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

[Mamato2cutekiddos]

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.

That;s very good to know. We all have North Face windbreaker type jackets with hoods, and I actually considered packing those as the all ball up pretty small. I may bring these and know that we can always buy a poncho at the parks if we need to.

 

[Fizban]

As long as there is no lightning you can usually see me walking down the middle of road enjoying the rain. Being a FL resident 1) we figured out we dont melt 2)it really does cool you off, 3) helps getting sweat off the body as well 4) makes you feel like a kid playing in the rain.

 

[chicagogrl]

I had a bag to put over my backpack. It poured once when we were at Wishes dessert party and also at Epcot. We weaved around the parks in the rain. Had our rain jackets and plastic bag to protect my backpack. I am bringing a little quick dry towel this time.

 

[Mamato2cutekiddos]

I'm from Oregon... the rain doesn't scare me haha

 

[kelmcg]

Keens are the best for the rain.

Always have ziploc bags for your cell phones, camera, etc.....

I always have a "BIG Ziploc" bag, I think they are XXL Ziplocs. (They are big enough for blankets, pillows, sports equipment, etc.....) They have a handle at the top. We leave one folded up in the backpack at all times. If it begins to rain we can place the backpack and any other items we may have bought into this big bag, zip it up, and carry it around without worrying about our stuff getting wet.

Ponchos....I always bring the cheap ones. I bring about 3 per person. I always keep 1 per person in the backpack. Most days you'll get a quick 20-30 minute shower and these ponchos work great for that......and then you just throw them away. Last November we got some very heavy storms one day so we ended up buying the ones from WDW because we needed them all day long. I would say have a few cheap ones with you at all times, they are small and easy to carry, and you may just be running to catch a bus or something and a storm pops up out of no where.....

 

[epcotty]

Yeah, bring a park bag. We do and leave it in a locker. It has an umbrella and some clothes. Maybe we should try putting ponchos in it, we keep forgetting. Anyway, we'll sometimes wait under an awning under a building or go into a building or an attraction that we can easily go into if possible

 

[samsteele]

Maybe consider spraying your running shoes with a water-resistant spray like Tana or Wal-Mart's work boot brand. It doesn't make them completely waterproof, but does help. I usually spray them twice - letting the first coat dry overnight before re-applying. Bear in mind that this stuff is highly flammable so make sure you apply it in a well-ventilated area and away from flames. A change of socks in the bottom of your park bag works well with this.

 

[fujamaga]

I didn't think about the possibility of rain AT ALL. I'm going the last week in September/first week in October - is it still very likely to rain?

 

[samsteele]

I didn't think about the possibility of rain AT ALL. I'm going the last week in September/first week in October - is it still very likely to rain?

Definitely check the weather forecasts before you go and pack some basic raingear (like disposable ponchos and ziplock bags for your phone/electronics).

It is likely you will have at least one good, heavy rainshower during your vacation. Possibly more. It is early Fall in Orlando.

Perhaps check online for historical rain averages to see what the past trends have been. Some late Sept's have been better than others and with the weather, you never really know until it is on top of you. But by being prepared with a few things packed, you'll feel a bit more confident. Rain or shine, enjoy your vacation!

 

[fujamaga]

Definitely check the weather forecasts before you go and pack some basic raingear (like disposable ponchos and ziplock bags for your phone/electronics).

It is likely you will have at least one good, heavy rainshower during your vacation. Possibly more. It is early Fall in Orlando.

Perhaps check online for historical rain averages to see what the past trends have been. Some late Sept's have been better than others and with the weather, you never really know until it is on top of you. But by being prepared with a few things packed, you'll feel a bit more confident. Rain or shine, enjoy your vacation!

Thanks! I just checked and the weather isn't up yet, but holy cow, all of September that's showing so far is thunderstorming! EEK! And it's so humid!!! I hate humidity. *sigh*

 

[minniemous]

I do not know if they still sell them but 4 years ago I bought Minnie Mouse Ponchos at the Main Street stores at Magic Kingdom. They came with a bag (my daughter was 2 years old). We pack them and bring them back each year. They have minnie mouse ears on top. Very cute and very durable. They have snaps on the side and are very roomy.

I also bring my North Face shell and that keeps me very dry. It is a bit bulky to throw in the bag so I only bring that if I know it is going to rain..if there is a possibility of rain I will just throw the ponchos in my bag.

I agree that you really want something dry for restaurants. Lats year we did get caught unaware coming out of the Frozen show at HS and I did not have time to put my poncho on and I got soaked on the short run to Mama Melrose and it was very miserable inside with the air-conditioning.

We also went to Fantasmic and it was raining (ended up canceling the show) but the kiosks were handing out large disney bags to sit on. I think they will give you a bag if you need it to sit on or for what ever reason free of charge.

 

[SA mom]

Warm weather: sport sandals (never anything with socks), quick-dry clothing, ponchos from the park

Cold Weather: water proof footwear, quick dry pants (high water pants), jackets, ponchos from the park or heavy rain coat (depending on temp)

The ponchos seem to keep all our purses and occasional backpack drier than jackets.

 

[Alicenwonderment]

It's bee years since I worked in Fantasyland but I'm pretty sure they keep the ponchos under register. I would try to buy them before a storm hits. Usually once a storm hits every one crowds the store to buy the ponchos. Most of the storms passed quickly.

 

[SA mom]

Also, we take a big z-lock bag for our ponchos. I think it's 2.5 gallons.

 

[OB1]

Perfect time to get into a long queue line - better inside in a queue line that outside getting wet. Just have an idea for each park. If there are longer rides, then that works also. Ellen or American Adventures at EPCOT, Hall of Presidents and most fantasyland attractions at MK. Have a plan as it starts to look like an outburst.

 

[itchin2go]

Last trip, we had one day where it rained ALL DAY. We were in the MK, and we sought shelter in the Main Street shops (with everyone else LOL!), and also in Tomorrowland under the Astro Orbiter.

We knew the weather forecast was bad that morning so we bought Disney ponchos at the little shop before you enter the park.

 

[Disnsyncey]

Thanks! I just checked and the weather isn't up yet, but holy cow, all of September that's showing so far is thunderstorming! EEK! And it's so humid!!! I hate humidity. *sigh*

we went from the 25th-30th last year and it rained every day, and for a lot of the evening one night and from afternoon until evening on another.....my reefs were good for those times....I invested in some keens for this trip (and am breaking them in now, REI for $50!!! so cheap!) because I needed more support than I had in my reefs (though they are supportive for flips).....I am also trying to see how I will do in chacos cuz I love them.....

I also don't like a poncho when it is hot, so if I know it will be bad rain, I bring my Columbia windbreaker that folds into its own pocket and put it in my drawstring bag....

and YES ZIPLOCK BAGS! its so handy to keep everything straight AND dry!

 

[Overexcited]

We only have had one day of the years we go that it rain all day, and hard! We gave up and went to the resort. Every other time is was passing showers, and brief. One time we stayed on Haunted Mansion, they stopped making us get off. My youngest fell asleep and the rest of us searched for hidden mickeys.

 

[cgattis]

Do they keep the MDE app pretty up-to-the-minute with weather-related closings? I'd hate to slosh around (if no lightning) from place to place, only to find attractions closed.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Do they keep the MDE app pretty up-to-the-minute with weather-related closings? I'd hate to slosh around (if no lightning) from place to place, only to find attractions closed.

They do keep it pretty up to date, both for closing and when it opens back up. So that helps!