Random Poll: Ponchos or Umbrellas?

[SDRocKGirL]

Hello everyone! I am new to this forum and just wanted to get some tips before I left for my trip to WDW!

This may be a weird question, but I was just wondering, do you veteran WDW travelers prefer ponchos or umbrellas? From what I've been reading many of the WDW sites and a lot have been recommending ponchos, but I personally just like using an umbrella. I'm from San Diego and we don't get rain very often, but when we do it can be pretty crazy but I don't know how it compares to Florida downpours. Is there any other specific reason why I should consider using both or either/or?

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[iceprincess]

i'd say poncho, just because it's harder to leave somewhere. just make sure you get a quality one, not a 99 cent one made of saran wrap.

btw, i'm from escondido

 

[DebCatLady]

I vote for ponchos. They're small, easy to pack, and don't weigh much. And open umbrellas in a crowd can be dangerous.

 

[WillCAD]

Ponchos have their drawbacks, but I like them better than umbrellas for several reasons.

1) I am 6'4" tall, and unless my umbrella is 6' wide, it doesn't keep me dry.

2) I am 6'4" tall, and average-height people keep japping me in my eyes and throat with the ends of their umbrellas.

3) Ponchos are cheaper and easier to replace if torn (can be found in ANY gift shop anywhere in WDW)

4) Ponchos do catch the wind and billow around, but you can grab them and prevent them from blowing away, and they will still work at least partially - umbrellas simply fall apart in high wind, leaving you wet ad cursing the umbrella manufacturer.

 

[SDRocKGirL]

Thanks everyone, you've been very helpful.. Much thanks to WillCAD, I would have never have thought about those reasons... I will definitely be getting ponchos now! The poll results are alarming..

Hello to you too iceprincess! I am from Rancho Bernardo!

Btw.. if anybody else has any more tips about the weather.. it would be greatly appreciated! I could look through the threads but I spent hours yesterday just searching for something I needed..

 

[slgober]

Hi,

I just wanted to let you all know that I found some great ponchos at the Dollar Tree here in Georgia. They are very heavy weight, red and Georgia Bulldogs too!! I had to climb a ladder to get the last six waaay up high!

They also had Auburn and Tennessee as well. Only $1.00!! What a deal!

The only downside is that they are actually kind of heavy. They also had the Saran Wrap ones too that were also a $1.00. They were much lighter but seemed like they would tear very easily.

 

[pezheadval]

The ponchos have worked really well for us. They are lightweight, easy to carry & they aren't very awkward or bulky when wearing them around the park. Also, if you are wearing a backpack, it easily fits under the poncho and stays dry.

 

[JennaTX]

I voted both. For us a family of four, carrying four umbrellas does not make a lot of sense. Like other posters have said, the ponchos are so easy because you can squish (is that a word?) them and they are easy to carry. But for myself, I would prefer an umbrella over a poncho.

 

[fitgirlFL]

I vote ponchos, they are also useful when you go on the water rides and want to stay a bit drier. Though you do still get a bit wet. Umbrellas are just too hard to deal with in the parks. Too much around, too many people, a pain to keep opening and closing.