Ponchos vs umbrella

[CAS239]

Ponchos are way too hot, and Disney is not a good place for umbrellas. Way too many people that you'll need to avoid hitting or dropping water on.

Easiest solution that we do is bring windbreakers with hoods on them if we know it's going to rain. If we don't know it's going to rain and we don't have the windbreakers, we just go from building to building while stepping out in the rain the least amount of times. Usually the afternoon showers are not a downpour so it's not too bad

 

[disney world dreamer]

often times it rained mid afternoon.

personally its ponchos all the way for me and my family.

umbrellas don't offer much protection in my opinion.
plus then you have to hold it so you're not hands free.

 

[cgh]

I'd do both and if you have a child who can be in a stroller with a rain cover, make sure you have it. (and know how to use it). We were there in January when they received 3.5 inches of rain in 24 hours. I had ponchos and rain coats no umbrella. Rain boots too! the rain just pooled in the boots. Now, depending on when you are there, this might not matter. The kids were impacted the most. Under normal rain conditions, the ponchos have worked great with no umbrella.

 

[cobright]

What should we bring for rain protection from the daily storms? I know it rains during dinner times and we have ressies we need to make it to, rain or not. Any suggestions?

I think umbrellas may be one of the most antisocial inventions conceived by man. Just keep in mind, that by walking through the park with an umbrella up, you forfeit the right to complain about people holding up tablets and phones to photograph the parades and shows.

Use a poncho if you must. I prefer to choose quick drying clothing and then just get wet in it. At Florida Temps it will be dry 15 min after rain stops.

If that's too much of a bother, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt for 2 people take up less room than an umbrella; wait till the rain stops and change into dry clothes.

A courteous umbrella user (using term loosely) is severely limiting themselves because keeping an umbrella a polite distance from the faces of other people means you should stay out of lines and any gathering for shows or shopping. Sure, some people will just go ahead and do there business with their umbrella held high and their interest in the comfort of others held low, but we shouldn't plan our day around conforming to the lowest common denominator.

On practical grounds, an umbrella occupies roughly 50% of the average persons available hands. Write off being able to excitedly two-handed wave to Mickey and the gang. Or take photos. Or get a kids head unstuck from a railing. Live with yourself after that lost opportunity; if you can.

 

[Victoria3]

Poncho or rain jacket. Umbrellas can be annoying to other guests if you aren't careful, as I've been hit with them by unknowing other guests.

Ponchos can be annoying to other guests too. I've been brushed up against by wet people.

The both have there pros and cons. I personally use an umbrella.

 

[HopperFan]

Poncho.

Yes they can get warm but I'd rather be warm a short time then wet from the waste down since Florida rain comes from all directions and an umbrella will only likely keep your top half dry.

For an umbrella to be of use it needs to be a good size or every person has to carry a small one. I would much rather shake my poncho, put it in a bag and stuff in my backpack than deal with a larger umbrella or a pile of small ones. To me they are a pain.

Umbrellas in crowds are dangerous, and anyone standing close by will get the water running off the umbrella on to them.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I loathe how hot and sticky I feel when wearing a poncho

Me too. I remember it was raining lightly the entire day I was in Epcot. I decided that it would feel Much better just to get a little wet than be in the poncho all day. And it really WAS much better.

 

[OThopeful35]

We use ponchos. I'd rather not be bothered with an umbrella. I like my hands to be free plus I don't want to be worried that I may hit someone with an umbrella.

 

[fla4fun]

It depends on which park I am going to and what the forecast is for that day. Any forecast higher than 40% and it's the poncho. Less than 40% it will usually be the umbrella. I do use the umbrella for shade as well as rain. It is also easier to navigate with an umbrella at Epcot than it is at MK. So if I am going to MK and the rain forecast is low, I don't carry either. The buildings at MK are so much closer together than at Epcot that it's just easier to dash for cover for a short shower.

I did invest in a nylon poncho since I live here. It is cooler than the plastic ones, but slightly bulkier to carry. I usually fold it into a large ziplock bag and then squeeze the air out as I zip it closed. I have a crossbody bag it fits in nicely that way.

 

[Geoff_M]

I think umbrellas may be one of the most antisocial inventions conceived by man. Just keep in mind, that by walking through the park with an umbrella up, you forfeit the right to complain about people holding up tablets and phones to photograph the parades and shows.

Not true at all. It's a matter of usage that makes the difference. I take both, but prefer to use a small "tote" umbrella that I keep in my daypack to avoid the sticky/hot nature of a poncho. It's not a golf umbrella and has a small "footprint." I've also found that the sidewalk/street crowds thin out when it rains as many people often seek shelter inside stores, overhangs, and other places enough that I've never accidentally rammed my umbrella unto anyone. I don't pull it down over my head and blindly walk through WDW.

On the flip side of the argument, I hate being on a bus with people loaded with people wearing wet ponchos, sitting on wet seats previously occupied by someone wearing such a poncho, and getting sprayed by someone whipping a poncho in the air that they've just taken off in order to stow it.

As for the OP's question, I prefer umbrella's but they do have shortcomings when it comes to wind or heavy downpours. When the heavy stuff hits (and it often is short-lived), we tend to seek cover and then move when it lightens up. If we have to get from Point A to B when it's raining hard, I break out the poncho.

 

[BippityBrittany]

We always bring ponchos to the parks. We carry them in a backpack since they're pretty lightweight and can be squeezed into really any space while not in use. I like the ponchos better than the idea of an umbrella. Mainly, because there may be crowds and the umbrella just adds more to the hustle and bustle because you're trying to dodge not hitting others while they're walking by while trying to stay dry. If you are okay with your shoes/sandals getting a little wet than I would highly recommend ponchos.

 

[Tucker24]

Umbrella's are a hassle for us when juggling the kids. Ponchos kept us more dry. If you are bringing a stroller bring an extra poncho to cover it while you go on rides

 

[disneylove16]

We are bringing both. I got my umbrella at Target, it's a mini collapsible umbrella that can fit in a pocket. I despise being wet, and want to try and limit it as much as possible. It's impossible to avoid it completely, though. That said, if you only want to bring one or the other, I agree with other posters that a poncho may be your best choice.

 

[maxiesmom]

Ponchos. I would never want to carry an umbrella around for long. Plus you then have to pay more attention to how close you are to people, so that you don't poke them in the eye.