The Rain Rain Rain Came Down Down Down - What To Do When It Rains at Disney World

 

For many of us who have visited Wald Disney World, we have all been subjected to the downpour of rain during vacation time. But, the Disney lovers in us won't let a little Florida rain get in the way of some major play time in the parks. Now some of you might be thinking that the next thing I am going to say is a bit crazy, but hopefully this post will change your mind by the end of it so here it goes... I love going to the Disney Parks when it rains. I can sense a few jaws dropping and some scoffs, but hear me out. I have been going to Disney World for 20+ years during various seasons and crowd sizes of any and every kind, and nothing draws people out of the parks than the rain. But I am here to tell you that you should have no fear of the rain, in fact you should embrace it. This post is going to show you and tell you many possiblities and things to experience during the rain at Walt Disney World as well as give you infromation on rides that can and will close during bad weather. Hopefully, at the end of this post you will embrace the rain and learn that it will actually give you the opportunity to do and experience things you might not have if the rain hadn't come.

 

Before we get into the amazingly fun things you can do when it rains and what opportunities arise during rainstorms, let's address the one thing probably on everyone's mind: rides closing. Here is myth #1 I am going to debunk: the rides do not close in the rain. Rides however, will close during lightning and thunderstorms. In addition to rides, both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon will also close and it is advisable that you do not swim in the resort pools during lightning and thunderstorms, but I am sure that we kind of all know that already.

 

To prepare yourself for rides closing during thunderstorms and lightning here is a list of rides that can close from each park:

 

 

Magic Kingdom: all the outdoor rides close down such as Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Astro Orbiter, Dumbo, and the Magic Carpets. It is a safe bet that any ride that is outside for any part will close during thunder and lightning. Also the Liberty Boat, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Swiss Family Treehouse will also be unavailable.

 

Animal Kingdom: Unfortunately, this could probably be the worst park to visit during rain, let alone a thunderstorm. Everything is outside and unsheltered and you will get little to no break during the rain. Primeval Whirl, Triceratop Spin, Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and even the Kilimanjaro Safari can close. Basically, Dinosaur, Finding Nemo the Musical, and It's Tough to be a Bug are going to be the only attractions you could visit.

 

Hollywood Studios: the only attractions that will close are the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular and the Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.

 

EPCOT: Test Track will close during lightning and thunder and heavy rain.

 

Honestly, EPCOT and the Hollywood Studios have the most options to play in the parks to their full potential with minimal closures when it rains. But here is a tip for you all, most people will actually leave the park so they don't get caught in the rain or in a thunderstorm. This is why I love when it rains at Disney World; when people leave the parks, wait times go down for rides. Now this isn't to say that this is a guarantee, but I have been in both EPCOT and Magic Kingdom when the majority of the crowds left the parks during the rain. It was probably the most empty I have ever seen these two parks and I got to go on every and any ride I wanted to several times! It was fun and I even got some amazing pictures out of that empty rainy night in the theme parks.

 

So now that we have addressed the ride closure myth we need to talk about how to get you to enjoy the theme parks during the rain. I know many of us have seen or even wore those yellow mickey ponchos around the parks during the rain. (or clear ponchos with a Disney Logo or castle on it now, I think the yellow ponchos dates me).

To quote my father, "these ponchos are sauna suits." I would say that you should be prepared for those ponchos to cause you more problems than protection. They are hot, humid, and uncomfortable and while it keeps your torso dry, your arms/sleeves and pants will still get wet. You can always bring a travel umbrella with you to the parks and keep it in a purse, tote bag, or backpack. I would just bring a plastic bag with you to wrap the umbrella in when you are riding a ride, eating, or after it rains when you put the umbrella away for the day. Or another option is to bring an actual rain coat. If there is rain in the forecast, don't be shy to renting a locker to keep your rain coats, umbrellas, or any other rain stuff during the parts of the day the sun is out and shining. Chances are that the Florida rain will last only an hour or so and you can go back to playing in the sun shortly after. If you have a locker, you can put all of that stuff back when you don't need it and have some place to keep it in case it rains.

 

Now let's say that playing in the puddles in the theme parks isn't your cup of tea in wonderland; have no fear there are plenty more things to do! My next tip is to head over to Downtown Disney and visit Disney Quest.

 

While many other park guests may have the same idea, it is still a great way to get out of the rain and play together. Remember that you will need to have the Water Parks, Fun and More Pass added to your admission tickets or you will have to buy admission separately. If you don't want to spend that extra money because you did not originally have that addition on your admission, you can always shop around Downtown Disney or visit one of their many restaurants.

 

This leads me to the next tip: shop around. Downtown Disney has the LARGEST Disney Store called World of Disney and if you haven't been able to find that perfect souvenir, I promise you that you will find it here. Not that you need more of an excuse to spend money at Disney World but shopping or even window shopping can take your mind off of the rain and kill time until the rain passes. A great tip for you if you are a shopper and this is how you want to pass the time, the vast majority of stores on Main Street U.S.A (Magic Kingdom) are connected to each other which means, there is no need to walk outside! Isn't that perfect?! In EPCOT you can find treats and toys from around the world that can add something extra special to your take home souvenirs.

 

Another great idea to pass the time in the rain at EPCOT is to take a stroll around World Showcase and talk to cast members from their native country. You can ask them to teach you phrases in their language and take home another souvenir that you can use. Learn how to say hello, good bye, please, thank you, etc. It is a great way to engage with cast members, learn something new, and interact with your surroundings. Here is another good tip for EPCOT, visit the different country's movies and indoor attractions. You can find the movies in Canada, China, Norway (at the end of Malestrom), France, and The American Adventure. Don't forget to ride Malestrom and the Gran Fiesta Tourin Mexico to keep dry on your journey around the world.

(Of course I suggest the other indoor shows in the other theme parks, such as Mickey's Philharmagic in the Magic Kingdom, Muppet Vision 3D in the Hollywood Studios, and It's Tough to be a Bug, Festival of the Lion King, and the Finding Nemo the Musical in the Animal Kingdom.)

 

Rain is also a great reason for you to explore your resort or other resorts on property. For example, you can take a bus to the Art of Animation Resort and play in the arcade or learn to draw like an animator.

Every Disney World resort has fun recreational offerings and things to see and do. Some deluxe resorts like the Animal Kingdom Lodge offer enough activities to keep you busy for an entire day. Check your resort activity schedules or ask an on-site cast member for ideas on what to do indoors. If you want to visit the Magic Kindom resorts, take the monorail around and stop at each resort. You will get a fun ride and get to change venues anytime you want.

 

There are also tons of indoor character meet and greet spots where you and your children, family, and friends can meet characters and have your pictures taken. You can see where characters will be on your park maps or using the mobile magic app on your smartphone. This would be a great opportunity to visit your favorite characters and make some more memories.

Overall, I hope that this changes your mind and shows you that you have more opportunities than not when it rains in Disney World. The last pieces of advice I will give you is to always keep a good attitude, bring the right shoes (maybe even an extra pair of socks), and just plan on having fun. A little rain can't ruin the happiest place on Earth. I challenge to you face the rain head on and try something new on this blog. Take lots of pictures, play in puddles, ride rides, and just have fun!