How to Have Fun at Disney World in the Rain

How to Have Fun at Disney World in the Rain

We’ve been to Walt Disney World for more than a few years in a row now, usually in September, during hurricane season, which means it’s usually raining at some point throughout our trip. Sometimes, even for a whole week. At first, we wondered if the Disney World Deals you get in the off-season were really worth vacationing in the rain. And then we realized Disney in the Rain is just as good as a vacation without rain. Here’s what we learned and how you can make sure mother nature doesn’t ruin your next vacation in Florida during the rainy months that happen from June through November.

Disney in the Rain

Hurricane Season at Disney World

We’re sharing this post because we’ve seen our share of disgruntled vacationers at Walt Disney World during the unpredictable Florida rains through spring, summer and into fall. We feel horribly for some of these poor unfortunate souls because this may be their once in a lifetime trip to Walt Disney World! This may be something they saved for years to afford! And their best chance at feeling that overflowing joy you feel when you step into Walt Disney World parks. Our best advice to you folks? Just let it rain. It doesn’t have to ruin your day.

How Much does it Rain in Florida?

Believe it or not Disney World sees quite a bit of sporadic rain 6 months of the year. And as hurricane season at Disney World goes, there are certain months that are better than others. June through September in Florida have the highest rainfall, per the chart below. Here are a few things to note. 

  • Hurricane Season in Florida lasts from June 1- November 30. 
  • Heavy rains in the Summer typically last about 30-60 minutes.
  • Sporadic rains happen most from mid-August to mid-October, and lend to very high humidity.

Rain in florida Rainy Season

Disney in the rain

The Best Disney Rain Gear

Most of being able to have fun at Disney World in the rain, is having the right weather gear. From a hat, to a poncho to shoes that won’t stay wet for the rest of your vacation, our list can help you prepare. You’ll also want to make sure that whatever Disney Rain Gear you bring is portable. You should be able to fit a packable rain jacket into your Disney Day Backpack. 

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. Just buy some ponchos from amazon and call it a day. Make sure everyone you’re traveling with has one. We’ve resorted to shopping bags over our heads in dire times when we’ve forgotten ours, which just looks ridiculous. Be prepared. We like Coleman and Totes ponchos best simply because they’ll last through a few vacations.

Backpack or Crossbody bag

A Disney Day Backpack is essential for your day in the parks. Especially as you’ll need to have your wallet, phone, sunscreen, water bottle and camera on hand. Keep in mind that the smaller backpack you can manage the better. These are easy to wear under your poncho and it’s the best way to keep hands free and stuff dry. Remember that things like phones, and cameras with fancy lenses are sensitive to rain and moisture, so be sure to keep things covered when it’s raining. 

A Hat, Any kind!

Whether you’re going to bring a sunhat, or baseball hat be sure to bring a hat that has a bill, or visor. This will help keep the rain out of your face as you make your way through the rain. Sometimes its windy, and 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 a 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 shoes will dry faster. And Crocs are an excellent kind of shoe to wear when it’s raining. Check out the Best Shoes for Disney World. 

Best rides when its raining at Disney

What to Do at Magic Kingdom in the Rain

There are many indoor rides and attractions in Magic Kingdom if you’re determined to stay dry. And Magic Kingdom also offers extra fun with the Rainy Day Cavalcade parade, complete with cast members in ponchos and everything! Check out the best rides when it’s raining at Magic Kingdom. 

Indoor Rides at Magic Kingdom for Rainy Days

  • Tomorrowland People Mover
  • Carousel of Progress is entirely inside and gives you a glimpse of each decade, Walt’s own idea. 
  • Enchanted Tiki Room
  • Enchanted Tales with Belle is a longer show and offers you the chance to meet Belle and be inside. 
  • Haunted Mansion
  • It’s a Small World
  • Space Mountain
  • Under the Sea-Voyage of the Little Mermaid
  • Peter Pan’s Flight has one of the best line queues and is a joy to experience if you need to be inside. 
  • Mickey’s Philharmonic is a show that can keep you out of the rain during heavy downpours
  • Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

pandora world of avatar

What to Do at Animal Kingdom in the Rain

Animal Kingdom is blessed with spaces that have trees, so in addition to the rides we share here you may be able to find shelter at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, and even Maharajah Jungle Trek. Expedition Everest is a favorite, but if it’s hard rain ….this ride will feel like you’re being stabbed a million times with tiny pieces of glass, in the face. We’ve done it once and were tempted to try it again.  In the words of small children, it’s hurt-y and ouch-y. But you can also count it as an extreme sport… so whatever works. 

