Umbrella or Ponchos or Both?

[DisSurfer878]

We go in June. We know there will be rain. We will definitely have ponchos. But would an umbrella benefit us as well? We have this really neat compact one, so it wouldn't be hugely adding to our park bag or anything like that.
But not sure if an umbrella is necessary or worth it.

 

[BeckyEsq]

I prefer a small umbrella because in summer it is so stifling hot I cannot bear to put on a poncho even when it is pouring.

 

[bridgetz03]

If you can manage to carry a small umbrella I would go that route. Just watch out for others around you as I've been poked a few times by people not paying enough attention while walking through the parks

 

[Victoria3]

I bring a small umbrella. Ponchos are too hot.

 

[rangerxenos]

I use both, but that's because I will wear the poncho on Splash Mountain and Kali Rapids so I'm not walking around in wet clothes, LOL!

 

[loves to dive]

I usually carry a small umbrella with a wrist strap and cover or one with a clip and cover that I can clip to a belt loop. If I know it's going to be a hard downpour, I will take a poncho but not the disposable kind. I have a couple that we have bought at Disney through the years and they do better in the hard rains. I tend to get wetter with an umbrella during a hard rain because mine is so small.

 

[Gussie Granger 1969]

The first time I took a poncho off after the rain was the last time, the poncho kept me dry but as I took it off, I became soaking wet. I just bring umbrellas now.

 

[StarSeven7]

Neither! We use actual raincoats that fold up really small. I almost never bother with umbrellas anywhere in life unless we're standing in one place for a long time and the ponchos seem worthless to me. Our raincoats are awesome though!

 

[calitook]

Ditto the lightweight rain jacket, with a hood. I have a very lightweight North Face rain jacket that got me through a pretty rainy trip last March. Similar to this: https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/womens-venture-2-jacket-nf0a2vcr?variationId=ZDN#hero=0

 

[OKW Lover]

Umbrellas do not play well in crowds. When open, the ends are often at eye level of those around you. They also don't help with the typical summertime daily afternoon thunderstorm which include strong winds. Bring a poncho.

 

[Toolulu22]

I have a super lightweight rain jacket from Vineyard Vines, similar to this one. The material is essential a thin layer of waterproof material with no lining and a hood, and it easily folds up very small. I hate carrying things with me though and don't mind getting wet (to a certain extent), so will slip a tiny poncho in my purse and only bring this if the forecast calls for certain rain. The jacket is a great windbreaker as well.

 

[OfCourseTheresAlwaysMyWay]

The umbrella over the poncho, but a small one. Poncho is stifling in the heat.

But to be honest neither of them do much good in those sudden Florida downpours.

My best advice is to run to the Hall of Presidents/the American Adventure/etc. as soon as it starts.

 

[samsteele]

Bring a poncho

Agree. And those afternoon downpours are usually thunderstorms with lightning. No point standing in a storm with a metal rod held over your head. Use the poncho to get to shelter whether that's a ride, restaurant or shop. Then enjoy the slightly lower crowd after the rain has driven out some guests.

 

[TikiRob]

We switched to using umbrellas and have had great luck. In the Florida humidity, I think I'm more wet from sweating under the poncho than the rain on the outside!

But as others have mentioned, be mindful of your surroundings and look out for lightning.

 

[quoo]

We also bring light rain jackets. Ours have a mesh lining (I have a Patagonia one, I think the boys are both Columbia, all from REI) that make them more comfortably to wear than a disposable poncho as well and they stuff into a small backpack easily.

 

[Shellyred8]

We use rain jackets instead of ponchos too. If you bring an umbrella, you could also use it to block the sun if you get stuck for an extended period of time in a spot that is in the sun (make your own shade!).

 

[Boopuff]

We buy a bunch of the cheap ponchos at the dollar store (toss when done!) an I also bring a packable umbrella. Honestly no matter what, you get wet. Just keep on trucking.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Light rain jacket with a small umbrella in the pocket!

 

[quoo]

My husband just got quick dry shorts. I’m kinda jealous. I’ll have to see if I can find some cute women’s ones.

 

[only hope]

Quick dry clothing in the summer here is a must, otherwise you will be walking around in wet from sweat clothes all day. This helps with rain too- you get dry pretty quickly. Ponchos are too hot here in the summer. The presence of rain does not mean a lower temperature and/or lower humidity. Sometimes rain actually increases the humidity. A breathable rain jacket and/or an umbrella is better. Umbrellas don’t help with the sideways rain we often get in the summer. Waterproof socks and/or shoes, or at least a change of socks, is also helpful.