As most know, my family and I visit Disney World at least once a year now. We usually visit in the summer time. While there, we have been to Disney World in the rain, as well as sunshine, too.
Sunny times at Disney!
See Disney World is in central Florida. The summer in central Florida is usually hot and humid. But still most summer days finds some form of rain or thunderstorms being the norm. Therefore, those who visit in the summer months need to be able to find things to do in Disney World in the rain.
All three times, we have been to Disney in the past few summers, we had to deal with rain and/or thunderstorms at some point.
The first summer, we almost missed dinner reservations at Epcot with the princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Thankfully, for my princesses we didn’t.
The second summer, we had a quick thunderstorm derail our Fast Pass for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This time, we weren’t as lucky, and never got our Fast Pass back for this one.
But still both those times, the storm came in quickly and departed just as quickly.
However this year, we actually had some rain off and on for a few hours one day that lasted well into the late evening hours. Still we didn’t let that stop us from enjoying some extra magic hours at the Magic Kingdom.
See we learned pretty quickly, how to adapt when rain strikes.
By the way, I highly recommend rain ponchos. See these ponchos are a great way to keep dry from those pesky showers. You can bring with you or even buy them at the parks at the first sign of rain as ponchos seem to become available all over the park when rain is expected.
Also we have learned what can be done to pass the time at Disney World in the rain. So if you are planning to go to Disney World, then you need to read on here. Because rain even happens in the most magical place on earth!
1. Indoor rides are must do.
When it rains at Disney, especially if there is thunder and lightening involved, many of the outdoor rides, especially the thrill rides, such as Splash Mountain or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will be closed until the storm passes.
But many of the indoor rides stay open, such as Its a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh, Under the Sea (Journey of the Little Mermaid), Haunted Mansion and even the Prince Charming Regal Carousel as it is covered from the rain. So, as you can see in Magic Kingdom alone there are plenty of rides to enjoy even in the rain.
2. Watch indoor park shows.
All Disney Parks have indoor shows running pretty much throughout the day daily. See these shows aren’t only good to beat the heat, but also a great way to stay dry during a rain storm at Disney.
Such shows include as follows: Mickey Philbar Magic, Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor and Enchanted Tales with Belle.
3. Take pics + get autographs from your favorite Disney characters.
Because when in Disney, who doesn’t enjoy taking photos and getting autographs of their favorite Disney characters. Each of the parks has many and varied characters available for these photo and autograph opportunities. In Magic Kingdom, you can get autographs from Mickey Mouse, Tinker Bell, Ariel, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, Cinderella, Elena of Avalor, Rapunzel and Tiana.
4. Shop until you drop at Disney stores.
Also, each of these parks has many shopping opportunities. Take it from a shopper, such as myself that I have both got my shopping on to beat the heat and to also stay dry from a Disney Thunderstorm.
These stores not only have great souvenirs available, but also have places that you can purchase snacks. If you have the Disney Dining Plan, you can also use it on many of these snacks in these gift shops.
5. Why not grab a meal indoors.
Just like the gift shops allowed for snacks to be purchased. There are many different quick and table service restaurants in each park. Table service usually require a reservation. But for quick service restaurants, you can usually walk in and eat. The food options are endless whether you would be looking for hot dogs, hamburgers, or even dessert, such as ice cream, cake or more. As many times, as I have visited Disney I still haven’t eaten everywhere. Plus, these restaurants are truly great places to wait out a rain storm, too.
6. Take a break back at your resort.
When all else fails, you could always leave the parks for a bit and return after the rain storm passes later on in the day if need be.
Those with young kids might do this to go back to their room to relax and even have their little ones take a much needed nap to recharge.
There you have a complete guide on how to survive rain in Disney World.
Have you been to Disney World when it has rained?
Tell me in the comments what you did…
ShootingStarsMag says
I haven’t been to Disney World since I was younger – and I don’t remember it raining – but I’ve had it rain a lot in Florida in general. These are all great ideas to help pass the time while the storm blows through.
-Lauren
#happynowlinkup
Janine says
It rains a lot in the summer time. But usually only brief thunderstorms. So, I totally agree that it is nice to at least have a game plan until these storms blow over 😉
jhanis says
Looks like you guys had fun despite of the rain! Well it’s Disney after all. 🙂 I wish we had Disney World nearby!
Janine says
I agree Jhanis and even in the rain Disney is still fun 😉
Meredith Spidel says
Super tips, thank you! Saving for our next Disney trip–which, crossing fingers happens SOON!
Janine says
You are so welcome and got my fingers crossed for a repeat list for you and your family very soon now, too 🙂
Seana Turner says
We went out to dinner one night and it poured. Fortunately, we had our ponchos, so we didn’t even mind. Hanging in your resort is a good idea… they are usually pretty interesting places. A little indoor scavenger hunt is also a good way to kill some time!
Janine says
Love the scavenger hunt idea, too!!! 🙂
William Holland says
Well I’m just going to have to take your word for it. However, I have a lot of experience with rain, living here, so if you ever want to know what to do in Olympia in the rain, I’m your man.
Happy Tuesday Janine!
