8 Tips For Rainy Days In Disney World

Visiting Walt Disney World is a dream come true — but Florida’s infamous rainy weather can test even the most seasoned travelers. Rainy days in Disney can be challenging, but you can come prepared! We have learned the hard way so that you don’t have to.

Below, we’re sharing our Top Tips for Rainy Days at Disney World, to help you know how to turn every cloud into pixie dust. We’re including must-pack items, what to expect at different times of year and best places and rides to wait out the rain.

Know Before You Go: Understanding Weather at Walt Disney World

To those of you who are not familiar with Florida weather, just know it can be beautiful one minute, but in another, it can look like doomsday. No exaggeration. The sky can change color and you catch yourself in a torrential downpour.

We’re not talking about a light rain that will get your hair a bit damp. We’re talking rain like someone is throwing bucket after bucket of water on you – 20 seconds and you’ll be soaked through your clothes.

If you come prepared you’re going to have a much better trip than if you just wing it.

I come from the deep South, so we are accustomed to this weather. But for people who are not familiar with it, it can seem downright scary. You can guarantee in the summer months that there will usually be a rainstorm right around 3:00 pm every afternoon. And I mean every afternoon! It will usually go away as fast as it came, but you need to be prepared!

Before you go, it’s important to know what to expect at the time of year that you are travelling and pack the right rainy day essentials!

Our 8 Rainy Day Tips: Overview

1. Follow our packing list, including packing multiple cheap dollar-store ponchos for each person — they’re lightweight and disposable.
2. Check weather apps in the morning when you’re at the resort, then spend a few minutes each day reviewing your plans and making adjustments based on the weather.
3. Start days early with outdoor rides/characters, then switch to indoor attractions mid-day and use dining/shows to wait out rain.
4. Rent park entrance lockers ($10–$15/day) to stash wet clothes, dry outfits, or heavy bags.
5. Download or print off our list of ALL indoor rides and attractions so you’re not scrambling when the clouds roll in.
6. Plan late lunches or nap times around the worst times for rain – typically between 2-4pm.
7. Expect outdoor rides and transport (ferry/monorail) to pause for lightning/heavy rain; indoor rides surge in waits. Have alternate plans if you need transport during rainy seasons.
8. Know where fun indoor areas are – like the play area inside Dumbo’s tent at Magic Kingdom, the shop stalls in Mexico’s pyramid or aquarium in Epcot, etc. These are good options if you don’t want to wait in ride lines or grab a bite to eat during the rain.

Bonus tips:

• Pools close during heavy rain/lightning; plan naps or resort time around storms.
• Keep a positive attitude — puddles can be fun for kids, and rain often means shorter lines as other park goers head back to the resorts!

What Weather to Expect at Disney World

Here’s what to expect from Florida weather. Know that the rain is typically high-intensity but short-lived. Meaning it will create delays or interruptions to your plans, but the rain typically won’t last the whole day.

• Summer: Warm, humid, afternoon thunderstorms nearly every day.
• Fall & Spring: Slightly milder temps with occasional showers.
• Winter: Colder fronts can bring sustained rain and lower temps.

What to Pack for the Rain

Ponchos

First things first, go to the dollar store and stock up on those $1 rain ponchos. They are so cheap that you can throw them away and not worry about them for the rest of your trip. I say this because they do not dry out easily; you are forewarned. Again, learn from my mistakes. Throw that sucker away and pull out a new one.

Buy a lot of these $1 ponchos! They will not take up much space in your luggage. You may need another one for the second day of your vacation, so don’t forget to pack multiples for each family member. I usually pick up at least two every time I shop at The Dollar Tree, even if we aren’t planning a Disney World trip soon. (Who am I kidding?! We are always planning a Disney World trip!)

Rain Jackets

I also recommend purchasing a few really good-quality, thick ponchos or rain jackets for days when it doesn’t quit raining fast or when it rains all day. Our family isn’t afraid to brave Disney in the rain as long as we are armed with ponchos and rain boots. If you don’t have rain boots or shoes that dry quickly, buy some of those too.

Stroller Cover

Another good thing to purchase would be a stroller cover. Nothing is worse than a wet stroller or a fussy kid screaming because the rain is slapping them in the face as you hurry across the parking lot to get to your car or bus.  

Again, learn from my mistakes. This really did happen. Actually, one twin was laughing because he thought it was hilarious, and the other screamed. He was not a happy camper. If you rent a stroller, most companies will offer this as a complimentary add-on. Definitely, request a cover if it’s an option.

