Raining during our stay starting tomorrow! Help, should we get park tickets??

[vinmar4]

We are currently at GA for a family party but will get to AKV tomorrow afternoon. There is rain and TS possible during our days at WDW until Thursday. We bought the DDP but not the tickets for the parks yet. I don't know how you guys do it with this forecast.Should we still buy the park tickets. We did bring the rain coats just in case. This is our second visit to WDW and our first to our home resort but in April when we were there, it did not rain at all!
thanks for any assistance

 

[Mfgs]

When we visit WDW in the summer months it usually rains at least once a day, typically in the afternoon, early evening hours. We have the rain ponchos that Disney's sells and I always put them in my backpack knowing we will need them at some point during our time in the parks. When the rain starts we just put them on and keep going. That is unless it is thundering and lightning. Then we just hang out, shop, get a snack etc... until the storm passes. the pop up storms in the summer usually don't last too long and they really clear out the parks - less wait time in lines! Good luck with the weather and have fun!

 

[dianeschlicht]

If you never planned to be in a park in the rain, don't plan on EVER going to a Disney park in the summer. It's one of the reasons we like to travel to Disney in December and January. Frankly, the rain isn't that big of a deal either. It does slow things down a bit, but doesn't ever wash things out completely. You just bring a rain poncho and umbrella and clothes and shoes that can get wet, and you are good to go. Frankly, the rain helps the summer heat be a bit more bearable.

Remember that many of the WDW attractions are actually indoors. With the exception of the MK Fantasy Land outdoor rides, and Dino Land at AK, I'd bet that more than half of all WDW attractions can be enjoyed inside a building.

 

[castleri]

We have never let the rain stop us yet -we just put on the ponchos, raincoats or get a umbrella and make the best of it. Many times in FL the rain is short lived and in the afternoon - we will duck into a store or one of the sitdown attractions and usually in a short time the rain is gone and everything is good. There was only one time that we ended up with very wet feet and that is because we were leaving the park and the water settled in the area near the boat to WL and it was ankle deep when we got there. Even in Dec we just dressed to stay warm and used ponchos over the extra layers. Only you can determine what your family can tolerate but I would get my tickets since the extra days don't really cost that much once you get past 5 days or so. If there is rain in the forecast we take the rain gear in a back pack so we will be ready and not have to buy new ponchos. Some people carry the small disposable ones you can get at the dollar store but they don't hold up too well for multiple uses.

 

[vinmar4]

thanks a lot!
that helps

 

[disneynutz]

It all depends on how much and long it rains. Disney will close outdoor venues, transportation that is open to the weather, food carts, and anything on or near water.

Don't forget a change of shoes. The last Disney storm that we were in left a inch of water running on the ground.

Bill

 

[allshookup]

Like others have said, the afternoon thunderstorms are part of the tropical summer weather in Florida. They usually come early afternoon & are usually brief, although sometimes a few will come through it just depends on home many storms are rolling in from the gulf. Keep your eye on the sky & if it's getting dark, it's a good time to grab a bite to eat, shop, see Mickey's Philharmagic, etc. & by the time you're done the worst of the storm should be done. It's almost always a beautiful evening once the storms pass.

Also keep in mind as a PP mentioned, they will close some outdoor attractions during lightening & they also close the pools so plan your pool time accordingly. Have fun & don't let the rains stop you!

 

[StitchBuddy]

If you know it is going to rain on a particular day, I would suggest Animal Kingdom. The animals become very active when it rains and cools off.

 

[DebbieB]

I've gone 3 of the last 4 Junes. There are always scattered storms in the forecast in the summer. Last year I only remember 1 big storm, that was on an evening when we were at FW visiting friends (that was scarey with all the trees around and we were in an RV). We also had rain one morning, we got out late that day. Other trips we had 1 or 2 quick storms during the week. It's so hot you will actually welcome the rain.

 

[mkarizona]

You have never seen such an empty park as when it rains! Especially if it is overcast and rainy in the morning. Just watch out for outdoor rides with solid-bottom ride vehicles. I have never been so wet as New Years Eve at DL when we rode the Matterhorn with out realizing there was 2 inches of water in the bottom of the bobsled. We were wet and cold for hours.

 

[OKWJan]

Planning to go to the parks early in the morning - rests or swimming in the afternoon (pools are open if it is not lightening) and the parks for closing is usuaky a good plan. There is also Disneyquest and movies for the afternoon rains.

The rains just generally become a way of life. Put on your poncho and enjoy!

 

[disneybride96]

If you know it is going to rain on a particular day, I would suggest Animal Kingdom. The animals become very active when it rains and cools off.

Our very best day at AK was a rain day. It was raining in the morning, but we headed over to AK while everyone else stayed at the resorts. We had a blast!
Walked right on to the safari and rode it twice. The animals were all out having a great time. It was almost like having the park to yourself.

 

[rsimon]

We just got back from our trip there. In the summer, we always get there for rope drop and then by 2:00 or so, we head back to the resort which is about when the storms usually develop. We hang out at the resort, and the storms usually clear out after the sun goes down so you can head out again.

VERY doable and you'll want the break by 2:00 anyhow.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Buy a poncho (get the real ones and not the one time use thin plastic ones) and plan on being in the parks when it rains. In the summer months it may rain every day in the afternoon. And it might rain in one park, but not the others.

If there is lightning and thunder, they will shut down the water parks and rides that are outdoors or aerial until the weather improves. There is still a lot to do even with those attractions closed momentarily.

 

[TagsMissy]

why are people always afraid of a little rain?? Get out there and enjoy yourselves... bring a poncho from the dollar store if it'll make you more comfortable to be dry.

 

[rsimon]

why are people always afraid of a little rain?? Get out there and enjoy yourselves... bring a poncho from the dollar store if it'll make you more comfortable to be dry.

Well.. it isn't always just a little rain and a poncho wouldn't have protected you on a few of those storms last week. It was horizontal rain, very heavy, and lots of wind. However, to the OP as I said previously, just do a little planning and you won't have to be worried about it.

 

[DISaholic's]

Its just rain, I've never known anyone to MELT.

Have fun, if you get wet, oh well. Kids love to splash in the puddles!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Its just rain, I've never known anyone to MELT.

Have fun, if you get wet, oh well. Kids love to splash in the puddles!

Well, hello. Haven't you ridden the Great Movie Ride???

Adults sometimes like to splash in the puddles as well. Especially if you have shoes that the water runs out of like Tevas and Crocs.

 

[DISaholic's]

Adults sometimes like to splash in the puddles as well. Especially if you have shoes that the water runs out of like Tevas and Crocs.

I was counting myself as one of those 'kids'