Ponchos or Umbrellas

[hayesdvc]

For those who go to WDW frequently, rain is a common occurrence.

Do you prefer wearing a poncho or using an umbrella?

We will be renting a stroller that comes with its own cover.

I am wondering what works better for you and why.

Thanks

 

[PennyInPink]

Personally, I find that I am too dangerous with an umbrella! I'd poke someone's eye out in the crowds!

 

[bumbershoot]

Umbrellas aren't safe for others and you will just be putting the water from the umbrella onto those shorter than you.

Poncho all the way.

 

[Geoff_M]

I take a small "Totes" sized collapsible umbrella every time. No one's ever come close to losing an eyeball because of it. I find it MUCH preferable to the "wet-n-sweaty" feel of using a poncho in Florida.

 

[Klayfish]

Ponchos without a doubt. Too many people around for umbrellas. Even if you don't poke someone's eye, it'd be a pain walking around with one. We've had a few encounters with people trying to use them, and it's not pleasant.

 

[patrickpiteo]

Not even a question.. ponchos

 

[tsme]

Ponchos. Easy to fold up & save afterwards & you won't hit other guests with it.

 

[diser_fam]

Definitely ponchos. For reasons mentioned above.

 

[Accident]

As an adult with no kids to watch and comfortable walking in crowds with an umbrella (with a lifetime of nyc experience in doing so), I use an umbrella. if you dont normally walk in crowds with an umbrella, or easily distracted or have little ones to watch it can be a huge hazard for those around you...

 

[Mal6586]

Just call me the El Paso taco girl! I say BOTH! I pack a small umbrella and a cheap poncho on my bag. sometimes it's not enough rain to warrant the poncho, and sometimes it's too much rain for just an umbrella, so I prefer to have both!

 

[CrabbyPatty]

Man, I just hate that "sealed in a damp plastic bag" feeling of the ponchos! They are a pain in the backside to tote around once they get wet, IMHO. But having said that, I always pack a bunch of the little cheap ponchos from Target or Walmart (I think the last ones I bought cost $1.42 or something) and I figure if we need them, we can use them and then toss them for that price.

 

[Klayfish]

As an adult with no kids to watch and comfortable walking in crowds with an umbrella (with a lifetime of nyc experience in doing so), I use an umbrella. if you dont normally walk in crowds with an umbrella, or easily distracted or have little ones to watch it can be a huge hazard for those around you...

Lifetime of Philly experience doing the same. I think that's part of the reason I wouldn't do an umbrella. I'm perfectly comfortable carrying one around, but there are so many people around who aren't paying any attention (I'd be lying if I said I was never that person myself, I've done it) that it's just not worth the hassle.

Similar concept...If you grew up in NYC, but now live in Orlando, at least you don't have to deal with icy/snowy road driving anymore. I now live in Atlanta, after 40+ years of PA winters. I refuse to drive in the tiny bit of ice and snow that falls here maybe once a year. It's not my snow driving skills I'm worried about....it's everyone else who has never seen snow, let alone driven in it.

 

[AngiTN]

Umbrella. We have 2 that fold down to fit in a pants pocket.
So much better than the plastic sauna poncho.
Plus, if it's raining a long time you don't have the whole, on off thing you get when you go to an indoor ride.

 

[ebradley23]

Ponchos - specifically the Frogg Togg ponchos. They are breathable (yet waterproof), so you don't feel as if you're walking around in a portable sauna like other ponchos make you feel.

 

[Tasmen]

I'd recommend ponchos. They are much easier to tote around all day than an umbrella.

 

[disnut8]

We do ponchos because that leaves our hands free. Also, except for watching out and being careful not to bump into others since we can give them more water than they want, we don't have to concern ourselves with where we are holding something above our heads. Tips for poncho wearers - take a binder clip to fasten under your chin to hold the hood more secure. Also, take a large zipper bag since it's easy to just stuff the poncho back in there once the rain has gone away.

OP - you said you were going to have a stroller - can you push the stroller with one hand while you hold the umbrella with the other?

 

[HopperFan]

Ponchos.
- I want all my clothes dry as opposed to just my upper half
- No issue with horizontal rain
- Hands free
- Backpack stays perfectly dry
- When I sit my bottom stays dry on wet seats/benches
- I don't drip on other people
- I don't poke other people
- Easier to carry

My new IKEA ones are awesome. No side slits to leak, lightweight and cooler than the vinyl, dry fast, tight around the fast so no leaks there, longer so my clothes all stay dry and folds into itself. Been using at Disney and just did at a pouring rain soccer game, all dry.

 

[SureAsLiz]

Umbrella, mainly because I hate when my face gets wet. I also despise the wet plastic feel in a poncho.

I do also wear a Northface shell. It's not quite a rain jacket, but it's light enough to wear around in lightish or intermittent rain. And if it's humid, I can unzip all the arm slots so I don't feel suffocated