Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is known for its incredible attractions, unforgettable experiences, and year-round sunshine. However, with a tropical climate, it’s not uncommon to get rainy showers and thunderstorms, especially during the summer months.
But don’t let that rain on your parade (quite literally!). We’ve got everything you need to know to help you make the most of your time in Orlando, even if it’s raining cats and dogs. From the best inside attractions to some fab ideas for a plan B and what to wear when it’s raining, we’ve got some top tips to help you avoid getting wet.
You can’t control the weather, but you can plan around it to avoid disappointment. Read on to find out more.
Walt Disney World Resort weather
Orlando has a warm climate all year round, but it can experience heavy rainfall and storms. The wet season is during summer when humidity levels are also at their highest. Rainy season starts in May and finishes in October, with as much as 172mm of rainfall usually occurring during August (source: Met Office).
Rain showers are usually brief but heavy and often happen around mid to late afternoon. After this, the skies clear, and you’ll be reminded once again why they call it the Sunshine State! You’ll usually get at least some rain every day during summer.
During winter, the temperatures are usually mild, and you might get an occasional rainy day.
What to wear in the rain at Walt Disney World Resort
Don’t let the rain dampen your spirits. If you’re properly prepared for it, you’re more likely to enjoy your time and stay as dry as possible. When it’s raining, opt for quick-drying, light clothing that will still keep you cool in the humidity. Avoid denim and thick fabrics, and instead, choose ones that are sweat-wicking.
Here’s what you should have on your packing list for your trip to Walt Disney World Resort if rain has been forecast:
- Waterproof coat or poncho (you can bring one with you or buy a Disney poncho in the parks)
- Water-resistant trainers or shoes with good grip
- Extra pair of socks
- Cap
- Hair bobbles or clips for longer hair
- Plastic bags to keep your essentials dry in your bag
- Waterproof cover for pushchairs
- Microfibre towel
- Umbrella (although don’t use if there are lightning storms or high winds!)
Walt Disney World Resort rides that close when it rains
The first thing to note is that the Disney Parks don’t close when it rains. They only close in the case of extreme weather like severe storms, and this is very rare. Light rain also isn’t likely to affect the attractions.
However, when there is heavier rain, Walt Disney World Resort does temporarily close some of the attractions for health and safety reasons. They try to get these back up and running as soon as they can, so hopefully, it won’t disrupt your day too much.
Magic Kingdom Park has the most outdoor rides, and so it is likely to have the most rides closed when it rains.
The Walt Disney World Resort fireworks rain policy is not to cancel the fireworks for rain. However, they may be cancelled in cases of high winds or lightning.
Do the water parks close for rain?
The Disney Water Parks, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, also don’t tend to close during rain. If lightning is in the area, guests will be asked to leave the water areas. They can remain in the park until the all-clear is given, then the fun can continue!
7 things to do at Walt Disney World Resort if it rains
Here are some ideas for how to keep dry and keep having fun when it’s raining at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Summary – 7 things to do at Walt Disney World Resort if it rains
- Experience the indoor attractions
- Go shopping
- Character Dining
- Tour World Showcase at EPCOT
- Watch an indoor show
- Enjoy some downtime at your hotel
- Take an extended lunch break
1.Experience the indoor attractions
Some of the attractions at Walt Disney World Resort are completely inside – including some of the queues, so these are the best places to head when it starts to drizzle if you’re in the theme parks.
Here are the indoor attractions at each park:
Magic Kingdom Park | EPCOT | Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park |
|---|---|---|---|
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin | The American Adventure | Disney Junior Play & Dance | Avatar Flight of Passage |
Enchanted Tales with Belle | Frozen Ever After | For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration | DINOSAUR |
Haunted Mansion | Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros | Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy | Festival Of The Lion King |
“it’s a small world” | Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind | Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway | Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond |
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh | Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along | Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | Na’vi River Journey |
Mickey’s PhilharMagic | Journey Into Imagination With Figment | Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith |
|
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor | Living with the Land Presented by Chiquita | Star Tours – The Adventures Continue | |
Peter Pan’s Flight | Mission: SPACE | Star Wars Launch Bay | |
Pirates of the Caribbean | Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure | Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance | |
Space Mountain | The Seas with Nemo & Friends | Toy Story Mania! | |
TRON Lightcycle / RUN | Soarin’ Around the World | The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™️ | |
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid | Spaceship Earth | ||
Turtle Talk With Crush |
EPCOT has the most indoor rides, so it’s one of the best Disney Parks to visit in the rain.
