely that some rain will occur in that area. A forecast of afternoon showers is not typically thunderstorms - or else it would say that. Rides and attractions don't close for showers, only lightning (typically). Planning for what to do on May 15th right now is to be prepared for a) hot and sunny b) partly cloudy to sunny c) overcast with periods of sun but still warm d)sunny with afternoon showers e) all day rain f) some combo of a through d. So take the PPs advice, and have ponchos, and dry socks, and changes of clothes, and more than one pair of shoes....... and check the weather again the night before.

 

[Wendylet]

I'm going the same week as you and I've been keeping track of the weather coming up on my trip. Every day the weather has changed. I've seen May 12-14 go from completely sunny to rain every afternoon back to partly cloudy with no rain and now it shows rain in the afternoon. I was even worrying about thunder and rain on my entire AK day (May 8) and now it's showing mostly sunny with no rain.

I would prepare for the rain regardless of what the weather app says. It rains a lot in Florida, especially in May as it is the beginning of rainy season. Bring ponchos (I have the Disney ones that I bought a few years ago and they work for me) and try not to let it ruin your experience. I went to WDW in September last year and it rained every. single. day. I was still able to have a good time despite the rain.

Thank you for that info. We too will be at AKL on May 8 and it is indeed looking better than it did in the forecast a week ago! We will definitely plan for the rain but hopefully it will not affect things as much as I am thinking.

 

[Wendylet]

25 year local - Planning in advance for rain is pretty useless, as the weather forecast changes hourly for Central Florida. It does not typically rain in May the same way as the summer rainy season rains, which is more mid-June and on. We have had very little rain recently - WDW has had a couple of late day storms but much of Central Florida has been in a drought. We are still in the period where it is not the collision of west - east energy that cause our heavy thunderstorms, so much of the rain we get comes from systems that either are pulled down from the northwest, or slide in from either the gulf or Atlantic. There may be a front coming through Saturday morning (the 7th) but rain chances are pretty low after that for the next 3 or 4 days. 35% chance of rain means its possible but not highly likely that some rain will occur in that area. A forecast of afternoon showers is not typically thunderstorms - or else it would say that. Rides and attractions don't close for showers, only lightning (typically). Planning for what to do on May 15th right now is to be prepared for a) hot and sunny b) partly cloudy to sunny c) overcast with periods of sun but still warm d)sunny with afternoon showers e) all day rain f) some combo of a through d. So take the PPs advice, and have ponchos, and dry socks, and changes of clothes, and more than one pair of shoes....... and check the weather again the night before.

Thank you so much for your local insight. That is very reassuring. Understanding the weather for sure is half the battle. We will definitely come prepared and footwear seems to be a main issue so we will make sure to wear our water type shoes in the rain and move to sneakers and socks when we think that’s done! Hopefully we will see more sun than rain although even a rainy day in WDW is better than a day at home!!

 

[Dis Dragon]

This is totally dependent on how you tour, but we started with ponchos a long time ago and now bring umbrellas packed in a wet/dry bag day of instead of goofing with raincoats or ponchos. Also make sure to take a backup pair of shoes for everyone on your trip.

 

[_19disnA]

Florida in the summer months = HOT/humid and likely rain sometime during the day. No one can accurately predict the weather more then a few days ahead, too many random variables. The hot weather and humidity from nearby Gulf of Mexico & Atlantic Ocean means rain is likely any day.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

in Florida rainy season (basically now - all summer) it usually rains somewhere in the WDW area for a half hour or so, usually in the afternoon. But sometimes you get downpours, and thunderstorms or strong windstorms, so you do need to be prepared for anything.

Waterparks will close if there is lightning within a certain distance, or strong windstorms.

 

[Stratman50th]

25 year local - Planning in advance for rain is pretty useless, as the weather forecast changes hourly for Central Florida. It does not typically rain in May the same way as the summer rainy season rains, which is more mid-June and on. We have had very little rain recently - WDW has had a couple of late day storms but much of Central Florida has been in a drought. We are still in the period where it is not the collision of west - east energy that cause our heavy thunderstorms, so much of the rain we get comes from systems that either are pulled down from the northwest, or slide in from either the gulf or Atlantic. There may be a front coming through Saturday morning (the 7th) but rain chances are pretty low after that for the next 3 or 4 days. 35% chance of rain means its possible but not highly likely that some rain will occur in that area. A forecast of afternoon showers is not typically thunderstorms - or else it would say that. Rides and attractions don't close for showers, only lightning (typically). Planning for what to do on May 15th right now is to be prepared for a) hot and sunny b) partly cloudy to sunny c) overcast with periods of sun but still warm d)sunny with afternoon showers e) all day rain f) some combo of a through d. So take the PPs advice, and have ponchos, and dry socks, and changes of clothes, and more than one pair of shoes....... and check the weather again the night before.

Indeed! We aren't in the rainy season yet so those afternoon storms everyone talks about aren't here as a sure thing yet.
I'd like to add 2 more things if I may....
1) The drought has been going on since last year and we need the rain. Sorry, but I'm going to be doing my rain dance...

2)

 

[Wendylet]

This is totally dependent on how you tour, but we started with ponchos a long time ago and now bring umbrellas packed in a wet/dry bag day of instead of goofing with raincoats or ponchos. Also make sure to take a backup pair of shoes for everyone on your trip.

I was wondering about this approach. Would you say an umbrella keeps you more dry than the poncho? I was thinking if there was a wind at all you might get soaked.

 

[Wendylet]

Indeed! We aren't in the rainy season yet so those afternoon storms everyone talks about aren't here as a sure thing yet.
I'd like to add 2 more things if I may....
1) The drought has been going on since last year and we need the rain. Sorry, but I'm going to be doing my rain dance...

2)

View attachment 666969

Lol. That’s a fair description from what I understand. Thanks for your insight!

 

[georgina]

Well you may not be in the rainy season in Florida but when the forecast looks like this -



You need to be prepared!

 

[MomOTwins]

Ponchos and crocs my friend. Ponchos and crocs.

 

[Aimeedyan]

We need rain so bad! It is definitely not rainy season yet, but it's coming soon. Our lawns and waterways really need it.

I don't believe the chance of rain right now. Our forecast has said that for the last week and we haven't gotten a drop in weeks. It's extremely hit and miss right now.

Now come July, it's almost like clockwork...