What to Do at Disney World When it Rains

A rainy day at Disney is better than a sunny day at home. I love rainy days at Disney World because lines get shorter and it is a great time to get some neat pictures in nearly empty parks. Today I am sharing with your my tips and tricks to enjoy a rainy day at Walt Disney World.

Tips to Enjoy a Rainy Day at Walt Disney World

If you have a Walt Disney World trip planned anytime from March until November you have a good chance of encountering rain on your vacation. Disney World does not close for a rainy day. Rain does not have to mean your vacation is ruined, follow these tips and alter your plans a tiny bit and you can still have a magical time.

First, don’t look at the forecast and freak out. The forecast will probably show daily showers and you might think your entire vacation is going to be a washout. The great thing about Florida rainstorms is that the rains are pretty short and predictable unless there is a tropical system. About every day around 3 or 4 we get a downpour and then 10-20 minutes later the sun comes back out.

What is the Disney World Rain Policy?

Unfortunately, Disney World does not offer rain checks on your Disney World Park tickets this also includes tickets for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey Very Merry Christmas Party. I have heard that Disney *may* refund party tickets if there is severe weather but it is not to be expected, they will sometimes reschedule your party date.

Pack Rain Gear

My best advice would be to pack an umbrella or poncho. Get these before you get to Disney, Disney World has a major upcharge on these items.

I would also pack a gallon size Ziploc bag with fresh socks, shoes, and change of clothes. Also, include a 2nd pair of shoes.  Most of the time it rains for less than an hour and you want dry clothes to enjoy the rest of the day. Don’t want to carry around the clothes around all day, rent a locker as they are pretty inexpensive.

Pack a couple extra Ziploc bags for smaller items. If my bag does not happen to be waterproof that day, Disney has no problem giving me a big bag to put my items in.

If you have a stroller, you will want a waterproof stroller cover as strollers are not allowed inside the attractions. At the very least get an extra poncho for the stroller.

Spend the day at Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is the best park on a rainy day because it has a lot of indoor rides, attractions, and shopping so you stay out of the weather.  It is also the smallest park, so parking and transportation options are relatively close to the park entrance.  The Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster, Tower of Terror, Star Tours, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania are all fun and stay open even in rainy weather.  Indoor exhibits and shows are abundant like: Frozen Sing-Along, Muppet Vision 3D, Star Wars Launch Bay, and the Beauty and the Beast show.

Slinky Dog Dash closes for lightning but not for just light rain. Any outside attraction at Disney World will close if lightning is within a 10-mile radius.

You can still meet Disney characters too. Any characters that meet outside usually wait for the rain to go away but Mickey, Minnie, Olaf, Edna Mode, and all the Star Wars characters are still available to see.

The quick service dining restaurants have a lot of indoor seating so finding a place to eat is not difficult.

Explore the Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom’s Main Street provides lots of shopping experiences for you to find the perfect souvenir or gift, or just pass the time out of the rain.

While some the park rides are down during the rain there is still a lot to do during the rain such as Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Buzz Lightyear, Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, Peter Pan’s Flight, Princess Fairy Tale Hall, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, and Philharmagic just to name a few. 

My favorite part about a rainy day at the Magic Kingdom is the Rainy Day Cavalcade. Instead of the regular Festival of Fantasy Parade or the Move It, Shake, Mousekdance It parade, the rainy day cavalcade is a short and adorable alternative. It has your favorite characters stomping and singing through the rain. All of the characters in the normal parade ride the parade route in the Main Street Vehicles.

Spend the Day Resort Hopping

Exploring the Resorts is also a great way to stay out of the rain.  Use your vehicle or Disney’s transportation and venture to some of the Deluxe Resorts.   Deluxe resorts have at least one sit-down dining option, so use a rainy day to pick a new spot to eat or ask your resort concierge for a recommendation.

All three resorts have large lobbies to explore, and the observation decks at Animal Kingdom Lodge are wonderful places to relax and view animals on the savannah before or after your meal. Many deluxe resorts also host character meals, so a rainy day can be a great time to check that off your list without using park touring time. Be sure to call for reservations or check with your concierge for confirmed seating at any of the deluxe resort restaurants, particularly for large parties.  

Don’t forget there are also monorails and boats to take you all over Disney grounds.  Information on transportation is available in resort lobbies or ask a cast member, they would love to help!

What to Avoid on a Rainy Day at Disney World

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is not my first choice for a rainy day because many travelers will head there instead of the parks, resulting in a larger crowd and more challenges moving around with bags in wet weather. However, the numerous dining and entertainment options in Disney Springs can be a nice diversion, particularly if poor weather extends more than a day or two.

Epcot

Future World at Epcot offers lots of inside activities but almost everything in the World Showcase is better enjoyed during a sunny day.

Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a few inside attractions but not enough to fill a day. Festival of the Lion King, Flight of Passage, Finding Nemo- The Musical, Na’Vi River Ride, Dinosaur, and It’s a Bugs Life are my top choices. I wouldn’t try the safari as a lot of the animals seek shelter and sometimes the attraction is closed.

Let’s discuss it! What are your best tips to enjoy a rainy day at Walt Disney World? Let me know in the comments below!

Thank You for Spreading the Pixie Dust!