Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links and sponsorships, meaning I will receive a small commission for reader purchases through my links. This is at no cost to the reader. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please visit our Disclaimer Page.
Hey howdy hey! Welcome back to Val’s Magical Life! Today we’re talking about one of the most frequently asked questions I get, How to Handle Disney World in the Rain. It’s no secret that Florida is well-known for their afternoon rain showers, especially during the summer months. However, there’s no need to fear, because you can still have an incredible Disney World vacation when it rains, and that’s what I’m here for today! Read on for rainy Disney day tips and tricks!
Pack Rain Gear
Even when rain isn’t on the forecast, you’ll still want to bring your rain gear with you into the parks. I’m talking stroller covers, ponchos, rain jackets, water-resistant shoes, and extra Ziploc bags for wet clothes! Central Florida weather is very unpredictable, and you don’t want to be left in the parks stranded and soaking wet with no supplies! I recommend ponchos and rain jackets over umbrellas, as umbrellas can be hard to navigate with heavy crowds and windy conditions as well. Regardless, don’t leave your Resort without your rain gear if you want to be prepared for Disney World in the rain!
Visit a Nearby Resort
This isn’t always the best plan depending on your location in the park when the thunderstorm starts, but if you happen to be nearby the entrance to the park or want to brave the walk to the entrance, you can visit a nearby Resort lobby to wait out the storm. This is an especially great option if you’re in Magic Kingdom, as the monorail resorts are so close by, have amazing lobbies to relax in, and provide incredible dining options. I don’t recommend this if the storm is expected to clear in a few minutes, however, as the transportation wait times can be lengthy when it rains. In this case, it won’t be efficient for your limited time!
Ride Attractions that will Close when it Rains First
Certain outdoor attractions and transportation options will close if there is lightning within 10 miles of the area for guest safety. Meaning, you could find yourself unable to ride some of your favorite attractions on rainy Disney days. If you are visiting during the summer months when afternoon thunderstorms are expected or visiting the parks on a day with rain in the forecast, you’ll want to ride the attractions subject to this rule first to ensure you can enjoy them! Keep in mind if you are unable to take transportation due to lightning in the area, you will be able to use a bus instead.
If you want to ride any of the following attractions at Disney during your trip, get these done first:
Magic Kingdom Park
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Jungle Cruise
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – Coming Soon
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Mad Tea Party
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- The Barnstormer
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Astro Orbiter
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- TRON Lightcycle / Run
- Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire
- Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade – be sure to check if the Rainy Day Cavalcade is running instead. This is highly worth standing in the rain to see, as you can check out this rare parade full of characters and dancers in their rain jacks and galoshes.
- Happily Ever After
EPCOT
- Test Track
- Water Transportation
- Shows in the American Gardens Theater
- EPCOT Forever
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
- Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular!
- Fantasmic!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Discovery Island Trails
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- Wildlife Express Train
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- Kali River Rapids
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- TriceraTop Spin
- The Boneyard
Transportation
Go to an Indoor Show
When it comes to Disney World in the rain, the thunderstorms typically last only a few minutes to a couple of hours at most. Rainy Disney days usually aren’t an all-day affair, which is great news for you! If you notice rain headed your way, I recommend watching an indoor show to try to wait out the storm. Oftentimes I’ve found by the time the show ends, the rain has stopped, and I can put my rain gear away, making this one of my favorite tips when it rains at Disney!
Hop into the Standby Queue for an Attraction with a Long Indoor Wait
If you’re trying to avoid the rain, a great strategy could be to join the standby queue for an attraction with a long indoor wait. The rides that come to mind for me are Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain, Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Avatar Flight of Passage. These attractions all have mostly covered or indoor queues, and tend to average over 30 minute wait times. Like indoor shows, you’d be surprised how many times it stops raining by the time you stood in line and enjoyed the attraction!
Visit a Dining Location with Indoor Seating
Unfortunately, this will be one of the more crowded ways to enjoy Disney World in the rain, but it’s still a great option for you when it rains! There are many quick service locations and lounges with indoor seating, so this can be a fantastic opportunity to avoid the rain, grab a snack, and get off your feet for a few minutes while you wait out the thunderstorm.
If you’re looking for a more traditional sit-down meal, you can open the My Disney Experience mobile app – select the plus button on the bottom of the screen – Select “Check Dining Availability” – input your party size – select today’s date – and search for “Now” to see which Table Service restaurants might be open for walk-ups nearby.
