I think I must be "umbrella challenged"..

I have never, ever been able to stay dry while using one - and especially if the wind is blowing towards me..
When we were in WDW in Sept. of 2001, the heat, humidity, and constant raining every single day was horrible! However, I had bought numerous rain ponchos at home (two for a dollar) and after using one, simply tossed it away.. I don't recall being terribly hot in them and what I liked best was that the rain ponchos kept me dry all the way down to my knees..
Now if someone would just invent some really lightweight rain gear to cover my sneakers, I would be very happy!
I have been stabbed with umbrellas on more than one occasion - in places FAR less crowded than WDW - (especially when the wind is blowing and people hunch down and forward, using the umbrella as a shield for their faces and thus rendering themselves sightless).. I wouldn't dream of bringing one to such a crowded park - and if I saw a small child whipping one around, I'd probably run in the other direction!! LOL
To each their own, but definitely not for me.. I like the freedom the rain ponchos afford me - nothing to carry and I can zip all around - in and out of the crowds..
