What to do on rainy days?

[wdw-ocd]

The weather forecast looks pretty crummy when we plan on visiting Universal, IOA, and SW (isolated thunderstorms, scattered thunderstorms, etc.) Is it still worth visiting the parks on these types of days? What attractions are still operating? And how bad is it really when the forecast calls for isolated or scattered thunderstorms?

 

[t-and-a]

It seems like June is a rainy month in Orlando. The storms seem to come and go for the most part. At US/IOA, the only rides that might shut down would be outside coasters, such as Hulk, Dueling Dragons, Flying Unicorn, and Woody Woodpecker and maybe Jurrasic Park River Adventure and Pteradon Flyers. The lines for the indoor attractions can get VERY long during a downpour.

 

[Metro West]

The weather forecast looks pretty crummy when we plan on visiting Universal, IOA, and SW (isolated thunderstorms, scattered thunderstorms, etc.) Is it still worth visiting the parks on these types of days? What attractions are still operating? And how bad is it really when the forecast calls for isolated or scattered thunderstorms?

That's typical FL weather in the summer. I wouldn't freak out if a storm comes as they generally don't last long. I would definately go to the parks and don't let the risk of storms stop you. If you see one coming up, just head for something indoors and hang out until it passes. You can count on the afternoon storms around 3-4pm on most days.

 

[robvia]

Again, the key is to go early. You show up at 8am, get in line at the gate, go in first, take a lap, then go back to your hotel and rest.

Rain showers happen from 3-6pm, This clears out the park, then you can return to visit a park for a few hours, or go straight to a Citywalk restaurant and eat.

 

[cookiemonstermommy]

We had the same predicted forcast as the OP, and let me tell you, the RAIN and WIND that we had were insane--like something out of a movie (Twister? lol).

But--it lasted all of 45 minutes, and 10 minutes after the rain and wind stopped, it was back to blue sunny skies. I've never experienced that before-maybe it's a regional thing, me being in NY?

But that was it, the one "storm" that one day.

 

[NotAmused]

Yep, that is typical Florida weather during the summer. We were just at Universal 1-2 weeks ago and we had the same forecast (isolated/scattered thunderstorms) the entire week, but it really wasn't that big of a deal. It was sunny most of the day and the storms lasted less than an hour. When the clouds started to come out, we either went to the hotel to rest, found a place to eat dinner/lunch, store hopped, or just toughed the rain out and continued to walk where ever we were planning. Of course, all of the outside rides will be closed if it is lightening, but they reopen after the storm passes.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

The forecasts always say isolated thunderstorms this time of year -- through about September. Like another poster mentioned, sometime between 3 and, say, 6 in the afternoon, an isolated thunderstorm might pass over where you are. These aren't like "Up North" storms. They're very small, move extremely quickly and are generally VERY strong. Lotsa lightning, usually a good bit of rain (big ole fat rain) in a small amount of time and often a good bit of wind. I personally will not run around outside in a poncho if I get stuck in one of these. The summer thunderstorms are different than the storms we get the rest of the year. We'll duck inside a store or hopefully be starting a show. Between 3 and 6 p.m. is often the time we shower, freshen up and "recharge" back at the hotel anyway. They usually only last a half hour or so.

They're isolated because it's not a big system that's headed our way. The mornings are clear and as the humidity and heat indeces rise, these storms pop up and generally only affect a few isolated areas. Today, you might not be in one of those areas; tomorrow, you might be.

 

[bg4]

as all have said arrive early.

Keep an eye to the skys. If you see or hear an approaching thunderstorm it's time to take in shrek/terminator/MIB or other indoor ride. By the time you are done the sky will probably be sunny again. There are times where this doesnt work and it rains all day so an umbrella would be an appropriate accessory. One of those small folding type are great for this purpose.

Or leave by 2-3pm and go back to your hotel then come back around 5-6 PM. Storms should be over and crowds will be less.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

That is our typical Florida weather (no matter where in Fl you are) for June to Sept pretty much. Rains usually but not always, start on the east coast and travel from east to west. They will be scattered and not everywhere will get rain everyday, but the forcast will say it. You can count on rain pretty much everyday someplace, just not everywhere Take along a poncho and as long as there is no lightning, you are ok to remain outside and enjoy short lines to whatever attractions are open. If there is lightning, take cover ASAP FL is the lightning capital of the United States and you don't want to mess with it It can kill you. Many do not realize it. Most indoor attractions will remain open in the rain. If the weather is that bad, I go shopping I have my own car with me so I head for the malls... after the bad rains pass, I head back to the parks...