What to do during rainstorms, leaving not an option. Park Bag?

[Mamato2cutekiddos]

Hoping you can help me! I leave in 12 days and I know we are going to hit rain storms every day we are there. Now, I've done lots of research and it sounds like WDW can still be very fun during the rain, and it appears that these storms are swift and don't last long.

We are staying off property so leaving to our resort for the afternoon and coming back isn't really a feasable option. So I am wondering what suggestions you have for braving the storm? What are the best attractions to do during these times? Best places to take shelter?

I've never been in September before so I don't really know what to expect. Does it rain/thunder/lightening so much that you can't actually be outside doing stuff? Is there anything additional I should consider packing in our park bag to accomodate these rainy afternoons (besides a poncho)?

My kids will wear their keens in the parks, as they are waterproof. I am thinking of packing an extra pair of light flip flops in the event that they don't want to stay in their wet shoes (though I feel like their keens have dried pretty quickly in the past...).

As for DH and I... I was planning on wearing my Birkenstocks or my Toms (or runners) but I'm not sure any of those are good options for being wet.

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

 

[Jennytoon]

The intensity of the rain varies, but it would be fair to say that you should expect to encounter storms where you will be soaked to the skin within a few minutes' traverse from one place to the other.

Our family finds that generally we dry quickly after getting wet (which is what we usually do), and shoes such as keens dry fast enough that it is not really a big deal to walk around in them until they do.

The place where we run into an issue is when we get wet and then are headed inside such as to an ADR or an air conditioned queue. We don't always remember, but sometimes it really helps to have a small super-absorbent towel to sluice off the worst of the wet so that you can get dry faster in these conditions. If you're bringing ponchos, this might not matter to you, but as an either/or we find it helpful.

ETA: I should add that we usually wear clothing made of poly or tech materials to the parks, much of it originally intended for sports or outdoor activities, so that definitely contributes to the fast drying factor.

 

[Mamato2cutekiddos]

Any suggestions on how to remedy being soaked to the bone and then freezing once inside air conditioning?

We definitely plan on buying ponchos. Any thoughts on buying the park ones vs the cheap ones off amazon or the dollar tree?>

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

If you are wearing anything that needs socks, put an extra couple of pair in your park bag. It's nice to change out of wet socks and into dry ones sometimes.
I also carried an extra dry shirt because I didn't want to freeze when I went into air conditioning when I ate at TS restaurants - and I carried a small wrap for when I ate at QS restaurants for the same reason - I was damp and it really helped to have something to bundle up into when I was indoors.

I also put in a kitchen garbage bag to sit on benches - that way I didn't get my shorts wet when I wanted to sit down - I brought a few of those from home.
I also put in one of those tiny towels that you open up and it becomes like a hand towel. I wiped my face, hands and arms with that when I needed to.
And I put in my park bag a plastic bag to put my poncho and anything else wet into so everything else in the bag would stay dry - some shows required that you not wear a poncho inside them and when I was shopping indoors I preferred to take off my poncho then too.

I think that was it - I had a rain the whole 4 days I was in Disney World Sept. trip last year and putting these items in my park bag really helped me out.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Any suggestions on how to remedy being soaked to the bone and then freezing once inside air conditioning?

We definitely plan on buying ponchos. Any thoughts on buying the park ones vs the cheap ones off amazon or the dollar tree?>

The park ponchos were way better than the dollar tree ones. I bought one and used it all 4 days I was there. I just opened it up, put it on a chair in my resort room and it was dry the next time I needed it.
See my post above for tips on being wet and inside air conditioning......

One more thing to add in your park bag is ziplock bags - I used those to keep my phone and little camera dry.

 

[GatorMama]

If either of the kids will be in a stroller, you'll want a rain cover. We just covered with an extra poncho last time and the seat was still soaked.

 

[Mamato2cutekiddos]

We are renting a stroller since we are outside of stroller ages but I feel like they'll want one for the parks.

Whether we rent from Kingdom or WDW is yet to be determined.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Does it rain/thunder/lightening so much that you can't actually be outside doing stuff?

Yes, unfortunately. Orlando is one of the top lightning spots in the world.

"If thunder roars, head indoors." We were at MK last week and there was a thunder and lightning storm right on top of us and we got stuck in Peter Pan for 45 minutes. It was terrifying. Kids were screaming everywhere. It was not pleasant. Not to scare you, but definitely be ready to head indoors if needed, a store, a ride queue, whatever.

This is a link to a realtime lightning map which I found helpful.

http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime

 

[lovndisney12]

As other PP posters stated - zip locks are essential. They can keep cell phones and your extra shirt / socks dry but also then a great way to store your wet socks and shirt after you get soaked. Just make sure to take out in the evening when you get back to your room. Extra poncho (cheap ones) are also great to have on hand for sitting on wet bleachers (garbage bags works fine too). I would get a little better quality poncho to wear if you are expecting a lot of rain - or plenty of cheap ones so you can dispose and not try to reuse.

Feet - if you are driving - I would make sure everyone has two pairs of shoes (not flip flops as a back-up). This way if something doesn't dry out, you have an alternative for the next day. And yes - extra socks if you are the sock wearing kind!

