Rain all week.....prep tips?

[xipotec]

So looks like a soggy week for our trip to DL.

I am never totally bummed out by rain, as a rainy day at DL is better than any day at work.

BUT

Suggestions for what to bring and how to prepare for SoCal type rain? I know how to deal with WDW in the rain and have my spots to hang out if it gets really heavy....

Not so sure about DL and even less sure about DCA?

Tip appreciated!

 

[OlliePop27]

So looks like a soggy week for our trip to DL.

I am never totally bummed out by rain, as a rainy day at DL is better than any day at work.

BUT

Suggestions for what to bring and how to prepare for SoCal type rain? I know how to deal with WDW in the rain and have my spots to hang out if it gets really heavy....

Not so sure about DL and even less sure about DCA?

Tip appreciated!

It looks like only half an inch of rain spread over 4 days. That's very light. I wouldn't worry much about it. Honestly, you may get the best of both worlds - light rain and lower crowds. When you see rain, look at how much.

Bring ponchos and umbrellas. Plan to do inside attractions when it's actually raining. Some things close in rain like Alice. Also, many rides have outside lines even if ride is inside (i.e. Pooh, Small World, Haunted Mansion, etc.).

One of my best trips was when it rained 3 inches over a weekend. Low crowds and great memories.

 

[ThreeMountains]

I was there on a rainy day last week and, while these may seem common sense, I'll mention them anyway:

- Comfortable and waterproof rain coat with a hood, slightly oversized, if necessary (I had to wear mine over my hoodie because it was also cold)
- Poncho to go over everything, including backpacks, which the raincoat will probably not cover (also useful for Tiana's)
- Extra pair of shoes (or two if you don't have access to a dryer at your hotel)
- Decent quality umbrella for each person
- PLENTY of extra socks and pants since shoes, socks, and pants will likely get wet even with raincoats, ponchos, and umbrellas
- Get a locker, probably a large one, and keep extra shoes/socks/pants in there so that if it rains early and dries up later you can swap out for dry ones
- Waterproof cover for the stroller, if you're using one
- Quality, sealable waterproof bags of varying sizes (Ziploc for smaller things but also wet/dry bags that you can likely find cheap online). This is for everything from phones/electronics to dry socks you might want to use later or wet clothes to go in if it dries up later in the day and you change.

When it's raining heavily, I like to spend time in the stores in Downtown Disney or especially checking out the hotels (GC and DLH). Disneyland Hotel has a LOT of history and artwork on the walls to take in. I can spend hours in there even when it's not raining. Don't forget to go up to the second floor and wander around the halls, especially where the convention rooms are, as there is a ton of great artwork to see up there.

Lastly, embrace it. There's nothing you can do to change the weather and, if you can't change the dates, you can either go into negative and be miserable or accepting of the situation with a focus on the positives. I'll take a rainy few days in Disneyland over a dry, sunny day at work any time. Have fun!

 

[hardcorestitch]

At this point, you may want to flex in different indoor attractions if you aren't into the rain. At least you can't get your foolish mortals wet on Midway Mania or Haunted Mansion!

 

[LKing]

It doesn't look like heavy rain, but it has been cold in the early mornings and evenings. Combine the cold temperatures with a little bit of moisture and it might feel worse to those from drier states.

When it rains, my best advice is to grab a locker early. Bring an extra pair of shoes and socks because walking around the parks in wet shoes is miserable. If you are staying in GCH, you can go back to your room, but trekking back to DLH, PP or any of the Harbor Bl hotels to change shoes will feel like a waste of time. Dump your umbrella, warmer jackets, blankets for parades/Fantasmic, etc. in the locker so you don't have to carry them around all day.

Wear a sweatshirt or jacket with a hood. If it starts sprinkling, throw the hood on and, as OlliePop mentioned, do something indoors. If it is a stronger rain, go back to your locker to get your umbrella. A jacket and umbrella is usually fine for me. The only time I use a poncho is when I go on one of the water rides.

I'm not sure if you will have LLMP or not. At DCA consider Guardians, Webslingers, Animation Academy, Soarin and Midway Mania (although getting out there can be rough in the rain). Consider shopping at Elias & Co or ducking into GCH to check out the Lunar New Year decorations. For dining in the rain, avoid San Fransokyo. Paradise Gardens has a lot of well protected outdoor dining tables. Edit to add: You can bring food from other restaurants (ex. the festival carts) to the Paradise Gardens dining area.

 

[xipotec]

Love this community....

Lockers. Never thought of that once. I know they are there, I just never think to get one.

I have a pretty great rain jacket, and it's been 20-30 degrees here last few weeks so not worrying about the cold part as much.

