Rainy Day Magic at Disney World: Making the Most of Your Trip, Even When It Pours
It’s a universal truth: Walt Disney World is a magical place. But sometimes, that magic comes with a side of rain! As much as we love the sunshine in Florida, afternoon thunderstorms can be part of the experience—especially during the summer months. While a rainy day at Disney may not be ideal, it doesn’t have to ruin your vacation. In fact, with a little bit of planning and a positive attitude, you can make the most of a rainy day at Disney World. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the magic, even when it pours!
I always joke that when the weather starts off warm and then suddenly cools down or you feel a sense of relief, it’s a clear sign that rain is on the way.
Have a weather app on your phone
AccuWeather Radar
Having the best weather apps on hand can make a huge difference when you're visiting Disney parks, especially when the rain starts to fall. Apps with radar features help you track storms in real time, allowing you to see how long the rain will last and decide whether to leave the parks or stick it out. A few great options to consider include AccuWeather, which offers detailed radar maps and real-time storm tracking, The Weather Channel, which provides hour-by-hour rain forecasts and radar imagery, and MyRadar, which gives you a clear view of incoming weather and precipitation patterns. With these apps, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions about whether to stay in the park and wait for the rain to pass or plan an indoor activity while the storm passes by.
Embrace the Weather and Bring Rain Gear
The first thing to remember is that rain at Disney is often short-lived. In Florida, downpours can happen quickly and be over just as fast. To stay comfortable during the showers, be prepared with rain gear. Consider packing lightweight ponchos or rain jackets for the whole family. If you don’t have one, you can find Disney-themed ponchos and umbrellas for sale at the parks, though they may be pricier than the ones you bring from home. Waterproof shoes or sandals are also a good idea to avoid soggy socks.
My Rainy Day Kit:
Crocs in Gallon Ziplock Bags
Extra Socks
Reusable Poncho (or disposable)
Hair Ties
UV Umbrella
Rain Cover on Stroller
A fan for the inside of a stroller during the summer to prevent it from becoming a hotbox.
Use the Rain to Your Advantage with Shorter Lines
While many guests rush to leave the parks when it starts raining, this can be the perfect opportunity to experience some of the attractions with shorter lines. Many visitors will duck for cover, so the crowds thin out a bit, especially during heavy downpours. Head over to indoor attractions or those that have covered areas, and you might just find that the wait times are much shorter than usual.
Here are the indoor attractions for each of the four Walt Disney World parks:
Magic Kingdom:
Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Caribbean
It's a Small World
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
The Hall of Presidents
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid
Peter Pan’s Flight (partial outdoor queue)
Space Mountain (indoors, with an indoor queue)
Fairytale Princess Hall (partial outdoor queue but covered)
Pete’s Silly Sideshow
The Many Adventures of Winne the Pooh (partial outdoor queue)
Enchanted Tiki Room
EPCOT:
Spaceship Earth
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Living with the Land
Soarin' Around the World
Mission: SPACE
Space Base Play Area
Disney Pixar Film Festival
The American Adventure
Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Frozen Ever After
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind
Turtle Talk with Crush
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Muppet*Vision 3D
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Toy Story Mania!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! (indoor queue and portions)
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage (indoor theater)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
The Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo – The Musical
It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Kali River Rapids (indoor portions of the queue)
Dinosaur
Flights of Wonder (indoor theater during certain parts)
These attractions provide a break from the heat and are perfect for rainy days!
Take Advantage of the Shopping
Rainy weather provides the perfect excuse to indulge in some shopping! Disney Springs offers a wide range of stores, from exclusive Disney merchandise to stylish clothing and accessories. It’s also the ideal time to check out Gideon’s Bakehouse with drastically reduced lines, allowing you to enjoy its famous cookies without the usual wait. You can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring the shops, all while staying dry and sheltered from the rain. Even in the parks, there are plenty of stores offering everything from Disney-themed apparel to unique collectibles. Plus, the rain often clears out the crowds, making it the perfect opportunity to browse without the usual hustle and bustle. This is especially true when the rain is brief, as it offers a window of time to enjoy a quieter shopping experience before the sun comes back out.
