Rain Strategy

[Trini]

I know it rains almost every day in August.

What are some good strategies to avoid the worst of the storms?

How long does it typically rain?
How hard?
What time?
Is it cold rain or hot rain?
Is there a big risk of being hit by lightning?
Do they close anything when it rains?
What about if there is lightning?
Are there any areas to avoid during the rain?
Best places to be in the parks when it rains?

Thanks

 

[The Mick]

I'm from Tampa, and am thoroughly familiar with the summer rains. My advice:

- Bring or buy a poncho (Disney ponchos are about 7 or 8 bucks)
- Usual summer pattern is a short, sometimes strong rain storm usually between 4 and 5 in the afternoon. It can last anywhere from 5 minutes to about 20. They move through pretty quickly. They can be light or very heavy. They can include thunder. But usually once they're gone, they're gone for the evening.
- Lightning is always a danger, so be careful. If you can, find cover, at least for the bulk of the storm.
- The rain is usually warm, but cooler than the humid summer air. To be honest, sometimes I CHOOSE to get soaked, because it feels good compared to the humid summer air. It can be refreshing.
- There's all sorts of places to take cover, especially in EPCOT, MK and MGM. Literally, almost any place you turn will be some sort of covered area or building that can give you some cover. AK is a different story - not as many enclosed buildings there.
-Some rides do close, like Test Track. The vast majority are open though, as most are indoors.

 

[bctripp]

Afternoon, every time i've been it was around 2:00 or 3:00. It hasn't lasted long in my experience, about an hour at the most. I think test track closes when it rains and the water parks close for thunderstorms. Notice the large lightening rods on some of the buildings in World showcase.

 

[Mickey1122]

In the afternoon, rain usually lasts 15 minutes, in our experience. There's tons of indoor things to do, so you don't feel too restrained. If you don't mind the rain, you can do anything because everyone else hides in shops.

 

[intrep93]

At the 1st drop of rain - Run, don't walk - to your favorite ride. Then ride it over and over with no wait for the 20 minutes that everyone else is huddled under the awnings waiting for it to pass!!

 

[Tam1067]

About 10 days ago, we got absolutely drenched in MK at 11:30 a.m. We were near Buzz when we saw the clouds, were walking towards the Main Street area, and were nowhere near anyplace covered in a brief period. Our underwear was soaked! We had to take cover by a covered kiosk/cart thing just at the bridge. It lasted about 10 minutes.

 

[Dislifer]

I remember, many years ago, waiting in a line for a ride for over an hour. When we were just about there...they closed the ride because a thunder storm was coming...it was that ride that would go over all of MK...a skycab or something like that??? Does anyone remember those??? They don't have them anymore. I certainly understand why they had to close it down for the thunder storm but boy! that was a bummer!!!
I wish WDW still had those, it was nice!

 

[alacazander]

Last year we went in september and hit several days where it rained and hard but only for 15 minutes or so. Seemed like everyone ran for cover.

We bring ponchos and a really light weight and compact umbrella! It's really not bad at all!

 

[noseybuddy]

Buy your ponchos at the dollar store and save yourself some money. Buying them at Disney is expensive. Last time I went in August in rained just about everyday between 2 - 4 area. It lasted about 1 hour. When I went last Labor Day Weekend it rained everyday and for 3 - 4 hours straight. That's when it really starts to get on my nerves. Poncho on, Poncho off, etc.....

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

At the 1st drop of rain - Run, don't walk - to your favorite ride.

No! Please do NOT run! the ground will be wet and slippery. Far better to walk and take a few extra minutes than to run and end up having to spend time in a hospital with an injury.