Rain Jacket vs Reusable Poncho vs Disposable Poncho?

[Lesley Wake]

We're going in September so expect to encounter rain. What do you recommend to deal with this:

1) Rain Jacket-I have a lightweight Land's End one; it definitely keeps me dry and isn't hot or stuffy. But it only goes to mid-hip and definitely wouldn't fit a bag underneath. And it will take up space in my bag when carrying it around in clear weather. Cost: $0

2) Reusable poncho-I found a Frogg Toggs lightweight poncho which seems promising. Snaps on the side and adjustable hood. Some reviews said it tears easily but overall people like it. It will take up space but seems to be less than a full rain jacket. Cost: $12ish

3) Disposable ponchos-looking at ones on Amazon which come in packs of 10-20. Figure those will be easy to just throw in the bag during the day and at the end can just throw away, especially if they get holes. But I worry about feeling like I'm walking around in a plastic bag and it won't be breathable. Cost: $14ish/10

What do people think?

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

I'd go with option 2. you definitely want something that will go past your hips and can cover a bag, so option 1 is out. I personally wouldn't do option 3 just because I'd hate the idea of putting 10+ ponchos in a landfill when I could have bought a reusable one.

I used the same reusable ponchos for about 20 years before finally replacing them last year! It was a sad day when I had to say goodbye to my seaworld Ohio ponchos from 1997

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I vote option 2 also. We actually buy the Disney ones when we are down there are use them for several years. They fold down quite nicely so it's easy to have in your bag for a pop up shower or a ride on Splash Mountain. I would worry the disposable ones are too cheap and I think a jacket would be too bulky to carry around.

 

[Capang]

I would consider the Disney ones. Around the same price as option 2. We keep ours for a couple trips before tossing. They are long and fit bags underneath. Super easy to pack in a backpack or larger purse.

 

[Lesley Wake]

How breathable are the Disney ones? I know it will be hot and sticky as well as rainy!

 

[DLgal]

We have Disney ponchos that are 5 years old. Good as new. We take them and roll them up to store in our backpack. I secure them with an elastic hair tie. Put the tie around my wrist while I am using the poncho. I always just shake it out and roll it back up. I've never bothered actually drying it out. It has never gotten moldy and doesn't smell. I think they are a fantastic value.

 

[DLgal]

How breathable are the Disney ones? I know it will be hot and sticky as well as rainy!

They are plastic, so not at all. You will get sticky/sweaty, but it's better than being soaked by rainwater. Take it off when you enter an attraction or store.

 

[AuroraRose22]

For me, I would bring the reusable one and a couple of disposable ones in my luggage. If it looks like it's going to rain off and on all day and I'll need to use it repeatedly, I'll bring the reusable one. If it's just a slight chance of pop-up storms, or I know I'm going somewhere where I'll be inside most of the time, for example headed to Disney Springs for a movie or dinner then right back to the resort, I'll bring the disposable ones. That way if it does rain on the way there I don't have to figure out what to do with a soaking wet glorified garbage bag for the next couple hours.

 

[KSL]

I'll be the lone voice here whose family goes with the cheap disposables. Mostly because when I'm done with it I don't want to bother carrying around a wet poncho (or 5, as everyone will hand me theirs!). They are 2 for $1 at our local Dollar Tree and I pick up a couple packs for each trip. My girls and I also use them on KaliRR as we dislike sitting down in the wet seats. We offer them to anyone in line who wants them when we are done and we've always had takers. They are definitely sticky, though, and can tear if not careful. But they are also roomy enough for my bag underneath and I guess they're long enough as I've never really noticed thinking they were too short.

 

[Shanti]

I use lightweight ponchos from home. They work as well as any other poncho. The heavier grade ones, like the ones at WDW, are annoyingly bulky & heavy to carry around when not in use. I bring a plastic bag to store our wet ponchos in. Works great. I also carry a small umbrella with UV coating, which can double as a parasol when it's sunny.