I do have LLMP.

I plan on bringing a washcloth for seats, we have ponchos. Was already planning on bringing extra socks....2 pairs of shoes.

Zip lock bags added to the list!

We are staying at the Westin, so it's kind far to go back , but we can if needed.

We actually had planned on visiting GC for a peek, may stay there next visit...so that's a great option for DCA.

I know there are some areas prone to puddles in MK, anything like that in DL or DCA? You know places to avoid due to wetter ground? (I hear maybe Toontown?

 

[TinkAgainU]

Mostly, I have to add how lovely the fireplace is at Grand California for a warm up. You have to go look for it since it's not easy to spot from the lobby.

And note there are four sets of lockers - one on each of the main streets at DLP and DCA, and also one just outside each entrance (as you are facing each turnstile - they are to the left). Helpful hint, set your alarm for a few minutes before you expect to leave to remind you to stop and get your stuff, when tired, it's easy to walk past them and be back at your hotel before you notice. I even tend to leave all my stuff in one big clear bag with my name on it - if you forget your stuff you can pick it up the next day at Lost and Found or ask them to ship it to you. There are restrooms near each of the inside Locker areas - so its become a habit to have the kids use the restroom one last time, while I grab the bag.

 

[LKing]

I know there are some areas prone to puddles in MK, anything like that in DL or DCA? You know places to avoid due to wetter ground? (I hear maybe Toontown?

For the amount of rain that is predicted, I don't think there will be issues with puddles. At least not enough of an issue to avoid an area.

The new HM gift store flooded last week. They are making repairs so that it doesn't flood again. Whoever designed that thing (inside and out) was a hot mess.

I plan on bringing a washcloth for seats

For seats on rides? Boarding is pretty quick and I don't think you will have time to wipe down an attraction seat. Besides, it will probably be dry from the last guest that sat on it. For outdoor dining, the CM who clean the tables are extremely helpful. They have towels and will wipe down seats if needed.

 

[DizMe]

Mostly, I have to add how lovely the fireplace is at Grand California for a warm up. You have to go look for it since it's not easy to spot from the lobby.

Yes! So nice to sit and warm up for a bit in a nice rocker by the fire. However, it's a popular idea so it's sometimes hard to find a spot close to the fire. I just wanted to mention that there is another fireplace directly opposite the lobby fireplace, outside. Most people don't even realize it's there. True, you're outdoors, but if the indoor fireplace is crowded, you might check it out. I know it's there and still forget about it!

 

[LKing]

I just wanted to mention that there is another fireplace directly opposite the lobby fireplace, outside.

With Storytellers closing, I have a sneaking suspicion that they are going add more dining tables between Hearthstone and the outdoor fireplace.

We often see people with food to go sitting at the outdoor fireplace sofas and tables.

 

[DizMe]

With Storytellers closing, I have a sneaking suspicion that they are going add more dining tables between Hearthstone and the outdoor fireplace.

We often see people with food to go sitting at the outdoor fireplace sofas and tables.

Oh, good point!

 

[ThreeMountains]

Assuming there is a decent amount of rain: you know that feeling when you step in a puddle and you feel the water go through your shoes and soak your socks? Get used to that and just know it’s going to happen. When it rained last week, I was coming from Alpine Inn and didn’t even make it through the turnstiles before that happened multiple times. And it happened again quite a few times in the parks. I was surprised at how many deep puddles there were both inside and outside the parks. As a solo traveler, I wasn’t even distracted but still didn’t see several of them. Like I mentioned in my first reply, just go into the trip knowing you’ll get wet. The first time you realize you stepped in a puddle and feel the water seeping in, accept it. If there’s a good amount of rain, it’s going to happen sooner or later, and likely many times. You can either let it ruin your mood right there or focus on the next fun thing you’re about to do.

 

[UnpokemonMom]

Would also add this tip: Bring paper towels (or regular hand towels if you want to be sustainable) in a ziploc bag. You can take these out to dry the seats of any outdoor rides - unless you like soggy bottoms!

 

[Pluto468]

Ziploc makes jumbo bags, which are really huge and you could store wet clothes in them after you change at the park.

I've seen waterproof socks on Amazon but have never tried them. Might be worth a look.

Book a couple nice indoor ADRs.

Small trash bag to set down on benches or the ground before you sit down.

Backpack covers.

 

[redleader74]

Excellent advice re: the lockers!

On all our trips we've seldom, if ever, used them. On our upcoming trip we're actually staying a little further than before, which is at the Hyatt House on Katella, whereas, we usually stay right across the street at one of the Best Westerns. So, keeping all this stuff handy in a locker is a great alternative to walking back to the hotel for it.

