Even though we hope our vacations to Walt Disney World will be filled with sunshine, the reality is that rain will probably happen at some point. If it is a short rain storm, it can be easy to wait for it to pass through the Parks. The struggle becomes what to do when the rain lasts all day. How do you continue to have a fantastic time during your trip?
We have some top tips for having a magical time even when it rains at Walt Disney World.
Bring Rain Items
Our first tip is to pack, so you are prepared for the rain. Make sure that you have rain jackets, rain ponchos, and even an extra pair of shoes. Having these times packed, you will be more prepared if rain interrupts your day in the Parks.
Walt Disney World has rain gear, including adorable Mickey ponchos, but these items are costly. They also are hard to reuse once they are wet. It can be hard to repack into your bag when it is all wet. By packing cheaper ponchos, you can toss them if you don’t want to reuse them.
Our first tip is to make sure you pack and are ready for rain, no matter what the forecast looks like. Florida rainstorms can come up suddenly, and having items to protect yourself from the shower is step one for continuing to have magical experiences.
Have Ziploc and Plastic Bags
This might seem silly, but having Ziplocs or plastic bags can be extremely helpful when it rains. We recommend bringing a variety of sizes to have options for all your items. Smaller ones are great for keeping your electronics dry, but big ones can help keep your backpacks dry, which is extremely important during big storms.
We also like having Ziplocs to put raincoats, ponchos, and umbrellas in after the rain has stopped. This can help keep the inside of our bags dry during the rest of the day.
Those are a few suggestions on what to bring with you to help you have a magical time when it rains, but what about what you can do when it rains? We have a few suggestions there as well.
Relax
This might seem strange, but when you have a rainy day at Walt Disney World, use that time to rest. Enjoy letting your body rest up so you are ready for the rest of your adventures. Take the day to slow by enjoying time together playing games, watching TV, or just sitting around the Resort.
It is easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle during a Walt Disney World vacation. When it rains, use that as an opportunity to rest and relax.
Enjoy a Meal
When it is a rainy day, consider enjoying a meal at one of Disney’s excellent table service restaurants. Use the rainy day to have a more extended meal experience that you might not otherwise choose to do when enjoying the Parks.
Think about doing a skyliner or monorail crawl. Visit all the Resorts along these two modes of Disney transportation. Enjoy drinks at their lounges or a snack as you take in the beauty that they all have to offer.
Disney has so many great restaurants throughout Disney Springs, Disney Resorts, and in the Parks that when it rains and you can’t do as much in the Parks, they are an excellent way to spend some time.
Explore the Indoor Activities
Although there are some fantastic outdoor experiences throughout the four Disney Parks, there are also great indoor experiences. When it starts to rain, consider enjoying some of these experiences that you might otherwise skip.
In EPCOT, we recommend exploring the Seas Pavilion. Here you will find the second-largest aquarium full of sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and much more. There is much to explore here, including a play area for kids. If you have a rainy day in EPCOT, consider spending some of that time in the Seas Pavillion.
Many countries throughout the World Showcase in EPCOT have indoor exhibits and shows. These are another excellent way to get out of the rain while enjoying Disney’s magic.
When in Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom, think about some of the indoor shows that would provide not only an escape from the rain but entertainment and Disney magic as well. We love For the First Time in Forever: A Disney Sing-along, Festival of the Lion Kingdom, and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond. These bring some of our favorite music to the stage in a big way.
When visiting Magic Kingdom, there are many indoor rides you can still enjoy, even in the rain. In Fantasyland alone, there are numerous rides that you can quickly navigate between, even when it is raining.
Don’t think that you can’t enjoy time in the parks because it is raining. Put on that rain gear and then head out to enjoy the magic.
Shop and Show
Finally, when it is going to be rainy, consider making it a day at Disney Springs. There are so many shopping and entertainment options. If you aren’t into shopping, consider bowling or catching a movie. You could also look into getting tickets to the new Cirque du Soleil show.
It can be not very pleasant when rain impacts your Walt Disney World vacation. We hope that by providing you with these tips, you will have a magical time even when it rains during your Walt Disney World trip.
