Rain gear?

[Gabe]

Does anyone have any good suggestions for rain gear. Looks like we are gonna get some wet weather when we are there in ten days, we were wondering what we should take. We always buy ponchos, and they seem to work well but we have never been there during heavy rain.

We want to be as comfortable as possible. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Tank]

Hi Gabe, we usually just use the poncho's and they work fine, but if you want something better go to a golf pro shop. You can pick up some fantastic rain gear but it will be expensive. I have some that I have worn in downpours and it kept me dry. The best stuff is expensive though. I never wear it in Disney because I feel guilty with my wife just wearing a poncho. They do have ladies also but since she doesn't golf we didn't think the expense was worth it. Have a great time and keep your fingers crossed that you have dry weather.

 

[Allie322]

On our last trip in July, we brought several of the cheap Dollar Tree ponchos. They worked fine (and we saw a lot of rain) and when we were done with them we threw them away. We had enough for each of us to have a new one each day. They were 2 in a package for one dollar. The thing I liked best about them was how compact they were. We could each carry one in our fanny pack without sacrificing room for something else.
My other suggestion would be to check out one of the pullover anorak type jackets. They fold into themselves and zip closed. We keep ours in our van because we never know when we might get caught at the soccer fields, etc. We bought some of ours at a GAP outlet, others at Old Navy.
Oh, one other rain tip...bring an extra pair of sneakers, sandals, etc. so that when one pair is soaked, you'll have something else to wear. The dryers just didn't cut it.
Have fun!

 

[FloridaCat]

You can get plastic coat/pant outfit at walmart K-Mart for a few dollars. A lot more comfortable then panchos that blow all over the place.
Also pack a few gallon size freezer bags, great for protecting cell phones, cameras and purses.

 

[mitymott]

We take the really thin cheap ponchos if they are calling for showers and heavy guage ponchos when calling for heavy rain. The heavy ones don't rip as easily and they don't seem to soak through and stick to your skin like the thin ones do. They do make the backpack heavy though.

 

[phanomouse]

I am a firm believer in waterproof/breathable gear, what can I say I grew up backpacking and learned very early that a poncho that makes you sweat and get almost as wet as you would without any protection just wasn't for me. So as previously stated if you choose an alternative to the plastic parka or poncho your getting yourself into a lot more money especially if you want something that will definately keep you dry in a down pour. If you want to get something that is guaranteed to last forever and keep you dry... Goretex, and I am partial to the shells that Arcteryx is putting out. If you want something cheaper but still really good REI makes a line called "Elements" that isn't quited as durable as Gore but is still going to keep you dry in a heavy rain. The best reason to buy one of these... THEIR BREATHABLE!!! When you start sweating the moisture will go right out of the shell. Trust me its a bit of an investment but if you really want comfort and something to last you for a long long time, then there is nothing to beat it. By the way REI.com sales most of these things but if you go to arcteryx.com they will have links to other online retailers.

 

[chb]

We used ponchos on our trip a couple of weeks ago and they worked out ok. My hubby had a great waterproof hat though, and that was really nice to keep the rain from dripping in your face. It is one of those expensive kinds that you buy at places like REI like the previous poster mentioned. I guess it all just depends on how much money you want to spend vs how comfortable you want to be.

 

[tn4mickey]

We bought the lightweight 1/2 zip pullover jackets that come in a small pouch at WDW several years ago and much prefer these to ponchos. I'm pretty short (5'3") and can pull mine over my shorts. DH can't do this (he's 6') but still manages to stay pretty dry. We also take small folding umbrellas and a hat. The baseball style hat with the hood over it keeps the hood and the rain off of your face. We only take the umbrellas to the parks if rain is a pretty sure thing. We travel light, usually carrying a small camera bag and the rain jackets will clip onto the strap.

 

[epcotfan]

I gave up ponchos because they make me too hot. I use a large, folding umbrella now. The umbrella is much easier to put away. Also, I don't end up getting attraction seats wet by wearing one. On that note, I did notice some cast members asking people in ponchos to take them off before sitting in some attractions.

 

[Kitster]

The first thing we every bought at WDW were 2 ponchos from the Cirque giftshop. We had just flown in from California (where it never rains) and got totally soaked running from the car into DTD. It's too bad they no longer sell this ponchos because they are the BEST. Nice and big and they're made of vinyl/rubber coated material, not just the plastic that rips. They have huge hoods and keep you dry from your head to about your knees. My only problem is that I forget to bring a baseball cap and then I look like a giant blind Smurf running around Disney property (The hoods are so big that it kinda flops over my face....the baseball cap brim helps to hold the blasted thing up out of my eyes.) When we travel to WDW, we never leave home without them.