2.Go shopping
A rainy day is the perfect time to do your souvenir shopping at Walt Disney World Resort. There are plenty of shops to choose from inside the theme parks, or you can head to Disney Springs, where you’ll find an array of branded stores and the world’s largest Disney Store.
Disney Springs is completely free to visit and also has entertainment options including cinema screens, live music, and 10-pin bowling. Some experiences will require an additional charge.
Top tip: To grab a bargain, head to a Disney Character Warehouse at the Orlando outlet malls. Disney Character Warehouses are huge shops that sell authentic Disney merchandise at hugely discounted prices.
The lines here are often old stock, which is why they’re significantly cheaper, but often, there’s nothing to date the items, so it’s a great way to pick up some Disney clothing, accessories, and toys for less.
Disney Character Warehouse locations:
- International Drive – 4951 International Drive Suite 95, Orlando, FL 32819
- Vineland – 8200 Vineland Avenue Suite 1252, Orlando, FL 32819
- Sunrise – 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33323
3.Character Dining
If the forecast has given rain, it’s the ideal opportunity to head inside a restaurant and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of dining with a Disney Character. Start the day the right way by indulging in breakfast with Mickey and friends, grab a spot of lunch with the Disney Junior Character, or have a dinner fit for royalty with the Disney Princesses. As a last-minute reservation, availability might be limited, but it’s always worth trying to get a table!
Our favourite places to dine include:
- Tusker House Restaurant
- Hollywood & Vine
- The Crystal Palace
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
4.Tour World Showcase at EPCOT
As we’ve already mentioned, EPCOT is an excellent option to visit when it’s raining, as most of the attractions are inside. It’s also fun to go on a world tour! Head to World Showcase, where there are 11 pavilions representing different countries, including Canada, the UK, Japan, Morocco, and Italy.
If you’re a foodie, then sample a different dish in each country. We recommend sushi in Japan, tacos in Mexico, and fish and chips in good old Blighty if you fancy a taste of home. If you like a drink, you can also do an around-the-world bar crawl, too, if you’re over 21 and have valid ID – just remember to take it steady and stay hydrated with plenty of water!
5.Watch an indoor show
The shows at Walt Disney World Resort are nothing short of spectacular and wouldn’t look out of place on a Broadway stage. Some of these shows are completely indoors, so it can be a welcome respite from the precipitation.
Top tip: Get to the shows early to avoid disappointment. Seating is limited, and the shows can get very busy, especially if the weather forecast is less than ideal.
Some of the best indoor shows at Walt Disney World Resort include:
Magic Kingdom Park | Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park |
|---|---|---|
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid | Indiana Jones™️ Epic Stunt Spectacular! | Festival Of The Lion King |
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage | Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond | |
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration |
6.Enjoy some downtime at your hotel
We always recommend to schedule in some downtime during your trip to Orlando. There’s a lot to see and do here, and it can get a little tiring. If you’ve got a less-than-ideal day weather-wise, then it’s a good opportunity to take a load off and relax without feeling like you’re missing out.
The Walt Disney World Resort hotels have some excellent facilities that you can make the most of, including incredible swimming pools, arcades with games, gyms, and even spas where you can book a rejuvenating treatment.
The outdoor swimming pools don’t close when it’s raining, and it’s usually still hot, so a dip to cool off is a fantastic way to spend a wet afternoon.
7.Take an extended lunch break
If the heavens open in the afternoon, take the time to enjoy a long leisurely lunch at one of the fantastic restaurants in Walt Disney World Resort. There are over 200 places to eat throughout the Theme Parks, Water Parks, Resort hotels, and entertainment complexes, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Opt for a Table Service restaurant so you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, rather than grabbing a quick bite at a Quick Service restaurant as you rush between attractions.
There are so many ways to enjoy your time at Walt Disney World Resort, even if the weather doesn’t play ball. If you’re ready to book your holiday to Walt Disney World Resort come rain or shine, have a look at our Walt Disney World Resort tickets now.
