How to Deal With The Rainiest Disney Days
We are just about to hit rainy season here in Central Florida and that means LOTS of rainy days at Disney. BUT that doesn’t mean that rain will make your trip a bust! I’m sharing some of my favorite tips to get the most out of your day EVEN in the rain.
How Much Does it Actually Rain?
Central Florida is definitely in that tropical zone that gets a lot of rain, especially in the summer and early fall. You can almost guarantee that it will rain pretty much every day. Sometimes it will be for around and hour and then be sunny the rest of the day and then other days it will feel like there’s a hurricane outside (sometimes there really is).
If you are traveling to Disney World anytime between early June to mid November, set your expectations appropriately that you will encounter rain at some point on your trip.
Additionally, hurricanes are very much a thing! We have some great tips for dealing with and preparing for a hurricane at Disney in this video:
Rain Gear
I know this is the most basic thing, but truly, it is the one thing that can make or break your day! As a local, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been caught having to huddle under cover because I forgot to bring my umbrella (or just thought I wouldn’t need it).
You should ALWAYS make sure to have some form of rain gear whether it’s a rain jacket, umbrella, or as simple as throwing a few ponchos in your bag.
Umbrellas are my personal favorite because they can also double as sun shade on those super sunny days!
You can find my favorite rainy day essentials HERE.
Shoes
Along with proper rain gear, you want to make sure you have good shoes! Yes you’ll be walking miles and miles, so tennis shoes can be great. However, during the summer months, some areas of the parks can flood and you’ll find yourself up to your ankles in water.
Nothing is worse than soggy socks, so be sure to have a pair of comfy sandals at the very least in your bag so that you can slip them on when things start to get wet.
My personal favorites both for water, but also just as a regular park shoe are my Reefs! They are cushioned, so very comfy and they are waterproof which is perfect!
For guys, my husband loves his Chacos. He prefers a little more arch support, so these are the perfect summer shoe for him.
What Closes In the Rain?
Typically anything outside is going to go down in the rain, particularly if there is lightning in the area. This goes for things like Dumbo, 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, Kali River Rapids, and Slinky Dog Dash. This also goes for things like some character meet & greets, parades, and outdoor shows like Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular.
Sometimes there will be modified offerings of these if the rain isn’t too hard! A great example of this is the Rainy Day Cavalcade that will come out in place of the Festival of Fantasy Parade on rainy days. You should feel extra special if you catch this! I’m a local who goes to the parks all the time and I’ve only ever caught it once back in 2019!
That being said, these outdoor attractions are primarily looking to see if there is Lightning in the area, so keep your eye out if the rain starts to clear up in case they go back up!
What Stays open in the rain?
Basically anything indoors! Luckily many of the attractions at Disney are indoors as are things like shops and shows. People do run to those when the rain starts to fall, so be prepared that the lines can get a little crowded when then rain begins.
My favorite things to do in the rain are go see a show, shop in the gift shops, or even grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants.
Stay in the Park!
Many people will often clear out when the rain hits (usually because they forgot their rain gear) so sometimes the rain can work in your favor by thinning out the crowds! My favorite is after a heavy afternoon rain storm because the evening will usually feel pretty empty in the parks. Hello low wait times!
However, if you do feel like you need to get out of the rain, a little resort hopping could be the ticket. You are absolutely allowed to visit the different Disney resorts and shop, dine, and enjoy the theming. Remember, no pools, gyms, going in the rooms (obviously) but you can absolutely enjoy the other things the resorts have to offer.
Disney’s transportation is complimentary regardless of if you are staying at a Disney resort or not, so don’t be afraid to hop on a bus, boat, or monorail and check them out! *The Skyliner may close if there is lightning in the area **Parking at the resorts is only allowed if you have a dining reservation that is set to begin in less than 2 hours.
Embrace the Chaos!
Rainy days can be the most magical memory or your worst nightmare and most of that depends on YOU! Embrace it! Enjoy it! Dance in the rain! It can be a bit of a bummer when some of the attractions close, but just know it may not be forever and you are there to enjoy your vacation, so don’t let a little rain and skipping out on a ride ruin it for you.
