Packing for a Walt Disney World vacation can be hard to (see our tips here,) but when it rains, it can be even harder to know what to pack. Rainy weather impacts a lot of Walt Disney World vacations, and we want you to be prepared. We have a few key items that you should plan on packing when heading into a Theme Park on a rainy day. These items will help you continue to have a magical experience while on your Disney vacation.
Poncho/Rain Jacket
Before heading down to Walt Disney World for your magical Disney vacation, consider purchasing a light rain jacket or buying ponchos for the whole family. Being able to throw something on quickly to protect yourself from rain can help you stay positive. No one wants to feel like a drowned rat (sorry, Remy). A Disney packing list definitely should have a rain jacket or poncho on it throughout the year.
Small Umbrella
If you don’t care for ponchos or rain jackets because they make you too hot, consider bringing a small portable umbrella. These are easy for packing in your Park bags and pulling out for protection from the rain. They can be difficult if it gets windy, but it is still better than getting soaked.
Stroller Cover
Make sure your stroller doesn’t end up collecting a pool of water while you are inside, hiding from the down poor. Bring a stroller cover that attaches and will keep it nice and dry for your little one. There are even stroller covers that can be used while your little one is in the stroller. This can be helpful if they refuse to wear a rain jacket or poncho.
Hat
Even if you don’t typically wear hats, consider packing one for rainy days. These can be great for throwing on during a rainstorm and keeping your hair tame afterward when it gets even more humid- because that is possible. Hats for little ones can be helpful as well as keeping their hair under control and protecting them from the rain and sun.
Extra Masks
Make sure to have extra masks with you during a rainy day. They can get super wet, making them uncomfortable and not as effective. Toss in extras for everyone so you can change them throughout the day. This will make such a difference as you move around the Park.
Shoes
Think about what shoes will work the best for you. We typically don’t recommend wearing shoes that aren’t secure, like flip flops, during a rainy day because you can easily slip on them. Tennis shoes are easy to walk around in; however, they do not dry out quickly. Some Disney veterans enjoy wearing sandals with straps because they are waterproof and dry out quickly. We suggest having more than one pair of shoes, so you aren’t stuck wearing them the whole day when they do get wet. Newspaper is good at drying out shoes, as is a hair drier, but don’t be stuck with that as your only option. Instead, plan with extra shoes on your Disney World packing list.
Socks
If you do end up wearing tennis shoes into the Park on a rainy day, consider packing extra socks as well. Being able to switch out your socks into a fresh, dry pair can make you feel so much better. When heading into the Park during a rainy day, have those extra socks ready.
Ziplock Bags
Having ziplock bags with you during a Walt Disney World vacation can be a lifesaver usually, but they are truly magic during a rainy day in the theme Park. Ziplocks can be used to put anything that gets super wet in to. Think rain jackets, ponchos, socks, shoes, masks- those are all items that it is great to toss into a ziplock instead of just your Park bag. Ziplocks can also protect those items that you don’t want to get wet. If you have a camera, extra portable chargers or even food, ziplocks can help them stay dry. We love having all sizes of ziplocks with us in the Park.
Phone Charger
This is an item that we always have with us in our Disney World Park bag. With needing to use My Disney Experience so much throughout our Theme Park day, we always make sure that we have a portable charger. On rainy days, we want to make sure we have it so we can check the weather and have a backup for entertainment if we get stuck in one area of the Theme Park. Make sure you have the Disney Play App ready to go. We have other ways to get your phone ready HERE.
Sunscreen
Just because it is raining like crazy when you leave for a Theme Park doesn’t mean that the sun won’t come out later in the day. We always make sure we have sunscreen with us when visiting Walt Disney World. Making sure we can protect ourselves from the sun is extremely important.
Water Resistant Bag
Something that we think is super helpful during a rainy day in the Theme Park is a bag that is water resistant. This can help keep your items dry and can even be helpful when riding Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids. We suggest looking into a water resistant bag for your Park bag.
Other Items
A few other random items can help during your rainy Theme Park day but aren’t a necessity. If you have room in your Park bag, you might consider tossing these in as well. A washcloth to help wipe down seats. Glass cleaner can be great for those with glasses. Being able to keep those glasses clean is fantastic. Finally, think about what you are wearing. You want items that are comfortable and will dry quickly. Jeans might not be the best option as they can drag on the ground getting even wetter. Dri-fit clothing can be a good choice if you like that style. These items are a must have but can be helpful when it rains.
Don’t let the rain ruin your magical Disney World vacation. Instead, prepare for rain by packing these items into your Park bag and heading out on your way. There are so many rides that are fun in the rain; check out our article here.