10 Rainy Day Tips for Walt Disney World: What to Do When It Rains at Disney
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
🌧️ Rainy Day Survival Tips for Walt Disney World
Florida weather is full of surprises—and sometimes that means you’ll get a little (or a lot!) wet during your Disney vacation. Don’t worry! With a little prep and a touch of pixie dust, a rainy day at Disney World can still be magical. Here's how to make the most of it:
1. 🧥 Bring Your Own Rain Gear
Ponchos, rain jackets, compact umbrellas—pack them ahead of time! Disney ponchos are pricey, and they sell out fast during downpours. Throw a few gallon-size Ziploc bags in your park bag to store wet gear or protect your phone.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: We always bring a few cheap, foldable ponchos on every Disney trip. They tuck neatly into a park bag and are a lifesaver when those afternoon showers roll in. If heavy rain is in the forecast, we also pack lightweight, stuffable rain jackets that take up minimal space but offer extra coverage.
Trying to figure out what to bring? We can help!
2. 👟 Wear the Right Shoes
Skip the sneakers on rainy days. Go for waterproof hiking sandals, Crocks, or quick-dry shoes. And always—always—pack extra socks.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Keep a dry pair of shoes in your locker or stroller basket for a quick switch.
3. 🎒 Waterproof Your Park Bag
Even if your bag isn't waterproof, lining the inside with plastic bags or packing cubes can save your stuff in a downpour.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Use a shower cap to cover the top of open strollers when heading into attractions!
4. 🎢 Take Advantage of Shorter Wait Times
Many guests head for the exits when it rains—but you can stay and ride! Rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Spaceship Earth are perfect for staying dry while the lines shrink.
5. 🏰 Plan for Indoor Attractions
Each park has some great places to take cover:
Magic Kingdom: Carousel of Progress, Enchanted Tiki Room, Philharmagic
EPCOT: The Seas Pavilion, Living with the Land, Pixar Film Festival, The American Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing Along
Hollywood Studios: Frozen Sing-Along, Vilians Ever After, or Little Mermaid: a Musical Adventure. The Indian Jones Stunt Show also has covered seating and has a modified version for a rainy day.
Animal Kingdom: Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Summer in Florida = afternoon pop-up showers. Save your long indoor attractions for when the skies open up.
6. ☀️ Start Early, Break Later
Afternoon storms are common in Orlando. Get to the parks early, then plan a hotel or dining break mid-afternoon when rain is most likely.
Need help figuring out what to do on your break?
Check out our handy Beyond the Parks Guide.
7. 💃 Embrace the Rainy Day Mood
Lean into the fun! Dance in puddles, wear the Mickey poncho, and snap some fun rainy-day castle pics. Rain can actually be super memorable (and less sweaty!).
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Magic shots and PhotoPass photographers still work in the rain—some even have cute umbrella props!
8. 🔐 Use Lockers for Wet Extras
Tuck a change of clothes, dry socks, or ponchos in a locker at the front of the park—especially with kids in tow. It makes a huge difference for your evening plans.
9. 👶 Cover Those Strollers!
Bring a fitted rain cover for your stroller—even if it’s sunny in the morning. Florida weather changes fast, and soggy stroller seats = sad kiddos.
Need information on renting a stroller at Disney? We can help.
Check out out guide for Renting a Stroller at WDW.
10. 🎈 Catch the Rainy Day Cavalcade
If the weather cancels the parade at Magic Kingdom, Disney may roll out the Rainy Day Cavalcade instead—a short-but-sweet mini-parade with characters in cute rain gear!
Want to Know the Best Places to Hide from the Rain?
🌂 Hop over to our Rainy Day Escape Map with the best indoor spots across all four parks!
☔ Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Little Rain Dampen the Magic
A little Florida drizzle (or even a downpour!) doesn’t have to ruin your Disney day. With the right gear, a flexible mindset, and a few smart pivots, you can still make magical memories—even in the rain. Some of our favorite moments happened while splashing through puddles or ducking into an unexpected show!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Rainy days often turn into some of the least crowded times to be in the parks—so don’t pack it in too quickly!
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?
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