What if it rains? I'm going 4/29-5/6

[hunter.deal]

Hey Dis'ers,

My family and I are heading to WDW next week (yeah!) but I'm trying to plan (ok, overplan ) with contingencies for rain . I'm guessing everyone runs to DisneyQuest because it is inside, right? The UG to WDW book says just keep going because the crowds are lighter, but I'm not a big fan of wet shorts (for me or my family). So I'd love to hear from the folks who know (yeah you).

Please.

 

[isyt]

uh... you get wet!!!

There are so many attractions that are indoors you don't have to leave. If you see clouds go to a show. Florida rain doesn't last long. Use the ponchos your shorts will stay dry !!

 

[maslex]

We went back in May 2001 and it started raining. But since I was well prepared, I took out our rain ponchos that I got at the dollar store. WASTE OF MONEY (not that it's a lot of $$ but they were totally useless) I could have put my hands over my head and been more dry than using those.

Then we went again this past June 2005 and with those black clouds rolling in and QUICK, we all ducked into the nearest gift shop and got everyone a poncho from there. They cost about $8 each I think. They worked so much better. They were thicker. We got white ones with Mickey on them. Now when we go back next October, I'll be sure to pack up these ponchos.

If you're not a fan of the rain, I guess you could stop off into a shop or grab some lunch. But a lot of people leave when it starts raining and so yes, the lines are shorter. I would stick it out though. What's the worst that could happen? A cold a couple days later? Bring some meds with ya.
Or if you don't like wet shorts, bring an extra pair for when it stops raining

 

[Dizzy4Dizney]

It's not going to rain. I will be there and it never rains on my vacation.
Lucky you!!!!

Seriously, we've been 3 times in May and never got rained on for more than 1 hour and it was usually in the late afternoon. Sometimes the rain feels good atually.

See you on Spaceship Earth!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Rainy days are GREAT (so long as you are prepared with ponchos)!! The crowds really thin out and you can get to do so much more!! We have had some of our best experiences with characters on rainy days! You can bring a change of shorts and sneakers and put them in a locker if you want.

If you truly don't want to get wet, Future World at Epcot has a lot of indoor stuff. You can enjoy a character meal or visit resorts and marvel at the themed lobbies such as AKL or WL! You can go to one of the spas!

The rain in Fla. usually doesn't last too long, anyway!

I'd rather be at WDW on a rainy day than at work on a sunny day!

 

[Simba's Mom]

It's not going to rain. I will be there and it never rains on my vacation.
Lucky you!!!!

Seriously, we've been 3 times in May and never got rained on for more than 1 hour and it was usually in the late afternoon. Sometimes the rain feels good atually.

See you on Spaceship Earth!!

Whew! What a relief! We'll be there too. DH has tee times every day so we're hoping it doesn't rain.

 

[grinningghost]

You knew it was coming...

The self-proclaimed WDW Rain Queen has come to your assistance.

Let me just give it to you straight.

IF it rains heavily, it isn't fun. The ponchos don't stop the rain from pounding on your little head and the puddles can become small lakes, which get your feet nice and soaked.

Umbrellas are good, except they aren't so great if the wind kicks up. I guess you know why.

So - take it from me, someone who hasn't seen much good weather in many WDW trips - take cover. Go to a movie, go to a sit down restaurant, go to Disney Quest, go anywhere where you don't have to walk in the rain. It's MUCH more pleasant. The thinner crowds in the park are a bonus, yes - but it still isn't fun riding Spaceship Earth with a wet butt.

Even watching TV in the hotel room beats feeling all wet and clammy.

There, I said it. It won't be popular, but it's as honest as I can be.

 

[mannatee]

We always say... a rainy day at WDW is better than a sunny day at home!
We have sloshed through 4 inches of gathered rain water (as many DISers will agree) at MK just to enjoy the fact that we were there and not somewhere else.

We've even watched the clouds from the resort. If it started looking rainy, we hopped the bus to a park because we knew that most of the crowd would thin out, and it's true!

This is just from our experience, but the rain never lasts a long time and it's great to get in a show or other inside attraction.

Enjoy! You're at the happiest place on earth!
We'll be there the end of May, rain or no rain.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

We found the ponchos to be of use in protecting the camera bag, but not so much us. Your feet are going to get soaked, poncho or no, and that can be a yucky experience walking around with wet feet. If you're near a store, duck in for a quick look. If you're near an indoor attraction, duck in. The thing I didn't like about the poncho was it doesn't breathe all that well and you get hot and sweaty underneath it. I'd almost rather get soaked by a cool rain shower than get soaked by my own hot sweat in a poncho.

 

[Jeanne B]

It's not going to rain. I will be there and it never rains on my vacation.

Well, we'll also be there 4/29-5/6 and it almost ALWAYS rains when we're on vacation so I'd say there's a 50/50 chance of rain!!

But seriously, we pack our Disney ponchos, slip into Crocs or flip-flops and head to the parks. We were there last Memorial weekend and one morning it was raining pretty steady so we decided to go to MGM since they have a lot of indoor stuff. Fortunately it stopped after a few hours and the rest of the day was great. I honestly don't think you'll have to worry about too much rain in early May other than the normal afternoon rainstorm which usually last less than an hour. The one time we had perfect weather while we were in WDW was in mid-May and everyone says early May is just as nice so I think we'll be in luck!! (knock on wood!!)

 

[DISUNC]

We like the rain. Less crowds & much cooler! Grab a poncho & have fun.
If its a severe thunderstorm, find cover, sit & relax...they usually dont last that long.

 

[sdenis]

Seriously, most of the attractions at MGM are inside anyway (TOT, RNR, Startours, Movie Ride, all the shows...


And it did rain when we were at AK and the animals seemed a bit perkier, more active. It was a light rain and the ponchos worked great.

If I had to do it again during rain, I would go to MGM for sure.

Have fun!

 

[BTown]

Trust me, if you are there in May, and it rains, it will be a blessing.

 

[hunter.deal]

Thanks all for posting, you have alleviated my fears and given me .

 

[zurgswife]

You'll have more fun becasue the lines will be shorter...