Rain??

[711heather]

I looked at the extended forecast. We are heading to Disney in less then two weeks. Our first family trip to Disney. It looks like rain everyday. Not just isolated. I have ponchos but I am not sure of a good plan to go with in the rain. Help is it really going to be a wash out!

 

[fredtom]

The general weather pattern in the summer typically includes a 20-50% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. They usually don't last long. So, if you go prepared to anticipate a shower interruption, it shouldn't be a factor to ruin your plans.

 

[luvmy2babies]

But "less than two weeks" is too far out to get a reliable forecast. I know it is impossible not to look, but that far out, you can't get any real details, like "storms developing around 10pm" kind of details.

We were there for Tropical Storm Debbie. It wasn't what I would have dreamed up for sure...far from it really, but we managed to have a good time anyway. We used it to our advantage. Still, I hope you don't have rain like that. Pack a good attitude with those ponchos and you'll be fine. Things will pretty much stay open as long as there's no lightening.

 

[711heather]

Thank you everyone. I will keep our plans as is and if it rains just go with the flow.

 

[papamouse1]

As PP mentioned, normally if it rains in the summer, it is just a short downpour and then it clears up. We took a trip in August a couple years ago, and our day at DHS rained about half of the day and we absolutely loved it there that day. Even when it rains it is warm, so just take a poncho if you don't want to be overly wet, and just go have fun!

 

[RunnerMomO]

Living here in Florida we are used to the short rain storms. Sometimes they can be a nice respite and help clear out the crowds a little. Magic kingdom is actually one of he best parks for rainy days with so many rides near by. Take heart, Disney has lightening rods everywhere and really good weather data they use pool side and in the parks, ponchos can work, although can be a pain to carry around. Our boys were happy to wear board shorts the last time we headed to MK with major rain called for. The rain never really materialized, we got some light drizzle showers and the crowds we're lighter that day, so don't let our liquid sunshine scare you away! Even Disney in the rain can be magical!

 

[lovetogowdw]

Rain tends to clear the parks out a bit and each of the theme parks has indoor rides/shows you can take advantage of during those showers. For example, on our last trip it totally poured down while we were at Animal Kingdom. We slogged through the puddles and enjoyed Festival of the Lion King and then headed to the safari ride just as the downpour turned into a drizzle then totally stopped. Well of the seven or more times I've taken that safari ride I've never seen even half the number we saw that day -- as the animals seem to love getting out and about just after a good rain shower. Oh, and there was no line either. Later it became very steamy/muggy hot so we headed back indoors for Bug's Life and Finding Nemo shows and the Dinosaur ride and enjoyed them all - with lighter crowds since people had left due to the rain.

Other "finds" due to weather:
At the MK that same trip my friend's tweenager discovered the simple fun of the Country Bear Jamboree show.
Try the Agent P "missions" (replaced Kim Possible at Epcot) and ask for a mostly/all indoor one. Haven't been since they changed it to Agent P, but Mexico used to fit that bill.
My cousin's son ended up spending over TWO HOURS learning how to draw characters at Hollywood Studios when they dodged into the animator's area there on their last trip. They had no idea he'd end up not wanting to leave!
And you can always find a fun place to enjoy a snack or dessert during a downpour -- what better excuse to catch some silly old sci-fi movies and have a shake at Hollywood Studios?

So just have a little list handy of choices for indoor events/rides/shows/fun meals and you're golden. And you might even find some hidden treasures that you would never have considered otherwise.

 

[NikkiBerry]

It is ok to go though it is raining. For me, it is much coll and fun when you are riding on the rides at Disney and it's raining.

 

[PosadaGirl519]

We were there for Tropical Storm Debbie. It wasn't what I would have dreamed up for sure...far from it really, but we managed to have a good time anyway. We used it to our advantage. Still, I hope you don't have rain like that. Pack a good attitude with those ponchos and you'll be fine. Things will pretty much stay open as long as there's no lightening.

We were there during TS Faye. We got soaked 5/7 days. And the 6th day after the storm broke it was 95 degrees. Didn't matter. We made the most of it. Get the Crocs and ponchos. You'll dry fairly quickly. Wet sneakers are not pleasant. If you have a Disney poncho and something happens to it, you can exchange it for a new one at any shop. Just ask at the register. I went through at least 4 that trip. And make sure you air them out at the end of each day. I had one smell moldy by morning. But, I just went to the gift shop and got a new one

 

[Daisy-J&D]

We've had a relentlessly rainy trip.... it was my first time visiting in 20 years and we still had fun. If the forcast doesn't change AND the rain you are expecting is more than just typical Florida afternoon showers (our rainy trip was worthy of an ark) then all you need to do is be prepared.

*Wet running shoes really are awful so as a PP mentioned, wear something other than material based shoes. Crocs or sandals that dry quickley

*So many attractions are inside (especially EPCOT and MK) that it is easy to get out of the rain.. however, being soaking wet and going into Air Conditioning can be COLD. I really wish I'd had a sweater to put on. Also, try to wear fast drying clothing...