Also invest in a waterproof bag for your diapers and dry clothes. etc. No matter how much you cover the stroller, something is bound to still get wet. So secure those belongings in a waterproof Ziploc or camping bag.

Water-resistant Bag Covers

These can be used to cover your electronics, wallets, and other important items that you might have with you that you are worried about getting wet.

Extra Shoes/Water-Resistant Shoes

We always bring two pairs of shoes for everyone, just in case the first pair doesn’t dry overnight. Crocs are always good for kids when it’s raining in Disney – some people love Tevas because they dry out quickly, too.

I haven’t used shoe covers yet but I did buy some for our next trip and will report back!

Bonus Item: Portable Fan

If we’re driving, we always take a portable fan with us so we can dry out everything that got wet that day. It’s nice to have strollers and “stuff” that are completely dry the next day.

If you are flying this isn’t an option, but you can always use the blow dryer – I am definitely ordering these travel-sized shoe dryers based on a recommendation in our Disney FB group!

While on Your Vacation: Plan Day by Day

The planning doesn’t stop once you’re in Florida! Each morning it’s a good idea to check the weather apps and assess your plan for the day, making changes as needed.

Check the Weather Every Morning and Throughout the Day

Use real-time weather radar apps to track storms. Some recommended ones include:

• AccuWeather
• MyRadar
• The Weather Channel

Use the apps to help you decide how long the rain may last and whether you should stay inside for a while, or take time to grab food, etc. Or just take cover for a few minutes, let the rain pass by, and get back to your adventures.

Rainy Day Planning: Step-by-Step

If rain is forecast for your day, here is a quick look at how I would plan my agenda to try to make the most of the weather before it starts raining.

1. Start early: Mornings are usually driest.
2. Do outdoor rides and character meetings first: Get them out of the way before clouds roll in.
3. Switch to indoor attractions mid-day.
4. Ride shows + exhibits in the afternoon.
5. Use dining reservations to wait out the worst weather. Late lunches around 2pm or 3pm are perfectly timed.
6. Plan naps around weather. If you have little ones that still nap, head back to the resort or set yourself in a quiet indoor corner for those 3pm storms.
7. Finish with night entertainment if the rain subsides.

Know that this is just an idea for planning a day. Of course, with rain, there is never a guarantee for how long it will last. But this is a quick preview of how I would change up my day to maximize the fun despite the rain clouds.

Also, it’s important to note that pools will close in heavy rain and if there are any lightning warnings.

Bonus Checklist: Ultimate Rainy Day Park Bag

• Ponchos (for every member)
• Compact umbrella
• Waterproof backpack cover and stroller cover if applicable
• Comfortable quick-dry clothing
• Extra socks/shoes (aim for quick-drying shoes)
• Plastic zip bags or waterproof bags for electronics
• Quick-dry towels
• Charger for phone + portable battery

With all of this in your arsenal, you’re set for any weather scenario — and one step closer to enjoying Disney in the rain like a true pro.

Once You’re at the Park: How to Navigate Rainy Weather

Ok, so you’ve packed the rainy day essentials, you’ve planned your day around the weather at the resort – and now you’re at the parks watching the clouds roll in. Here’s what to expect, what indoor attractions are best to “ride out the storm” and a couple bonus tips.

What To Expect on Those Rainy Days in Disney World Parks

• Expect ride closures or delays.
  Indoor rides are usually fine, but outdoor rides will not operate during if there is a lightning warning or in heavy rain. For example, at Magic Kingdom you can expect attractions like Astro Orbiter, Big Thunder Mountain, Magic Carpets, Jungle Cruise and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to close.
• Transportation might be limited.
  For instance, the Ferry boat to the Magic Kingdom parking lot will not run sometimes if lightning strikes nearby. Also, that goes for the monorail too! Safety comes first! Plus, I don’t know about you, I would rather not be on those at all during a lightning storm of any kind!
• Character meet-and-greets might get delayed or cancelled.
  Indoor greetings will be fine – though the line’s wait time will spike during rain – but outdoor meet and greets will be delayed or cancelled until the weather clears up. (So, you might be best to hit up the outdoor meet-and-greets earlier in the day rather than planning for an afternoon spot as they might get cancelled.)
• Indoor ride wait times may surge.
  If you don’t mind a longer wait time, have some activities planned or packed to keep entertaining while waiting in line. If a longer wait time is going to upset you, consider getting a lightning lane or hitting your must-do indoor rides first thing to avoid the crowds seeking shelter.
• A good attitude is always the best thing to bring to the parks!
  Come on people if it’s raining, chill out! You will get wet! I repeat you WILL get wet in some shape or fashion! On our trip to Disney World in May 2014, my two-year-olds were playing in puddles having a grand time while we were waiting for our fast pass time to approach. We were standing under a very thin piece of shelter with a couple of other people, but my boys could not get enough of the puddles. If they were happy, we were happy. They were having a great time, wet and all! Obviously, one of my boys got a little too close to the man under the shelter and got him wet on his leg and the man made a huge fuss over it! With or without my children’s help he still got wet! It was bound to happen!

