Ive been counting down the days to my trip, and it turns out, its supposed to rain all weekend! Does Disneyland shorten their operating hours on rainy days? do they close rides?
We just returned from DLR where it rained hard most of the day on Friday. The only rides that close b/c of rain will be Teacups and Alice. If it is raining more than a sprinkle you might consider holding off on some of the outdoor coasters and spinny rides (i.e., Dumbo, Astro Orbiter) since they can be pretty painful when you're getting pelted by rain. They won't shorten hours, but if the ground is wet at all, they will replace the parade with a bus full of characters that drives down Main Street. If there is wind with the rain they will cancel fireworks.
Just go prepared with rain coat/poncho, umbrella and something to keep your feet dry and you'll be able to enjoy a reasonably uncrowded park.
There were reports that they had to close Pirates for a while because of the rain. And Screamin' closed for a little bit during our trip last year while it was raining. We decided to ride TOT too many times to count in a row instead! Good times!
Back at the end of September when there was tropical storm-like rain during the night and on and off the next morning, they did have to close Pirates, but since the rest of the day was sunny, they re-opened it in the evening when they were able to get rid of the extra water.
I almost prefer to go when it's raining because there's a noticeable drop in attendance.
We have had our trip planned for 6 months now as a Christmas gift to our daughter. We are taking her out of school and heading down to DL on Thursday (tomorrow) night 12/6 and coming home Sun 12/8. Staying at the Del Sol. Every time I look at the weather it gets worse and worse. Seems like Friday it's going to be pouring non stop now and 80% chance of rain. Now, I don't mind rain but when we lived in So Cal, pouring is no fun. Feet get wet, legs get wet. We have our ponchos but how on earth do you keep your feet dry????
I am considering changing dates but my daughter said..."we're going anyway". I guess the bright side is...short lines! Last time we were there in June, the line for Nemo was 7-8 hours long and wound back and forth to the Small World ride in lots of switchbacks and loops.