Help Around the Mouse Clues You In on....
Rain and Walt Disney World
You've spent months planning, your itinerary is set, you arrive at Disney World and the deluge begins.
Let’s face it-- Central Florida is a tropical environment. It’s not too rare for a seemingly clear sky to turn into a torrential downpour in a matter of moments - especially during the summer months. These afternoon showers usually only last about 30-45 minutes but can be rather impressive. Quite often, guests in the theme parks panic and quickly leave the theme parks instead of simply waiting it out.
But, if you do encounter wet weather that reaches beyond a simple afternoon downpour, it doesn't mean that you have to spend the day confined to your hotel room listening to "I'm bored." Most of Disney World can be enjoyed no matter if the sun is shining or if you're starting to wonder if Noah is going to show up with the Ark. And it gets better. On rainy days like these, most guests decide to forgo visiting the theme parks entirely. This means that the attractions have much shorter waits. In fact, sometimes you practically feel you have the park to yourselves.
Given the retreating behavior of most guests -- it stands to reason that those who come prepared for the weather can experience a wonderful day at Disney, no matter how it spits and sputters. As any Disney veteran will tell you-- the rain won’t stop, and neither will we!
Power Dressing
It’s always a good idea to pack ponchos in your park backpack just in case of a sudden shower. Even if it doesn’t rain they’re helpful to have for the wet theme park rides like Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom. Yes, you can purchase clear Disney ponchos at about any shop in the World, but why not head to the Dollar Store or Target and stock up on inexpensive variety before you leave town?
It’s always a good idea to pack ponchos in your park backpack just in case of a sudden shower. Even if it doesn’t rain they’re helpful to have for the wet theme park rides like Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom. Yes, you can purchase clear Disney ponchos at about any shop in the World, but why not head to the Dollar Store or Target and stock up on inexpensive variety before you leave town?
We have found that the poncho hood does not stay put on the head very well. If you have a baseball cap or sun visor, put it on over the hood. This will not only keep the hood up, but keep your glasses and face dry as well.
Oh-- and think twice about umbrellas. They're not the easiest things to handle and stow as you navigate the parks.
Oh-- and think twice about umbrellas. They're not the easiest things to handle and stow as you navigate the parks.
And speaking of keeping things dry, what are you wearing on your feet? If it's really raining, plan for soggy shoes/socks. A change of footwear may be a good idea. At the least, bring a change of socks. Walking around in squelchy, chafing socks is a surefire way to bring on a blister.
What else should you have along? Well, a hand towel from your room is an invaluable tool to toss in your back pack. Not only will it dry you off after a shower-- but it can dry off seats of the rides before you sit down. And stuff a few plastic grocery sacks in your back pack while you’re at it. Now, you’ll have someplace to stow your camera and other items that shouldn’t get wet-- whether in the rain or on Kali River Rapids. And when the rain stops-- you’ll have someplace to put your wet things.
Now, you’re prepared for the rain, but should you really be out there? Do take wild weather warnings seriously. We're not suggesting that you go out during the rains of a hurricane or an electrical storm! Popping on a poncho doesn't mean you're immune from lightning. Stay indoors until the coast is clear.
The Theme Parks
Disney Imagineers certainly had the frequent showers of Florida in mind when they built the theme parks at Walt Disney World. They are designed for rain! Most of the lines for the rides are covered and the majority of the rides are indoors. Nearly all of the restaurants are sheltered or indoors as well. Only a few of the attractions are closed due to rain. As a matter of fact, don't be surprised if the evening extravaganzas are still scheduled.
Epcot
In Future World, only Test Track closes due to rain. But there is so much more to see and do!
Head to the Land Pavilion in Epcot and take the Behind the Seeds Tour. Enjoy the Seas. Head to the exit area of Mission: SPACE, Journey into the Imagination with Figment or Spaceship Earth. They all have fun indoor game experiences.
Disney Imagineers certainly had the frequent showers of Florida in mind when they built the theme parks at Walt Disney World. They are designed for rain! Most of the lines for the rides are covered and the majority of the rides are indoors. Nearly all of the restaurants are sheltered or indoors as well. Only a few of the attractions are closed due to rain. As a matter of fact, don't be surprised if the evening extravaganzas are still scheduled.
Epcot
In Future World, only Test Track closes due to rain. But there is so much more to see and do!
Head to the Land Pavilion in Epcot and take the Behind the Seeds Tour. Enjoy the Seas. Head to the exit area of Mission: SPACE, Journey into the Imagination with Figment or Spaceship Earth. They all have fun indoor game experiences.
But you won’t be taking the boats across the lagoon. They stop running if there is any chance of lightning.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is a wonderful place to be in the rain. Not only can you can walk the length of Main street without ever walking outside, but the vast majority of the rides are close together, and completely indoors.
What could be more perfect than a gray day at the Haunted Mansion? Have a bite to eat in the Columbia Harbor House, and then walk across the street to the Mansion. If lighting streaks the sky -- it’s all the better!
It’s worth mentioning that while only a few rides close for rain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, Liberty Belle Riverboat, Astro Orbiter, Mine Train and Swiss Family Treehouse close during lightning. As do the resort launches that take you from Magic Kingdom to the area resorts.
