Rainy Weather - How to adjust park plans?

[austinelsa]

Hi all
Im going to the parks the 2nd week of march just like the rest of texas and central florida. The weather report (i know, itll change! but maybe it wont?) is calling for possible heavy rain for 2 of our touring days.

How would you adjust your park plans if rain happens? Do you adjust at all? Do the parks clear out a little with minor rain or only with downpours?

Im sad, although im trying to remember that extended florida forecasts are generally 50/50 and also, that it will still be an awesome trip regardless.

 

[nw6675]

Just play in the rain and have fun unless it is lightning. Enjoy!

 

[Betsyp]

Hi all
Im going to the parks the 2nd week of march just like the rest of texas and central florida. The weather report (i know, itll change! but maybe it wont?) is calling for possible heavy rain for 2 of our touring days.

How would you adjust your park plans if rain happens? Do you adjust at all? Do the parks clear out a little with minor rain or only with downpours?

Im sad, although im trying to remember that extended florida forecasts are generally 50/50 and also, that it will still be an awesome trip regardless.

I was at WDW during Nicole, and I didn’t change my park plans. It was absolutely miserable, constant and hard, steady rain.....wind. It was hard to eat standing up, I got drenched even with the poncho....and yet, I had a blast. I love Disney World so much, even in awful weather.

I wouldn’t change plans, personally. Disney is still the most magical place in the world - you’ll manage fine!

 

[Dulcee]

We're headed there the same week. Weather forecasts 10-14 days are super unreliable. I wouldn't stress yourself. Otherwise, we plan to pack ponchos and just go with the flow. We had one super rainy day last march and ended up with some of our favorite disney photographs because of it.

 

[bchbetha]

Buy ponchos and wear shoes that dry quickly (or rent a locker and stash extra in there). Some rides will close in really heavy rain (or maybe just thunder/lightning?) but there's still plenty to do so I would carry on.

 

[austinelsa]

yeah i guess i just need to come prepared with ponchos/rainjackets, a stroller cover (we have one of those mini travel strollers for the 4 yr old), good shoes for rain, and a good attitude. fingers crossed no matter what it is everyone has fun with it!

 

[JodyK]

If I was planning a mid day break sometimes I'll try to plan that around the rain if possible.

It is harder now with park pass reservations and all but my favorite park in the rain is MK because lots of gift shops and other cut throughs to avoid the rain. Outdoor rides may close but there's a lot of rides with indoor queues. Also some rides really close to each other in fantasyland. Plus the rainy day parade!

I think the only park I'd really avoid in the rain though is Animal Kingdom. There just so much outdoor walking with no shelter.

 

[Genie+]

There’s not much reliable until about 3 days out. Still could change but at that point I like to think about Plan B’s. I really enjoy the nightshows like Fantasmic and Harmonious. So if we’re going for 6 days, I’ll try to hit them early in the trip and if one gets rained out we can try again later that week.

I don’t obsess checking weather but when rain has a high chance, then I pay attention to timing.

 

[Davey Jones II]

What I've seen is that the parks see a steady exodus of people during extended rain. So, by the time the rain stops, you can do a lot or rides with much shorter wait times.

You can either go back to your hotel and plan to head to the parks as soon as the rain stops, or wait it out in a park, then enjoy the lighter crowds.

I would say the best thing to do is get in line for a dark ride with an indoor queue. It won't shut down because of rain.

One time, we went back to the hotel during extended rain. When the rain stopped, I went to the MK, and it was great -- lots of short waits and FP+ availability. Maybe these days, Genie+ would have a lot of availability.

 

[Dulcee]

yeah i guess i just need to come prepared with ponchos/rainjackets, a stroller cover (we have one of those mini travel strollers for the 4 yr old), good shoes for rain, and a good attitude. fingers crossed no matter what it is everyone has fun with it!

Oh and a cheap package of clothespins are great for making sure the stroller cover stays put!

 

[bchbetha]

Last year we were in MK when a huge storm came. It was thunder and lightning as we got off of Jungle Cruise and they were putting all the boats away. We just made it into Mickey's Philharmagic when I heard the CM say "emergency rain shelter" to their coworker. Sure enough, we got to the lobby outside the theater and they announced the show would not be running as the building was to be used as emergency shelter. They eventually let us into the theater, where we then sat for at least another hour. I don't know how many venues around the park are emergency shelters during major storms but that was an experience! It was probably 2 total hours that we were (luckily) inside...the radar was solid red! By the time we emerged, there were gigantic puddle everywhere and very few people. Rained the rest of the day too so we went from indoor ride to indoor ride.

 

[loves to dive]

Just bring rain gear and go with it. Make sure you stroller cover covers the entire stroller. I can't tell you how many miserable littles I've seen because either their feet were sticking out in the rain or they were sitting in a puddle of water or Mama and Daddy were mad because the stuff they put under the stroller got wet. Plan on covering it any time you are on a ride, just in case. Bring a rain jacket/poncho/something for the little one, they will have to get out of the stroller at some point. Maybe if you are taking a bag of some sort, put a little towel in a plastic bag in it to dry off with, ponchos do no cover all of you. I have actually had some of my best days in the rain but I'm a big ole kid and like playing in it.

 

[austinelsa]

Oh and a cheap package of clothespins are great for making sure the stroller cover stays put!

this is a great idea thanks!

 

[austinelsa]

Just bring rain gear and go with it. Make sure you stroller cover covers the entire stroller. I can't tell you how many miserable littles I've seen because either their feet were sticking out in the rain or they were sitting in a puddle of water or Mama and Daddy were mad because the stuff they put under the stroller got wet. Plan on covering it any time you are on a ride, just in case. Bring a rain jacket/poncho/something for the little one, they will have to get out of the stroller at some point. Maybe if you are taking a bag of some sort, put a little towel in a plastic bag in it to dry off with, ponchos do no cover all of you. I have actually had some of my best days in the rain but I'm a big ole kid and like playing in it.

good call covering it when parked on its own. hadnt thought of that either!