As Southern California natives with over 15 years of annual passes and DVC memberships under our belts, we’ve braved the Disney Parks in all types of weather, including the less predictable rainy days. From the charming streets of Disneyland California to the sprawling magic of Walt Disney World in Florida, we’ve learned that a sprinkle of rain can indeed add an unexpected layer of magic to your Disney adventure.
With our insider tips and a sprinkle of optimism, you will see that visiting Disney in the rain means you will have an experience like no other with shimmering rain-kissed pavements and shorter lines. Let’s dive into making the most out of every Disney drizzle, from navigating the parks to uncovering hidden gems that shine brighter in the rain!
What to Do at Disney Parks on Rainy Days?
Turn that frown upside down! There’s still plenty to get into if you’re stuck doing Disney in the rain and, with our guide and a little bit of optimism, we’re sure you’ll still have a vacation that you’ll fondly recall for years to come.
Here are five of our top picks for things to do while visiting Disney in the rain.
1. Go on Rides!
Disney knows a little water never hurt anybody! Most of the rides, unless there are literally thunderstorms, will remain in operation through the rain.
In some cases, the rain works to your benefit! We have found that many people don’t want to deal with the weather and will flock to the indoor attractions, leave the park, or dip into the restaurants so they can be waited on while waiting it out.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing what to ride; try to pick rides that have indoor queues and longer ride times!
Here are our favorite rides in the rain at Disney World:
- Magic Kingdom: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World
- EPCOT: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, Frozen Ever After, The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Mania!, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage, DINOSAUR, Kilimanjaro Safaris (seeing the safari in the rain is a special experience!)
And, here are our favorites at Disneyland and California Adventure!
- Disneyland Park: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, “it’s a small world”, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Disney California Adventure: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!, Toy Story Midway Mania!, Radiator Springs Racers (it continues to operate in light rain and is a blast!)
2. Hit the Shops
If it’s torrential, Disney Springs and Downtown Disney are great spots to burn some time. They both offer giant Disney stores, a variety of shopping, restaurants, and indoor leisure activities.
You can find plenty of cover, especially at Disney Springs in Orlando, to meander from shop to shop and take your sweet time without ever feeling even a single drop of rain.
3. Go Resort Hopping in Disney World
If you are experiencing a rainy day in Disney World, visiting the different Disney Resorts is a wonderful option. If you’re looking for a little refuge from the rain, hit up the Monorail and travel between resorts to see what each one has to offer.
This is especially a treat if you are staying off-site at a more budget-friendly hotel or Airbnb. While we recommend staying at one of Disney’s top-tier resorts if possible, resort hopping on a rainy day using the Monorail is not a bad second choice.
This goes double if the downpour happens in the PM because– pro tip time –the fireworks show, which is arguably the most magical part of the experience, will often still go off without a hitch.
You can take the Monorail to the Contemporary Resort, make your way to the covered walkway between Contemporary and Bay Lake towers, and get that special experience without standing in the rain. That way you can still catch the show while demonstrating to your kids that reading and planning ahead totally pays off sometimes!
Get WILD at the Animal Kingdom Lodge
Speaking of the resorts, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the coolest for the simple fact that there is literal wildlife walking the expansive premises, delighting guests with intimate glimpses into their beauty and majesty.
If you’re not staying at this incredible hotel, use the rainy day as an excuse to venture over there (the bus will take you straight there from the park!) and see the many species that are roaming the grounds.
There are also restaurants and other dining options available there in case you have a hankering for something to eat. Sit down, stay awhile, and watch the beautiful wildlife while you get some rainy-day relief!
4. Dive into Disney Snacking
Rainy days at Disney parks unveil the perfect excuse to dive into the world of iconic snacks and seasonal delights that await around every corner. Whether you’re wandering the magical streets of Disneyland or exploring the vast expanse of Disney World, there’s a special kind of joy in discovering treats that taste even better under a canopy of clouds.
Disneyland becomes a haven for snack enthusiasts on wet days. Imagine indulging in the warmth of seasonal churros, with flavors that change throughout the year, providing a cozy burst of sweetness against the cool raindrops. Duck into cozy nooks to enjoy Mickey-shaped beignets or find shelter under an awning as you savor the rich, gooey goodness of a fresh, hot corn dog from the Little Red Wagon.
Disney World’s theme parks offer their own array of irresistible snacks. EPCOT’s World Showcase becomes an even more enticing culinary journey when you’re sampling treats from around the globe without the usual crowds. From the creamy allure of school bread in Norway to the spicy tang of empanadas in the Mexico pavilion, every bite is an adventure. Don’t miss out on the unique seasonal offerings at the various festivals throughout the year, where rain can make the experience more intimate and relaxed.
5. Enjoy a Show
Unless you’re parenting the world’s most cultured kiddos (and kudos to you if that’s you), it may be hard for you to get a look at the animatronics in the Hall of Presidents because your children are too revved up for all the rides.
Use the rain against their “go, go, go” credo and convince them they’ll be much happier catching a show inside where it’s dry. The Hall of Presidents, American Adventure at EPCOT, Carousel of Progress, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, and Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular make great choices during a downpour.
Shop Rainy Day Favorites!
What to Pack or Wear for Disney in the Rain?
The trademark Mickey Mouse ear hat doesn’t double as an umbrella, so you may have to call an audible on your wardrobe if there’s unexpected inclement weather.
We recommend bringing ponchos at the very least to keep dry in the rain. If you’re on a budget, grabbing some high-quality but inexpensive options online via Amazon and similar sites will be a godsend if your day gets rained on, but the park also sells these items in case you’re in a pickle.
Wearing appropriate footwear is important too. Waterlogged sneakers stink (literally)! Rain boots may be a bit much, but Crocs can be cool. Regular ol’ water-resistant sandals or flip-flops work well too.
Another thing we always bring along with us is our stroller cover! It’s good to have for a variety of situations
How cool are these rubber shoe covers to keep you dry?!
Whether you’re dodging raindrops to catch your favorite ride, exploring the vast array of shops, indulging in the coziness of Disney’s resorts, or getting up close with wildlife at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, there’s no shortage of memorable moments to be made, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. And with the right preparation—from ponchos to the perfect pair of shoes—you’ll stay comfortable and dry as you make the most of every magical moment.
Don’t forget, you can book a vacation with us through Best Day Ever Vacations! Our agents will help you plan your trip from beginning to end at NO COST to you.
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