Magic Kingdom is a wonderful place to be in the rain. Not only can you can walk the length of Main street without ever walking outside, but the vast majority of the rides are close together, and completely indoors.
What could be more perfect than a gray day at the Haunted Mansion? Have a bite to eat in the Columbia Harbor House, and then walk across the street to the Mansion. If lighting streaks the sky -- it’s all the better!
It’s worth mentioning that while only a few rides close for rain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, Liberty Belle Riverboat, Astro Orbiter, Mine Train and Swiss Family Treehouse close during lightning. As do the resort launches that take you from Magic Kingdom to the area resorts.
Some say that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is not recommended for rainy day traveling since most of the animal habitats are outdoors. However, there are those who disagree. Animals act much differently in the rain. Try a ride on Kilimanjaro Safari in a storm. You may see the lion roar!
Disney Hollywood Studios
Although you may still see Illuminations or Magic Kingdom Fireworks during a rain storm, Fantasmic! will be cancelled, as will Jedi Training Academy. (uh-oh) But everything else remains running.
Disney Springs
Because many guests stay away from theme parks on rainy days, Disney Springs tends to attract big crowds. Since it’s an outdoor shopping complex, visiting Disney Springs will not help you avoid the rain anymore than visiting a theme park.
However, if you like, a rainy afternoon at the AMC Movie complex or Splitsville can pass the time nicely until the sun reappears.
RResorts
If the forecast is for a full day of rain, and slogging through a wet parks isn't your idea of fun, think about visiting the Disney Resorts. You can hop on the monorail and explore the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary Resorts. Or relax and enjoy one of the many fireplaces and cozy couches at Wilderness Lodge. While all of the Disney Resorts have arcades, the Contemporary has the biggest by far. You can drop a ton of tokens, but at least you'll be dry and having fun. And If you're in the mood for a bit of pampering, schedule a spa treatment at Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club or Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Spa.
Because many guests stay away from theme parks on rainy days, Disney Springs tends to attract big crowds. Since it’s an outdoor shopping complex, visiting Disney Springs will not help you avoid the rain anymore than visiting a theme park.
However, if you like, a rainy afternoon at the AMC Movie complex or Splitsville can pass the time nicely until the sun reappears.
RResorts
If the forecast is for a full day of rain, and slogging through a wet parks isn't your idea of fun, think about visiting the Disney Resorts. You can hop on the monorail and explore the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary Resorts. Or relax and enjoy one of the many fireplaces and cozy couches at Wilderness Lodge. While all of the Disney Resorts have arcades, the Contemporary has the biggest by far. You can drop a ton of tokens, but at least you'll be dry and having fun. And If you're in the mood for a bit of pampering, schedule a spa treatment at Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club or Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Spa.
DVC
The Disney Vacation Club has information booths set up... well, everywhere! If a day of rain is in your forecast, you can sign up to take the DVC tour. It is fun! And, there is no pressure. Yes, you will need to listen to a short sales pitch at the end, but the folks are nice, the tour is very pleasant, and the vacation club villas are a dream. You’ll be glad you saw them. And they serve cookies!
The Disney Vacation Club has information booths set up... well, everywhere! If a day of rain is in your forecast, you can sign up to take the DVC tour. It is fun! And, there is no pressure. Yes, you will need to listen to a short sales pitch at the end, but the folks are nice, the tour is very pleasant, and the vacation club villas are a dream. You’ll be glad you saw them. And they serve cookies!
And finally....
If you have checked the weather and it sounds totally unbearable to go to the parks, just put on the Do Not Disturb sign and sleep in. When you get up, order room service and actually sit back and enjoy the morning. It’s a vacation... remember?
At first blush, rain on a Walt Disney World vacation can sound devastating and gloomy. But more often than not, with the rain comes opportunities for you and your family to experience something unplanned and unique. Perhaps you were the only ones standing there watching the afternoon parade? Or the little ones played with the Cast Members in the puddles? Or you cuddled with a book in front of a roaring fire?
Experiencing rain at Disney -- as with experiencing most of life twists and turns -- has more to do with your approach to the situation than the situation itself. So toss up a little Pixie Dust and have a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah day!
From everyone at HelpAroundtheMouse.com -- We hope this information contributes to you having an even more magical Walt Disney World vacation! K
6/19
If you have checked the weather and it sounds totally unbearable to go to the parks, just put on the Do Not Disturb sign and sleep in. When you get up, order room service and actually sit back and enjoy the morning. It’s a vacation... remember?
At first blush, rain on a Walt Disney World vacation can sound devastating and gloomy. But more often than not, with the rain comes opportunities for you and your family to experience something unplanned and unique. Perhaps you were the only ones standing there watching the afternoon parade? Or the little ones played with the Cast Members in the puddles? Or you cuddled with a book in front of a roaring fire?
Experiencing rain at Disney -- as with experiencing most of life twists and turns -- has more to do with your approach to the situation than the situation itself. So toss up a little Pixie Dust and have a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah day!
From everyone at HelpAroundtheMouse.com -- We hope this information contributes to you having an even more magical Walt Disney World vacation! K
6/19