GET THE RIGHT MINDSET
There’s nothing you can do to stop the rain. Accept this.
Don’t try to escape the rain. There’s nothing worse than being with a bunch of other grumpy people all trying to escape the rain. Be with the cool people riding all the rides. Try to remember what it was like when you were a kid- isn’t that why you’re at Disney anyway?
Rain is awesome. It smells good, is better than the sweltering heat, creates puddles and washes away any delusion that you had control over your vacation.
GET THE RIGHT DISNEY RAIN GEAR
Ponchos!: Yes. That’s right. Whether your poncho is a 3 dollar one from Wal-Mart or a 10 dollar one at the Disney gift shop. Nothing says prepared like a poncho. Make sure everyone you’re travelling with has one. We’resorted to shopping bags over our heads when we’ve forgotten ours, which just looks ridiculous. Be prepared.
Backpack or Crossbody bag: These are easy to wear under your poncho and its the best way to keep hands free and stuff dry.
Hat: Sometimes its windy… a hat can ensure either that your poncho stays snug on your head, or can make sure your head doesn’t get wet.
Flip Flops, Crocs or Mesh shoes: The sooner you realize that bare feet dry faster than thick socks and tennis shoes the sooner you can ward off that pending cold sure to strike if you’re feet stay wet all day. And it may be “all day”. While we don’t think that flip flops would be great support for your feet, you won’t be in them that long. Birkenstocks have better support, and so do Sanuk flip flops. Toms are also an option as cloth shows they’ll dry faster.
THE RIGHT RIDES AT DISNEY IN THE RAIN
For the most part roller coasters don’t shut down unless it’s lighting. For the most part most rides in the Magic Kingdom are indoors and ideal to get you through a storm.
Take advantage of rides that have really interesting, yet usually long lines that you would normally fast pass. It’s raining anyway and what else are you going to do with that time?! We love fast passes but sometimes the best lines get completely missed by people who have fast passed their rides and never get to see the imagination and details Walt Disney World has put into these interactive lines. A plus side is that the parks usually clear out a little during the rain so your wait will most likely be shorter! Rides with lines we love?? Frozen Ever After, Peter Pan’s Flight, Under the Sea- Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Kali River Rapids, and Expedition Everest to name a few.
MAGIC KINGDOM IN THE RAIN
Splash Mountain is always a joy because you get wet anyway.
Rides or attractions in MK if you’re determined to stay dry: Tomorrowland People Mover, Carousel of Progress, Enchanted Tiki Room, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, Space Mountain, Under the Sea-Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Peter Pan’s Flight, Mickey’s Philharmonic, Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
ANIMAL KINGDOM IN THE RAIN
Expedition Everest is a favorite, but if its hard rain ….this ride will feel like you’re being stabbed a million times with tiny pieces of glass, in the face.
It’s Tough to be a Bug, which is located inside of the Tree of Life, is fun for little ones if you’re looking to escape the rain and want to skip out on being pelted in the face with water on Everest! Festival of the Lion King is an amazing show that we recommend rain or shine, but can be incredibly handy during rainy periods as it is covered. Navi River Journey and Flight of Passage in Pandora are both indoors and excellent rides during the rain.
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS IN THE RAIN
Hollywood Studios is probably one of the easiest parks to escape the rain because of all of their shows! We love Beauty and the Beast and Voyage of The Little Mermaid. Star Tours and Muppet 3-D are favorites and both also inside.
EPCOT IN THE RAIN
The Lands and The Seas provide a very excellent escape from the rain. Explore the aquarium, take a boat ride on Living with the Land or ride Soarin.
The World Showcase also has several areas that can be explored inside while it rains, our favorite is probably Mexico with its open air market and Grand Fiesta Tour boat ride, which almost never has a long wait. Almost all the countries have indoor movies showing the country history and all have gift shops as well.
THE RIGHT RECOVERY
Whether you and yours are piling onto the midnight bus a half hour ride to your resort or into a car parked a mile from the entrance out in the Zurg Parking Lot here’s your post-rain tips.
Everything is Soaked: The resorts at Walt Disney World all have laundry mats. This is a great way to meet other fellow Disney-in-the-rain travelers and share stories. The laundry mats are very user friendly and accept debit/credit cards in case you don’t have extra cash on hand. Most Orlando hotels have laundry service as well… don’t be a hero by draping wet clothes around the hotel room-just get them washed and dried.
You’re Cold and Wet and your tolerance level is through the floor. The resort gift shops are open late for the cold meds, poncho, or cozy sweatshirt you may now need and most food courts are open until 12am for that rapid refill of tea, coffee or cocoa.
Prepping for the storm tomorrow: If you’re lucky enough to be there one day when its raining, you’re usually lucky enough to be there for two. Read back through the above notes to make sure you can handle another day in the rain. If you decide you just can’t do it you can stay at the hotel or resort, head over to Disney Springs for bowling at Splitsville or have a movie packed afternoon at AMC Fork and Screen Theater.
Don’t let the rain get you down. It will happen. Sometimes for an hour, sometimes for 6 days straight. You can enjoy your Walt Disney World vacation rain or shine! Rainbows are included for free with almost every Rainy Walt Disney World Vacation. And after all, it’s still the most magical place on earth.