Enjoy!
Truthfully, the crowds will scatter like flies when it rains, so you can take advantage of lower wait times for attractions by staying and enjoying Disney World in the rain. This can be one of the best strategies to manage Disney crowds and experience attractions with shorter wait times! Keep in mind some attractions will be unavailable for safety reasons, but you can still have an amazing time with your family riding the indoor attractions!
Conclusion
While we all like to think of Disney as being in a “bubble” that makes it immune from any unfortunate events, this just simply isn’t the case. Like any other outdoor location, Disney is subject to rain and thunderstorms too! Set the reasonable expectation that you will encounter at least one rainy Disney day during your trip and pack accordingly. Lastly, pack your patience and flexibility, and I guarantee you will still have a magical vacation, even when it rains! Remember, mindset is everything!
Thanks for reading How to Handle Disney World in the Rain! If this was helpful for you, don’t forget to download my freebie, 10 Ways to Beat the Heat at Disney World This Summer! Stay magical, and I’ll see ya real soon for another blog post!
Expert Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Tips
Former Disney Cast Member and Disney Vacation Planner
WDW Annual Passholder
Disney Adult, Disney Couple Date Ideas
DAS Disability Access Service Disney DAS Expert
I have never visited Disney World before, but I was planning to this year. This post is a great heads up, without reading this I would have probably cancelled my trip last minute in case it rained, which would be a shame! Thanks for sharing this!
I’m so glad this post has been helpful for you! I hope your visit is magical!
These posts are honestly beyond helpful!! It’s also an amazing way to do things you maybe normally wouldn’t do at Disney World too! Also the Wilderness Lodge lobby looks incredible!!
I agree completely! It can definitely allow you to take the time to see things you normally wouldn’t make time for. Wilderness Lodge is one of my favorite lobbies for sure!
That’s it, I’m subscribing! And you just inspired me to prioritize going back to Disney World, hopefully within the next year. With all of your tips, I know I’m going to have a blast and be well prepared for anything. Thank you for sharing!
Wow, thank you so much for your support! I appreciate it! I hope you enjoy your trip 🙂
This is an amazing resource! Disney is becoming one of my dreams that I believe will come true and thank you for all your help!
Thanks for your kind message! I hope you’re able to visit with your family soon! 🙂
These are great tips!! Looks like a blast!
It’s definitely a fun time!
These are great tips! I’ve always wanted to buy a poncho but instead I find myself always using my umbrella. But after reading this, I need to invest in one. Great blog post!
Sometimes the poncho and umbrella can be a good combo, but in my experience the umbrella alone hasn’t done too much 🙂
Great tips when it rains on your Disney day! I’ve been caught at Magic Kingdom a time or two in the rain! These are really great ideas to make the most of the day even when it’s gloomy and rainy!
Haha it’s definitely an experience to get stuck in the rain at Disney! Thanks for taking the time to read!
It must be dreadful visiting Disney when it’s raining. Especially the one in Florida where it can be brutally hot and down-pouring during the summer. These are great options when that does happen as I become a big baby when I am rained on.
It definitely can be if you aren’t prepared! YES! It gets so steamy, it seems like the heat just pours out of the concrete during the summer. Haha I’m not a fan of being wet and overheated either!
Great tips 🙂 can’t wait to go there now 🙂
Thanks for your nice message! I hope you get to visit soon, it’s a lot of fun!
Great rain-avoiding tips! I had no idea there were indoor shows!
The indoor shows save me from both the thunderstorms and the heat! Haha I would be lost without my air conditioned, protected-from-the-elements shows!
Came across your post just in time as I’m planning a Disney visit. It’s been gloomy here in Los Angeles so now I’m ready to visit Disney rain or shine. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for taking the time to read! I hope it was helpful and you get to visit soon 🙂
Pingback: When to Visit Disney World - Val's Magical Life
Really helpful tips! It’s unfortunate to get caught in the rain at Disney but thankfully there are cool indoor rides and restaurants to save the day. Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and taking the time to read! I couldn’t agree more 🙂
When I visited Disney, it was in the boiling heat so didn’t experience the rain. However, I know it does rain a lot in FL and this post is extremely helpful!
Ahh yes, the heat! I know it well haha. Thank you so much for reading!