Locker HACK! Did you know that all of the Walt Disney World parks have lockers for rent?

They’re located near the entrances (and some secondary spots), with small lockers at $10/day, large at $12/day, and jumbo ($15/day) only at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Lockers are self-service kiosks accepting cash, credit cards, MagicBand or gift cards.

Renting a locker is a great way to stash dry clothing for later if you don’t want to carry around a backpack all day – and it’s a great place to drop off heavy, wet clothing that you can pick up at the end of your park day. $10-15 to avoid having to leave the parks for a few hours to go back to the resort and change is a great hack for me!

Best Attractions to Ride on a Rainy Day

Here’s our top picks for where you should go when raindrops start falling – but check out the full list of all indoor rides and attractions (organized by park) in the image above or download the free printable list here.

Magic Kingdom

• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Haunted Mansion
• Peter Pan’s Flight

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This park is mostly outdoors, so while you’ll be able to find a few things to do if the forecast is calling for a couple showers, if it’s looking like a very rainy day you might want to swap parks for the day to Epcot or Hollywood Studios which have more indoor rides and come back on a sunnier day.

• Flight of Passage.
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
• Na’vi River Journey.

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EPCOT

• Guardians of the Galaxy.
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends – explore the massive aquarium afterward until the rain stops.
• Soarin’ Around the World.

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
• Tower of Terror & Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster – side by side rides with mostly indoor queues.

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Indoor Shows & Theaters

Disney parks feature incredible entertainment that doubles as rain shelters. If you are seeing that the rain will not be dissipating right away, consider seeing an indoor show to pass the time.

• Carousel of Progress (Magic Kingdom)
• The Hall of Presidents (Magic Kingdom)
• Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (Hollywood Studios) – not indoors but covered.
• Festival of the Lion King (Animal Kingdom) – line is partially outdoors but the show is fully indoors. Great if the rain lines up with a showtime!

Ride or show queues may fill up during rain, but you’ll be dry and entertained.

Did you know that there are indoor play areas at Magic Kingdom and Epcot?

All four Walt Disney World parks have indoor play areas or indoor-adjacent play spaces for kids (typically ages 2–12), perfect for rainy days or breaks.

At Magic Kingdom, you can find the Dumbo the Flying Elephant Play Area inside of the big top tent beside the Dumbo ride. It’s an air-conditioned big-top tent queue with slides, climbing nets and separate toddler section; parents can relax with seating. Enter via standby line.

At Epcot, you have three indoor play options:

• Project Tomorrow / Advanced Training Lab: Interactive space-themed exhibits next to Mission: SPACE (exit access); games, simulations, video postcards.
• The “What If” Labs (ImageWorks): Sensory play stations in Imagination! Pavilion; Figment-themed exploration.
• SeaBase / Bruce’s Shark World: Small kid zone post-Nemo ride with shark photo ops, quizzes; aquarium views.

At Hollywood Studios, kids can jump around and dance during Disney Junior Play and Dance! shows (not a dedicated play area per se) and at Animal Kingdom, Rafiki’s Planet Watch Affection Section offers indoor animal petting and meeting areas.

For more planning tips, check out our Park-by-Park Rainy Day Guides:

If you have any more ideas or if I left something out, feel free to leave a comment! Also, check out our blogs on the best rides and attractions for rainy days at each park:

• Top 5 Attractions for Rainy Days at Magic Kingdom
• Attractions and Rides for Rainy Days at Epcot
• Top 5 Attractions and Rides for Rainy Days at Hollywood Studios
• Top 4 Attractions and Rides for Rainy Days at Animal Kingdom

What do you do on a rainy day in Disney World? Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss to tell us about your rainy day strategies and to talk about many other Disney related topics.

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