*The ponchos are a pain but also a lifesaver. Ours ripped more than once so it is nice that you can exhange them for a new one... sure they cost a bit more at the park but I think it is worth it!

Good luck!

 

[Heather1979]

Anytime I've been in a park when it's raining usually was a lot of fun. The crowds thin out -- especially if it rains for more than a few minutes. I was able to do Expedition Everest 3x in a row with no waiting when DH & I went a few years back. It took a good 2-3 hours post rain before the crowds came back. I'd just plan on bringing shoes that are okay to get wet (like crocs etc.) and have fun!

 

[luvmy2babies]

Oh, and someone mentioned if you stuff wash cloths into wet sneakers they will be dry by morning. I can verify that one worked on the days we did have wet sneakers.

But yeah, crocs or croc style shoes. Dd did wear flip flops a couple of times because crocs don’t fit her well, but she tended to lose them in large puddles, which actually became a game for her. She went through one that was up to her ankles. Her flip flop went floating like a boat. Boy did we laugh.

And the pp is right, when it ended, boy was it hot. We had 9 days,

Day 1 MK: no rain

Day 2 Epcot half a day of rain with a thunderstorm. We waited out the storm inside the Mexico Pavilion then dumped the World Showcase plan for the Land Pavilion.

Day 3, MK short rain that started right before we had planned to leave MK.

Day 4, MK: pounded all day with wind and driving rain. This was the day TS Debbie brought her worst, but looking back this might have been our best day. That morning the bus driver had said, “Get ready for some wet magic.” That’s what it turned out to be and what I’m putting as the title for this day in my TR.

Day 5 Epcot pounded all day with wind and rain

Day 6 was interesting. It rained until early afternoon, but this was our rest day. The sun came out strong so we decided that since we had to take the bus to MK to get to our Ohana dinner, we’d leave the room early and do a little time at MK before dinner and go back after if the weather held. We got there and felt like everyone had the same idea. We saw one parade, did one ride and saw one show in 2 hours. After dinner, it was cloudy but fine. I asked dd if she wanted to go back. Nope. She now understood what I meant about the advantage the rain gave us before. I could only laugh.

Day 7, AK pounded with rain for about 2 hours, then the sun came out big time. It hit us hard and we were done by 1:00 when I’d planned to be in the park until 3. We spent the afternoon as planned at the pool.

Day 8, DHS, clear and sunny and we had adjusted. We did DHS from early to 5:30, then relaxed at the resort.

Day 9, AK, clear and sunny, toured for 4 hours

We definitely stretched that theory that a rainy day at WDW is better than a sunny day at home to its max, but we took it one day at a time and I think we rocked it. You can too.

 

[Starshine]

We had a trip where the forecast was 60-70% chance of rain every day. At the last minute before we left I stuck my rain boots and rain coat in the suitcase. DH told me it was silly. Turns out I got the last laugh because it poured all day every day for half the trip. Between the boots and coat I was warm, dry and happy. We even walked all the way to DHS from Beach Club Villas and also around the World Showcase twice and I was dry the whole time!

 

[711heather]

Thank you everyone. Great ideas!! I will pack the ponchos, sneakers and flip flops. I worry if their feet will hurt with those but I guess you can't win them all if it rains. We will make if fun. My special needs son will be a different story in the rain but we will do our best. I guess we can dry things out using the onsite washer and dryers at our resort if it gets bad. I will pack umbrellas in case we go to Down Town Disney. Should I run out and buy sandals before we go or stick to the flip flops?

 

[711heather]

Sorry forgot to ask can you get on all the rides in flip flops?

 

[miami305]

Thank you everyone. Great ideas!! I will pack the ponchos, sneakers and flip flops. I worry if their feet will hurt with those but I guess you can't win them all if it rains. We will make if fun. My special needs son will be a different story in the rain but we will do our best. I guess we can dry things out using the onsite washer and dryers at our resort if it gets bad. I will pack umbrellas in case we go to Down Town Disney. Should I run out and buy sandals before we go or stick to the flip flops?

Stick with the sandals. Flip flops are dangerous in the rain. You're trying to hold onto slippery shoes with your toes. Doesn't work well.

 

[nilseks]

I have worn flip-flops every single day we have ever been to the parks, and never had a problem. Of course, I'm a somewhat coordinated grown woman. I wear the ones with a thicker sole--something like Nike or Adidas will serve you much better than the cheap $1 Old Navy flip flops.

A friend went last year in July and it rained for the entire trip. They look like drowned rats in every photo, but she said they still had a great time. Go with the flow and you'll have a blast!

 

[of2dbeach]

Instead of flip flops why not use water shoes? they dont slip off and are more comfy. If it starts to rain the parks clear out. we just keep on going unless it is lightning then we go inside for a bit. the weather here has been crazy. check the forcast a day or two before your trip.Its also hurricane season so heads up on that too.it dosent get active till August though. but we have been getting nasty storms with heavy winds, rain and hail but I am also 3 hrs south of Disney . as for us we would still go. My Autistic son HATES the rain but loves splashing in the puddles and wearing his poncho We make a game of it and that seems to work. hope this helps!