Indoor Rides at Animal Kingdom for Rainy Days

  • It’s Tough to be a Bug is inside the Tree of Life
  • 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 indoors.
  • Navi River Journey is a boat ride indoors, and offers a great break from the rain. 
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris keeps you dry inside the truck as it drives along the savanna, but be mindful that the animals may be inside. 
  • Flight of Passage in Pandora has a beautiful queue and offers a fun ride indoors. 
  • Kali River Rapids, won’t keep you dry, but if you’re already soaked is a fun ride to add to your day.

Hollywood Studios Disney World

What to Do at Hollywood Studios in the Rain

Hollywood Studios is probably one of the easiest parks to escape the rain because of all of shows and indoor attractions. 

We love

  • Star Tours is a fun indoor ride that has a gift shop you can hang out in until the rain stops. 
  • Muppet 3-D Vision is a great show to watch that lets you take a break for about 20 minutes in the theater. 
  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway offers a Hidden Mickey filled queue line and lots of fun posters to see as you make your way to the ride. 
  • Star Wars Launch Bay is a great place to meet Star Wars characters and get out of the rain
  • Frozen Ever After a Sing Along is a great show that gets you inside for a little more than 20 minutes, perfect for rainy days. 
  • Mickey Shorts Theater offers a 20 minute show featuring the Emmy Award winning Mickey cartoons filled with antics from Mickey and Friends. 

EPCOT Cart World Nature The Land and Seas

What to Do at Epcot in the Rain

In addition the rides and attractions at EPCOT, The Land and The Seas buildings provide a very excellent escape from the rain. In the Land Building you can grab lunch at Sunshine Seasons, ride Soarin’, Living with Land and watch the Awesome Planet show. In the Seas building you can ride Little Nemo, and explore the aquarium. In the World Showcase, every country pavilion has a slew of shops to explore, and the rain gives you plenty of time to make your way around the world for it. 

  • Living with the Land
  • Soarin’
  • Awesome Planet
  • Canada Far and Wide Show
  • Mexico Marketplace inside the pavilion
  • Grand Fiesta Tour in Mexico
  • Beauty and the Beast Sing Along in France
  • Frozen Ever After has a beautiful queue line and is fully indoors in the Norway pavilion. 

Tips for When its Raining at Disney World

If you’re like most people visiting Walt Disney World you’ve got a jammed-packed schedule filled with dining reservations, rides, and character visits. A month’s worth of planning probably has you holding the most perfect vacation plan ever in your hands. Unfortunately, the rain is not in your control. And contrary to popular belief you don’t need to cancel your day’s plans just because it’s raining.

In fact, unless you’re facing lightning storms, Walt Disney World operates as usual. You also don’t have to resort to “just shopping” which is what many people do at Disney in the Rain. Let this be a warning that gift shops will be crowded when it’s raining.

Get in the Right Mindset

Okay, so tip one for Disney in the Rain. 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.

Choose Indoor Rides

For the most part, roller coasters don’t shut down unless it’s lighting. We always take advantage of the rain by bee lining it to the rides that are usually packed. 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 indoor line queues. It’s raining anyway and what else are you going to do with that time?! 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.

What to at Disney When Your Clothes are 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.

How to Prepare for the Storm at Disney Tomorrow? 

If you’re lucky enough to be there one day when it’s 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. We had one vacation 10 days long, and it never stopped raining. 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. Enjoy it, and have fun. 

How to have fun at Walt Disney World in the Rain #disneyintherain #floridavacations #disneytips

Co-Founder and Director at Polka Dot Pixie Co LLC | Website | + posts

Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.


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2 thoughts on “How to Have Fun at Disney World in the Rain”

  • Rain is sporadic in Florida. One minute it’s sunny and the next it’s rainy. And it will alternate so much it will make your head spin! Luckily, I haven’t actually had too many full-on rainy days at WDW, but I think your suggestions are great. You just have to keep on keepin on. If it were me, I’d definitely make a point of checking out all of the Disney restaurants inside and outside of the parks. There is so much good food to be had at WDW. And plus, most locations offer a roof to cover your head. (Assuming the lines aren’t crazy.) 🙂

    • Absolutely agree with you about the rain being sporadic! It comes and goes as it pleases and can be very unpredictable. Unfortunately we have had whole days being rained out, but at that point we just accept that we are wearing ponchos for the day, grab a warm drink and find as much as we can do to avoid letting the rain ruin our fun! Like you said, keep on keepin on?. Great suggestions about the food! Disney has incredible food and many times by the end of your snack break or meal the rain is gone anyway! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!

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