Schedule a last minute Character Meal or enjoy character meet & Greets
When the rain hits and you’re looking for a way to make the most of your time at the parks, checking the My Disney Experience app is a great way to see if there are any last-minute cancellations for character meals. If you find an available reservation, you can quickly book a spot and enjoy a relaxing meal indoors with some of your favorite Disney characters, all while staying dry. Alternatively, if you're not able to score a character meal, you can head to one of the indoor character meet-and-greets. These locations are perfect for escaping the rain while still getting to interact with beloved characters in a cozy setting. Whether you snag a reservation or find a character stop, you'll have a magical, dry experience while the rain passes by.
Visit the Resorts for Some Relaxation
If the rain is persistent, or if you need a break from the crowds, heading back to your resort for some downtime can be a wonderful alternative. Many Disney resorts boast fantastic amenities that can make your rainy day just as enjoyable. From arcades and cozy lounges to indoor pools, there’s plenty to explore without having to venture outside. You can unwind by watching movies in your room, enjoy an afternoon nap, or simply relax in the comfort of your resort. For those staying at a Deluxe Resort, you’ll find even more indoor activities designed to entertain and engage kids. Look for fun offerings like scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and even storytime sessions that are perfect for families seeking an indoor escape. Additionally, if you’re staying at a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villa, you have access to the community halls—my kids’ favorite places on property! These spaces offer a variety of activities and events that can keep your family busy for hours. On rainy days, we’ve easily spent eight hours at the community halls, where the kids can participate in fun crafts, games, and activities. It’s the perfect way to make the most of a rainy day and still create memorable experiences without leaving the resort.
Summer in Orlando
Summer in Orlando is known for its afternoon rain showers, which are often brief but can sometimes turn into heavy thunderstorms lasting up to two hours. These storms are common during the rainy season, typically from June through September, as the area is situated in a swampy region, which leads to frequent and sudden downpours. While it’s rare for rain to last all day, it’s always good to be prepared. I’ve been visiting for over 30 years, and in all that time, the rain has never ruined a trip. Even though there are a few spots in EPCOT that are prone to flooding, such as around the World Showcase, having the right rain gear—like ponchos, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella—can keep you dry and comfortable. The rain may delay your outdoor plans for a bit, but it often clears quickly, allowing you to continue enjoying the parks and resorts without missing out on the fun. So while it’s always good to be prepared for a storm, it won’t stop you from making the most of your visit.
Stay Positive – The Rain Won’t Last Forever!
If the rain is persistent, or if you need a break from the crowds, heading back to your resort for some downtime can be a wonderful alternative. Many Disney resorts boast fantastic amenities that can make your rainy day just as enjoyable. From arcades and cozy lounges to indoor pools, there’s plenty to explore without having to venture outside. You can unwind by watching movies in your room, enjoy an afternoon nap, or simply relax in the comfort of your resort. For those staying at a Deluxe Resort, you’ll find even more indoor activities designed to entertain and engage kids. Look for fun offerings like scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and even story time sessions that are perfect for families seeking an indoor escape. Additionally, if you’re staying at a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villa, you have access to the community halls—my kids’ favorite places on property! These spaces offer a variety of activities and events that can keep your family busy for hours. On rainy days, we’ve easily spent eight hours at the community halls, where the kids can participate in fun crafts, games, and activities. It’s the perfect way to make the most of a rainy day and still create memorable experiences without leaving the resort.
Make the Most of Your Time with a Flexibility Mindset
Sometimes, flexibility is key to making the most of a rainy day. You may not be able to follow your original itinerary, but with some flexibility, you can still create new memories. Use the time indoors to explore something new, try out an experience you hadn’t planned, or even just take a moment to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Disney World in a different way.
Rainy days at Disney World can actually be a unique and enjoyable experience. With the right mindset, preparation, and a little flexibility, you can turn a rainy day into an unforgettable part of your vacation. So, next time the clouds roll in, remember: There’s still plenty of magic to be found, even when it pours!
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family's favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!
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