DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
6. It rains every day in the summer
In Walt Disney World, and Florida in general, you should expect it to rain at least once a day in the summer. Typically this means an afternoon thunderstorm or sun-shower, something that usually lasts for about twenty to thirty minutes and then passes. This means that you should have some kind of plan in place for when it rains. For some parks this is easy—for Magic Kingdom, simply head to the nearest indoor attraction. For Animal Kingdom, you’ll want to have your poncho with you because so much of the park is outdoors. Whatever the case may be, know that the afternoon showers that happen in the summer are a regular occurrence in the afternoon and do not typically last all day.
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5. Watch where you stand
Sometimes when it rains you’ll think that you’ve found the perfect place to stay dry, but it’s important to be aware that some covers are not the best places for you to stand under. For instance, standing under a merchandise cart to avoid the rain might seem like a good idea, but when the cart has to close because of thunder and lightning in the area, you’re going to need to leave so that the cast member can close the cart. (As an aside, it’s also important not to give cast members like this a hard time, they’re simply doing their job.) Other places might be in the way of safety critical areas, such as crowded walkways at the end of certain attractions, or certain parts of the Main Street bypass in the Magic Kingdom. Just make sure that you’re aware of your surroundings, and you follow cast member instructions if you are asked to move.
4. Know what doesn’t operate in the rain
Certain attractions and shows may close or be slightly altered as a result of the rain. If you’re not sure about what’s still open, the easiest way to tell is to check the My Disney Experience app. If you’re under the “wait times” tab, and the time says “temporarily closed,” this indicates that the ride is currently down, likely for weather. If you’re still not sure, simply ask the nearest cast member. Certain rides will operate in rain, but not if there’s thunder and lightning in the area, so the probability of them being open may differ from day to day depending on the forecast. Also know that the weather can alter certain experiences. For instance, Tinkerbell may not fly during Happily Ever After depending on the weather conditions.
3. The park empties out
The best thing about being in Walt Disney World when it rains is that the parks tend to empty out. Many guests either use the rain as a sign to cut their days short, or they don’t realize that the rain might only last for an hour or so and they head out anyway. The good news for you is that if you choose to stay in the park, the lines will be drastically shorter, and the park will be much less crowded.
2. Bring ponchos or umbrellas
It is difficult to deal with the Florida rain when you do not come prepared. I’d recommend bringing ponchos or umbrellas with you, particularly during the summer months, to avoid feeling the need to purchase these items in the park. If you’ve forgotten either one and do need to purchase it in the park, I’d recommend doing so when it is not raining. Once it starts raining, the shops are mobbed with guests looking for ponchos, so you’ll be happy you got yours ahead of time.
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1. Just deal with the rain!
The best advice I can give anyone about the rain in Walt Disney World is to just deal with it. You’ve paid so much money to go and enjoy the parks, it just doesn’t make sense to have a little bit of water send you on your way. If you have a poncho or umbrella, you should be all set to enjoy the newly emptied out park, since so many guests went home already. And even if you’re not prepared with a poncho or umbrella, at least you’re in Florida, where the rain will likely stop soon and you’ll quickly be dried by the sun. Just remember, a rainy day in Disney is better than a sunny day at home.
