What happens when it rains?

[Colgal77]

we wil be there in just under two weeks and are anticipating some rain. What's the best rain strategy? What rides close down? We are bringing ponchos and possibly a small umbrella. Will be visiting all parks consecutively and MK twice.

 

[holden]

Outdoor attractions will close if the rain is more than a drizzle/light rain. Indoor attractions will still operate.

Enjoy!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Rain = Put on poncho and get in short lines for rides.

 

[Geoff_M]

Many outside attractions will close during rain, all if there's lightning. During the afternoon thunderstorms some people opt to leave the parks. The summer rains are often isolated storms and only last 15-30 minutes. Many families opt to don ponchos and just keep going, others opt to seek shelter in shops and restaurants.

 

[YawningDodo]

Some shows and parades may be altered or cancelled in the event of rain - I recall seeing a special rainy day parade at MK because it was light enough to send characters out in Main Street vehicles but too wet to send the floats out. Other outdoor shows may be cancelled if it's a hazard to performers, or some shows have alternate choreography with less dancing so they can still perform safely on a wet stage.

Mostly, though, things remain as operational as possible, especially if there is no lightning. Bring good rain gear and make the most of it; a lot of people will leave the park or huddle under cover when it rains, leaving lines short for those willing to brave the rain to get to them.

 

[loves to dive]

Put on a poncho/rain jacket/umbrella and jump in puddles. It's what I do.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

You get wet

 

[ArwenMarie]

If you hear thunder, that means lightning is nearby so get inside until it passes.

 

[gap2368]

come on people you know every one leaves the parks to go stay in there dry hotel rooms until every one is sure the rain has stopped and the ground is dry ok all kidding aside. yes only out door rides will close if there is lightning in the area ( witch is about every time there is rain in the lighting capital of the world AKA FL.) you will be surprised at how many rides do stay open and how many things you can do. somethings you can do if/when it rains find some place to eat inside, shop and the ever famous go on a ride. you might not want to use an umbrella since FL dose get a lightning strikes, I do use an umbrella if no lighting is around.

some of my faverat thing to do in each park when it rains in each park

MK

tomorrow land a lot of indoor things and you can easily go form one thing to the other and not get that wait

EPCOT

the land provision ride soaring living with the land or eat all with out going outside

HS

TSMM or one mains dream, or hang out near RR or TT

AK

this park is no fun to be in if it rains to be honest and I am never there more then the morning.

 

[bryanb]

I come from dry Southern California, so to me Florida rain is awe inspiring. When a quick storm passes through, sometimes it doesn't just rain, but its a dramatic, continuous force of nature. The drops feel heftier than in California, and you're soaked down to your underwear if you don't take evasive maneuvers. And then 15 minutes later, the skies are sunny and the air is thick again with heat.

I get kind of disappointed if I go and there's not at last one of these downpours! My next goal is to go to Disneyland Paris during a snow blizzard. I've seen the videos and it is beautiful!

 

[MarBee]

One suggestion I would make is to have back up shoes with you. The first time we went years ago, it POURED every day. Our shoes would just not dry, and some of our shoes smelled so awful we threw them out.
Now I pack hideous crocs and change into them if it's pouring. You move so easily through the puddles (Epcot has miniature lakes for puddles) in them that we just wear our Crocs and ponchos during the rain and go about our day.

 

[RedOne3781]

Some of my best vacation memories over the years happened during huge rain storms. We are fans of putting on ponchos and sticking it out.

Indoor rides stay open. The lines usually become super short. The heavier the rain, the less crowded the park (in my
experience).

As others have said, sometimes parades and fireworks get cancelled. It all depends on the type of storm.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Cover your beer!!!!

Diluted beer sucks!!

MG

 

[Chaoticsweetness]

AK is the best park to see in the rain! Put on your poncho & go through the animal exhibits. They are usually out & very active.

 

[Dismomalita]

I agree. Soldier on. I only ask if you opt to use an umbrella be very aware of others. Almost had my eye taken out yesterday

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

The MK rainy day parade is lovely! Agree with PP AK is a good park in the rain the safari is great so many animals come out!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Oh get ponchos before the rush! They keep them under the counter until it rains ask for some when it's dry. Keep them in your backpack ( for a rainy day lol )

 

[NZDisneyFanGirl14]

As an international visitor from a reasonably wet place I'm very interested in why people wearr ponchos at WDW and not waterproof jackets? We were planning on putting our jackets in our backpacks. They are lightweight and fold up smallish

 

[Hopefully]

As an international visitor from a reasonably wet place I'm very interested in why people wearr ponchos at WDW and not waterproof jackets? We were planning on putting our jackets in our backpacks. They are lightweight and fold up smallish

Jackets are hot in the intense heat and humidity of a Fla summer

 

[BobC]

Pack a poncho.

Depends on the time of year, but rain doesn't usually last long in FL. Only rain I had in my last trip was when I left WL and took a bus to EPCOT. Once I got to EPCOT and rode in 'the ball,' it was over and sunny again.