 

[Princess2R]

So looks like a soggy week for our trip to DL.

I am never totally bummed out by rain, as a rainy day at DL is better than any day at work.

BUT

Suggestions for what to bring and how to prepare for SoCal type rain? I know how to deal with WDW in the rain and have my spots to hang out if it gets really heavy....

Not so sure about DL and even less sure about DCA?

Tip appreciated!

As someone who has suffered in the past with a ruined trip due to cold+ rain at Disney world, I thought it was impossible to pick the worst days again after that.

Lightning struck twice and I got the worst days of the year again this year in Florida.

It was 45° as the high with rain for 3 days straight. talk about suck weather.


I was prepared as possible and we enjoyed super low crowds and did not get wet.


What we had:
Umbrellas
Long sleeve + long ( below knee) rain jackets
Plastic shoe covers
Lots of shower caps to cover the shoes before putting on silicone shoe covers
Rain pants - yep I wore plastic disposable pants
Plastic bags for the wet stuff
Extra socks - just in case - didn't need them

it kept me dry & warm from the cold rain, but the plastic pants made me sweat a bit haha

 

[Princess2R]

Assuming there is a decent amount of rain: you know that feeling when you step in a puddle and you feel the water go through your shoes and soak your socks? Get used to that and just know it’s going to happen. When it rained last week, I was coming from Alpine Inn and didn’t even make it through the turnstiles before that happened multiple times. And it happened again quite a few times in the parks. I was surprised at how many deep puddles there were both inside and outside the parks. As a solo traveler, I wasn’t even distracted but still didn’t see several of them. Like I mentioned in my first reply, just go into the trip knowing you’ll get wet. The first time you realize you stepped in a puddle and feel the water seeping in, accept it. If there’s a good amount of rain, it’s going to happen sooner or later, and likely many times. You can either let it ruin your mood right there or focus on the next fun thing you’re about to do.

This was great! I laughed and related so much to that step in the puddle!!

 

[redleader74]

....also, consider investing in shoes with Gore-Tex lining/membrane, maybe even in high top hiker styles. They might not be stylish and might make you look as if you're attempting to climb the Matterhorn, but the waterproof technology is amazing.

 

[Princess2R]

Lastly, embrace it. There's nothing you can do to change the weather and, if you can't change the dates, you can either go into negative and be miserable or accepting of the situation with a focus on the positives.

100% the truth.
The mindset going in + having the right gear will make all the difference.

 

[KimberMama]

If you have a lot of rain gear to store there are extra large lockers in the picnic area, although they aren’t out of the rain.

The last time we went expecting big rain, each of us carried a small disposable poncho with us, and then had our heavy duty ponchos in a locker. This was a good idea because the sky opened up while we were on Autopia waiting to disembark (they ended up having us get out of the cars where we were stopped), and we could quickly cover up while waiting for them to decide what to do. When we went to get our real ponchos we gave our disposable ones to another family.

I do carry an umbrella if I think we’ll get drizzle or light rain, but it honestly gets hard to maneuver a group with umbrellas. Clear umbrellas work best in terms of visibility, and you want the kind that collapse all the way down versus the ones with a long handle. If it’s really raining, we do much better with the ponchos, which can go over backpacks and also help protect you when the wind blows the rain sideways. Plus you can sit on a wet seat in a poncho without getting your rear end wet. Also, if you are pushing a stroller or wheelchair or use a walker, you’re going to want a poncho since your hands are occupied. You can use a disposable emergency blanket to help keep children in a stroller dry (bring a few clothespins to secure it), or can be draped over the lap of a person in a wheelchair to help keep them dry).

We all wear waterproof shoes/boots if there is a lot of rain forecast, after having been caught in the rain on another visit (there are so many deep puddles at DL!). Waterproofed Uggs are nice, so your feet will be warm and dry.

I hate GCH when it’s raining. Everyone wants to be there and it gets really loud. I think it’s better to just get on with your day. We do tend to visit the Tiki Room when it rains, lol. Be sure to mobile order food early in the day so you aren’t getting wet waiting in long lines to order.

Other little tips: bring in insulated hot beverage containers so you can carry coffee/hot tea/hot cocoa with you and sip it to stay warm. Something like a Hydroflask can hold cold or hot liquids with different lids, making them multipurpose. Soups/stews in bread bowls are warming, too. Carry disposable hand warmers to warm your hands. People with long hair might want to wear it in tight braids so they don’t have wet hair dripping on them. If you have an Apple Watch with Apple Pay set up you can pay for things easily without having to get into a bag.