Rain Strategy at Disney Parks

It might seem like the Sunshine State and the Golden State should be all blue skies and sunshine, but that not always the case.  You need to have a rain strategy at Disney parks, so let’s help you have the best day- RAIN OR SHINE!

Team poncho, raincoat, or umbrella

Everyone has an opinion.  Some of our family prefer poncho, some love raincoat, some choose umbrella.  Pick whichever fits you best, but PICK ONE and bring it with you to the parks, then you won’t have to buy that overpriced poncho in the park! Oof!

Instead buy something like this kid’s disney raincoat!

Save time with Single riders lines at Disney

Stroller strategy

Don’t forget a rain cover for your stroller.  Pick one that fits your stroller and bring it with you.  If you are in Florida in the heat, make sure to also include a stroller fan, because just because it’s raining, doesn’t mean it’s cold.

The Universal Cover is part of our essential list for Disney travel

 

shoes

We like to wear Teva sandals or a sandals that can dry easily after rain.  If you are wearing tennis shoes, make sure to bring extra socks for after the rain stops. Remember that If you are renting Disney Vacation Club, you can use the resort laundry to dry wet clothes if your villa doesn’t include one.

ride strategy during rainy season

These rides should be your priority before rain as they close when there is rain or lightning near. Florida park designers have really thought about rain, and you’ll notice that most queues and rides are indoors as they get more rain than California.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• Astro Orbiter
• Barnstormer
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Jungle Cruise
• Liberty Square Riverboat
• Mad Tea Party
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly splash mountain)
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Tom Sawyer Island
• Walt Disney World Railroad

Epcot (this is the best park for rain)

• Test Track

Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers.
• Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage.
• Fantasmic!
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.
• Slinky Dog Dash.

Animal

• Expedition Everest.
• Kali River Rapids.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris.
• TriceraTop Spin.
• Wildlife Express Train.

Ride Strategy for Disneyland parks

Disneyland

• Alice in Wonderland
• Casey Jr. Circus Train
• Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
• Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Gadget Coaster
• The Mad Tea Party
• Tom Sawyer Island
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Splash Mountain)
• Storybook Land Canal Boats
• Winnie the pooh (sometimes)
• Dumbo (sometimes)

California Adventure

• Golden Zephyr (wind also closes this attraction)
• Goofy’s Sky School
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish
• Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
• Also there will be other rides that tend to break down because of the rain- like Cars)

What to do instead?

We love a good rainy day at the parks.  Lower crowds are a huge benefit, but it can also be magical if you are prepared.  Nothing clears out a park faster than a downpour in the afternoon.  Take our advice and embrace it!  Ride an indoor ride, browse a shop, see a show, visit a character meet (Florida), or get a snack on mobile ordering and  find a seat inside while the rain pours.

Memories can be made in the rain too. We still talk about riding Expedition Everest over and over in the rain. With rain pelting our faces, we laughed and cried during the ride, but then pulling into the station we immediately went again. My daughter in law and I told the group we didn’t need a poncho, because we couldn’t get any wetter- and can I just say that we did get more and more soaked and joked the whole night about it.

What team are you- Poncho, Umbrella, or Raincoat?