It is very rare, if ever, that we go to Disney World and don’t experience the Florida thunderstorms.  It’s just bad planning to think that you won’t get rained on when you are on vacation.  But with a few extra items in your suitcase you can make sure that the rain doesn’t put a damper on your trip.

Spaceship Earth under storm clouds

What to bring:

• Rain Jacket – skip the cheap plastic poncho!  I see lots of articles that talk about bringing a poncho to fend off the weather.  There are a few problems with ponchos:
  • They are not very durable – they can rip pretty easily and then you’re soaking wet with shards of plastic all over the place
  • One size does NOT fit all – kids are either swallowed up in plastic or adults are only covered to mid-thigh, even less if you are trying to put the poncho over a backpack
  • I’ve never seen anyone actually look good in a poncho – I know it’s not a fashion show when you’re in a torrential downpour, but at least a jacket provides a little style!
    

    Staying dry at Epcot

We bought rain jackets a few years back and they have made it through every trip. They’re washable and mine even folds up into the pocket of the jacket for easy packing.

• Umbrella – this seems like a no-brainer but we never used to pack one. Now we have a golf umbrella and two small umbrellas that we bring on every trip.  They are all actually from Disney World as a result of getting caught in the rain too many times before we finally remembered to pack umbrellas!  Giving kids their own umbrella is also helpful because my family’s heights range from 6’3” down to 4’6” so one umbrella usually leaves the shorter one getting wet or the taller one getting poked in the eye with the spokes (I’m in the middle so I’m usually covered either way.)

Singing in the rain at Epcot

Umbrella at Japan pavilion in Epcot

• Crocs – I see a lot of people wearing tennis shoes in the parks and I understand why with all the walking to be done on a daily basis.  However, I have found that Crocs are super comfortable to walk in and the added benefit is that they don’t absorb water when it rains.  Walking through downpours and giant puddles is no big deal because the water drains out right away.  Wearing tennis shoes leads to wet socks and feet that don’t dry quickly and just feel yucky!

If you don’t have any of these and see a storm brewing, there’s always the option of trying to get a walk in reservation at one of the table service restaurants to stay out of the rain for a while.  It’s also a great time to go on some longer indoor rides and attraction that might not be on the top of the ‘to do’ list. Here are some of our rainy day favorites:

Magic Kingdom

• Tomorrowland Transit Authority (I ride this every time – rain or shine)
• Carousel of Progress

Animal Kingdom

• It’s Tough to be a Bug
• Finding Nemo – The Musical

Hollywood Studios

• The Great Movie Ride
• Animation Gallery

Epcot

• Tres Caballeros (then stop for shopping and a margarita in the Mexico pavilion)
• O Canada!

The last thing I can recommend is to just accept that it’s going to rain and you’ll probably get wet at some point.  If you view it as an adventure, it is a lot more fun than if you view it as an inconvenience.

Perry in plastic

And really, isn’t a rainy day at Disney World better than a sunny day at home??

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Tagged: Florida, Rain, Walt Disney World