Janine says
Bill, I am becoming a NY rain expert, too! As we have sadly had more rain than not here this past summer, too! Happy Tuesday right back at you now, my friend 🙂
Jen says
The last time we went to Disney it poured buckets! This is a great list and I am happy you guys still had fun. Disney is magic, right?!
Janine says
It totally is and glad even though it rained you guys enjoyed your time in Disney, too Jen!! 🙂
Bri says
Great suggestions. A little rain, especially in warm weather is something you can get through, but when those downpours happen it can be a real damper. Having an indoor backup plan is a very good idea!
Janine says
Couldn’t agree more and thankfully the summer time rain isn’t terrible with the warmer temps, but still agree a backup never hurts 🙂
AnnMarie John says
I think this year has been the worse when it comes to thunderstorms at Disney. We made it to Magic Kingdom one day and turned back because of it. Those are all great tips and ones we have done while waiting for the rain to subside. Hopefully next year will be better.
Janine says
I couldn’t agree more and we said the same thing about the rain this past year at Disney. But then again the rain here this summer in NY has been pretty intense, too sadly.
Elle, Tuned In Parents says
Clever, clever, and practical as ever! What a resourceful way to enjoy Disney parks with fewer crowds, too. Very cool, Janine!
Janine says
Aw, thanks so much Elle ?
Tamara says
Now I’m trying to remember if we were ever there in the rain. I think we’ve gotten lucky, but we’ve definitely been at Universal in the rain and that was no fun! Your ideas are perfect. We always do pack ponchos. And it’s nice downtime from rain or heat to do the indoor stuff.
Janine says
I am hoping for less rain in the fall, but in the summer just seems inevitable. But still glad to share with you, too ?
Mother of 3 says
We went one rainy morning in the spring (when it wasn’t thundering or lightning) and we got to ride just about everything without any lines. We dressed in shorts, ponchos and sandals and just ignored the rain. It was wonderful. We have spent time in Downtown disney and at Disneyquest when it rained for prolonged periods of time too.
Janine says
I think that sounded quite perfect to me, too and glad you got that experience after all at Disney in the rain 🙂
Jennifer Ostroski says
Oh my gosh, I needed this list a few months ago when we went to Disney and it rained the entire second day. Great ideas!
Janine says
Thanks Jennifer and sorry to hear that you dealt with a whole day of rain though at Disney on your last trip there.
Dara says
We spent a rainy day in MGM one year. We just grabbed a couple ponchos and went with it 😀 It was so hot that the rain was kinda welcome.
Also, good job braving the line for Ariel! Seriously, I have been twice over the last 10ish years, and her line is always insane.
Janine says
Thanks Dara and I know the rain in the summertime is very often a welcome change in Disney. And as for the lines, Ariel wasn’t too bad this time out, but do agree her wait time can indeed get crazy.
Herchel A Scruggs says
This summer has been rainier than usual I think. We’re used to the quick afternoon thunderstorms but the last few months they haven’t moved on as fast as they normally do.
Janine says
I totally agree and even here in NY it has been similar with rain lasting all day and for a few days at a time.
Mary says
Thank you for sharing some fun things to do at Disney World in the Rain, I remember you posting an article like this last year. Your information and Disney experience are priceless.
Janine says
Thanks Mary and truly appreciate your kind words as Disney really is a fun pastime for me to share here with all 🙂
Aunt Gloria says
You have all your bases covered for a rainy day at Disney! It all looks like great fun….and yummy treats. I know how you all love Disney and look forward to your next trip. xxoo
Janine says
Thanks Aunt Gloria and definitely have a love for Disney!! xoxo 🙂
Aunt Gloria says
Get ready to enjoy your next trip! xxoo
Janine says
Aw, thanks again Aunt Gloria xoxo
catherine gacad says
Rain doesn’t stop people from enjoying the happiest place on earth! Great tips, Janine. Plenty to do despite the rain. I’d be at the restaurant drinking a glass of wine 😉
Janine says
Sounds like a great plan to me, Catherine!! 🙂
Dara says
This past time I was there it rained but luckily stopped. It was at our fast pass for 7 dwarves time too! But luckily we still got to ride it. Another time we were there it was horribly pouring, it was a tropical storm! The hard part is getting from place to place in the rain.
That “goodbye” on it’s a small world is new! Cool!
Janine says
I couldn’t agree more and btw that is my greatest fear being there during a tropical storm!
Allie G smith says
I’m sorry about the rain, but what an respite from the oppressive heat of the Florida summer! Great tips. You’re becoming quite the Disney expert!
Janine says
Thanks Allie and guess it shows though that I just love Disney rain or shine 😉
Leslie says
You always have such awesome Disney advice. I really can’t wait to take my kids there . Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Janine says
Thanks so much, Leslie and hope you can get there soon!! 🙂
Schnelle Acevedo says
SOO many fun things to do, and if you visit orlando often you know that the rain WILL come and it WILL go…you just have to be patient. The indoor shows are my favorite of all the tips!
Janine says
I couldn’t agree more and I love those indoor shows, too 🙂
Rea says
Disney is probably one of the best places to get stuck in as there’s so much to do. I guess it’s a time to take a slow pace indoor when it rains. Love that you get to have this adventure yearly now. 🙂
Janine says
Thanks Rea and yes Disney is just such a fun and treasured experience here always 🙂