Rain Ponchos - Bring or buy?

[kirstenh]

We are going in 8 days and I don't know if I should buy ponchos before we leave and bring them, or just buy them in the park if we need them. How much are they in the parks? Even the ones around here are around $10 each.

 

[FiggieFan]

I got a pack of 20 disposable ponchos off of amazon.com for under $20. I got the idea from a co-worker who was telling me they always get $1 disposable ponchos at Walmart. They seem great - can keep them in my purse and throw out when done so I don't have to lug around wet ponchos for the rest of the day.

 

[msp2mco]

On our first trip, it started raining and we purchase ponchos in the park. They weren't expensive, and it worked just fine. We brought them on a few more trips too. However, with each trip, I try to reduce the amount of stuff I bring into the parks. I now opt for disposable rain coats bought at a dollar store for 2/$1.00. If there is no rain in the forecast, I don't bring them into the park. I will bring them if I plan to ride Kali River Rapids though.

By using the disposable ones, it lightens your load and you don't have to wait in line during a downpour to buy them.

 

[FUNMAMADIS]

They are $8.50 at the parks. If you can't find them at the dollar store, buy them at park. However, I highly recommend buying a bunch at the dollar store, then tossing them at the end of the day.

 

[siskaren]

They are $8.50 at the parks. If you can't find them at the dollar store, buy them at park. However, I highly recommend buying a bunch at the dollar store, then tossing them at the end of the day.

I've heard those dollar ones are like trying to wear Saran Wrap. And if you buy a bunch of them, how is that better than buying one good one?

 

[ZoZo]

There are pros and cons to each kind.

The cheap "disposable" ones are easy to carry in a bag, fanny pack or pocket because they're so small. They're handy to have as a "just in case" item when the forecast doesn't call for much rain. For those who like to travel light in the parks and don't carry a bag or backpack, they can be tucked into a pocket. But they're made of a cheap flimsy material tht tends to stick to you when wet. They can also be very short depending on which ones you buy, and they tear easily. They're not really meant to be worn all day long, so if it rains for long periods for several days, they don't work well.

The more expensive ponchos, whether you buy the WDW ones or buy the better-quality ones before you arrive, are better quality. They hold up better, are longer and cover your legs better, and don't stick to your legs when wet. If you buy WDW ponchos and they tear, you can exchange them for a new one at no additional cost. But you do have to carry them around when you're not using them, which necessitates carrying some kind of bag. And they can be a pain to fold down after being worn. But they're much more comfortable if you have to wear them during extended storms.

After several trips, I actually plan to use both kinds next trip. Have few "emergency" ponchos for days when it's not supposed to rain (just in case) and a better quality Coleman poncho for times when the forecast calls for lots of rain. I hate walking along with poncho sticking to my legs with each step, having to peel it away constantly. I like having a poncho made of stiffer plastic that doesn't cling.

 

[pepe of ohio]

The Dollar Store ponchos are junk.... Waste of money.... We've laughed so many trips watching people trying to put those on... They rip, cling, are short and others have stated, like putting on Saran Wrap .... Though cheap, why waste your money...

We've purchased the Disney ponchos, over 10 years ago, they are yellow, and still going strong...ample size, long and a decent buy... Rip it and they'll exchange it for you....

 

[sturowski]

We bought them at Disney about 6 years ago ans use the same ones every year. I did get my youngest son one at Walmart but spent more than the kids disney ponchos...

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

We got ours for $.88 each at Walmart for our April trip and didn't need them. So we brought them along on our most recent trip in Sept and still didn't need them. I'm glad we didn't waste money on the more expensive ones. Lol. One of our first trips we had to use ponchos and the cheap ponchos worked fine!

 

[Disneylover99]

The Dollar Store ponchos are junk.... Waste of money.... We've laughed so many trips watching people trying to put those on... They rip, cling, are short and others have stated, like putting on Saran Wrap .... Though cheap, why waste your money...
.