If you are driving to the parks - pack an extra bag (full change of clothes for everyone) so that in the case you get soaked all the way through, you can go back to the car and change and not be miserable the rest of the day. Sure, it will take some time but better to enjoy the rest of the day and also since you are staying off site - less time than heading back to the resort.

As far as staying out of the rain - there are a lot of covered attractions both shows and rides. And, taking a snack or meal break inside or spending some time shopping are also ways to get out of the rain.

The upside of the rain is that the crowds are usually lighter!

 

[W.E.D.]

One of the best times to experience the parks, IMHO. When everyone runs for shelter, you run for the nearest queue!!

 

[Jewel3k]

Extra set of clothes for everyone and shoes in the car. Definitely get the rain cover for the stroller. Pack extras in ziplock bags and keep your electronics in one, or have one ready. Last September it rained every day but one. We had a great time and didn't lose to much park time. It seemed we were eating an early dinner during or inside Soarn' during most of the storms. Flip flops would be great to have on hand. We walked through some gigantic deep puddles in EPCOT.

 

[Mamato2cutekiddos]

Yes, unfortunately. Orlando is one of the top lightning spots in the world.

"If thunder roars, head indoors." We were at MK last week and there was a thunder and lightning storm right on top of us and we got stuck in Peter Pan for 45 minutes. It was terrifying. Kids were screaming everywhere. It was not pleasant. Not to scare you, but definitely be ready to head indoors if needed, a store, a ride queue, whatever.

This is a link to a realtime lightning map which I found helpful.

http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime

Ugh my littles are not fans of thunder and lightening. I may have to start preparing them now.

 

[elgerber]

Birkenstocks are not good to get wet. They aren't really made for that, and they take FOREVER to dry! I know this from personal experience

 

[ZoZo]

I like the sturdier ponchos, not the cheapie dollar store ones. I got one at Walmart last year, Frogg Toggs brand. It was about $9 and really helped to keep the rain off. Plus it was long enough to cover me (unlike the cheap ponchos) and didn't stick to my legs when I walked.

Be aware that if you do get wet, and then go into air conditioning, you'll freeze! I wear a medium-size backpack when it's likely to rain so I can pack a sweatshirt or sweater to wear when indoors.

The shoe issue is a tough one. I don't care for Keens or Tevas, and flip flops and Crocs seem to be too slippery when wet. I usually wear a good quality sneaker in the parks. I try to avoid deep puddles, but bring an extra pair of socks in my backpack if my feet get damp. I always bring at least three pairs of shoes on my trip, so I can switch shoes if needed. You can stuff your shoes overnight with newsaper to help them dry out, or use a hairdryer on them.

 

[alliecat523]

In my experience, it will storm for about 20 minutes or so and then pass. Obviously this is different if they are having a tropical storm or something, but generally they are pop up storms that pass quickly. There is plenty to do indoors...shop, see a show, relax and have a bite to eat. It won't be long before you're back out and riding the rides.

 

[bumbershoot]

We definitely plan on buying ponchos. Any thoughts on buying the park ones vs the cheap ones off amazon or the dollar tree?>

Get good ones.

Flip flops would be great to have on hand. We walked through some gigantic deep puddles in EPCOT.

YES.

Ugh my littles are not fans of thunder and lightening.

Ear plugs.

 

[Sandi]

On the ponchos, I like the ones sold at WDW and have taken them back on trips numerous times. In the heat though, I just find them uncomfortable. Is it better to be wet from rain or wet from sweat?! We were there last month -- very hot -- and brought our good rain coats that have venting, etc. Those were much more comfortable to wear in the rain than the ponchos were. Just something to consider.

 

[emilymad]

Excellent thread!

Are the ponchos sold at WDW one size fits all? DH is on the larger/taller size. I would rather just buy them there if needed.

Last September it rained everyday. One night we really felt bad for the MNSSHP people because it just poured the entire time. We got soaked going through Epcot one night on the way to dinner. We were freezing in the restaurant but we lingered over coffee and dessert because it was still pouring after 2 hours.

I brought my good light weight rain jacket and small umbrellas. We dried out ok most of the time but there were a few days that it was more than a passing shower. I am hoping for better this trip!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Excellent thread!

Are the ponchos sold at WDW one size fits all? DH is on the larger/taller size. I would rather just buy them there if needed.

Last September it rained everyday. One night we really felt bad for the MNSSHP people because it just poured the entire time. We got soaked going through Epcot one night on the way to dinner. We were freezing in the restaurant but we lingered over coffee and dessert because it was still pouring after 2 hours.

I brought my good light weight rain jacket and small umbrellas. We dried out ok most of the time but there were a few days that it was more than a passing shower. I am hoping for better this trip!

I think there is a kids size and the adults is one size fits all. It should fit though, they are pretty big, just might not give him the same exact coverage as a shorter person. I like buying them there too and then we use them for the rest of that week.

 

[emilymad]

I think there is a kids size and the adults is one size fits all. It should fit though, they are pretty big, just might not give him the same exact coverage as a shorter person. I like buying them there too and then we use them for the rest of that week.

Thanks! DH refuses to bring a rain jacket so I wanted to have a backup plan in case it gets miserable.