Well we must have a high end dollar store then (if there is such a thing ) because our cheapo ponchos work great! Yes, they are thinner and have the potential to rip easier. But ours never cling to us and are the perfect length. Sometimes we dispose of them, when we don't want to carry them around but they easily last us our whole trip.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Well we must have a high end dollar store then (if there is such a thing ) because our cheapo ponchos work great! Yes, they are thinner and have the potential to rip easier. But ours never cling to us and are the perfect length. Sometimes we dispose of them, when we don't want to carry them around but they easily last us our whole trip.

Do as you may, doesn't concern me at all... Just relaying that we've seen too many guests try them cheap ponchos in a little wind get ripped to pieces or open one to find out its so tiny.... not much of a savings when you go thru a whole pack to get to use just one... I'd rather go to a store and purchase a good vinyl hunting poncho..

 

[FUNMAMADIS]

I spent $8 for 8 for my family, used them each of them once. They were sufficient enough to withstand rather torrential storms for the two days we needed them. Saving $25 was worth it, in my opinion.

If we were in the parks regularly, I would invest in the Disney ones.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

The Dollar Store ponchos are junk.... Waste of money.... We've laughed so many trips watching people trying to put those on... They rip, cling, are short and others have stated, like putting on Saran Wrap .... Though cheap, why waste your money...

We've purchased the Disney ponchos, over 10 years ago, they are yellow, and still going strong...ample size, long and a decent buy... Rip it and they'll exchange it for you....

Yep...you were laughing at me and my family. I thought I was so smart to stock up on those Dollar Store ponchos...until our last trip when Tropical Storm Andrea hit us.

The plastic is so flimsy the hoods don't stay up - your head/hair gets wet.
They are too short, only come just past the waist - pants/shorts get soaking wet.
They are sleeveless - arms and shirts get wet.
They tear so easily - the rest of you gets wet.
We were miserable.

For a quick sprinkle they may be ok, but when you REALLY need a rain poncho, you need a good one! I wish we'd sprung for the Disney ponchos on the first day it rained. Lesson learned!

PS - Also learned that if there is a lot of rain forcasted for your trip bring flip flops or teva like sandals for everyone to wear on the rainy days - so much comfortable than squishy wet shoes and socks!

PPS - If your sneakers do get wet, stuff them with newspaper or paper towels over night and they will be dry in the morning. Read that tip on these boards a while ago and it really does work!

 

[Hootch]

cheap ponchos, generally from Target, and rain jackets. The ponchos are always with us. We generally travel in the summer and afternoon and evening showers are the norm. If we note more severe rain we will carry the rain jackets instead. They are heavier duty and withstand the heavier wear and tear.

We have have found with the lighter demands of infrequent showers, the ponchos are good for the trip. We'll dump them at the end of the trip. I think they are usually Colemans

 

[SammiL]

Was just there last week for 9 days and it would flash rain almost everyday in the late afternoon. We def appreciated the durable Disney ponchos - but i'm sure a light yet sturdy rain jacket would work great.

 

[emilymad]

I have the Disney ponchos from about 6 years ago. One of them is ripped. Can I still exchanged it after all this time?

 

[PoohLover78]

We bought durable ones at Sea World in '97 when we got caught in a flood (they were $5 back then). They are so durable we still use them to this day! They don't "stick" to your skin like the cheap ones do when they get wet. We used them once when we didn't bring the old ones and were absolutely miserable! And wet! Cause the cheap ones didn't keep the rain out!

We do get funny looks at Disney sometimes though because they are bright blue with Shamu on the back which is clearly so not Disney As for weight and size, they fold down to about double the size of a box of matches and weigh about as much, if not less.

 

[heidihoho50]

Just an FyI. I am plus size and could barely get the dollar store poncho over my head!!

 

[emilymad]

Just an FyI. I am plus size and could barely get the dollar store poncho over my head!!

This is my DH. It is like the Hulk breaking out. He would rather just get wet.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I would buy them in the park/resort. We bought ours over 10 years ago and I take them every trip and use them every trip. I also think its nice to have The WDW written on them. They are still in great condition.