Florida is called the “sunshine state” but it does occasionally rain….even at the Happiest place on earth. In the summer months, there is often a daily passing thunderstorm. Here’s the good news, just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you need to sit in your hotel room. In fact, you can still do most activities you already have planned!
Here are some tips for those rainy days.
Seize the opportunity: The parks are less crowded so take advantage. Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios all have several shows and rides that are indoors so they will all still be operating in the rain…and it’s a good time to go on a water ride. Several outdoor rides will also operate as long as there’s no thunder or lightning. Both Wishes and Illuminations will usually still run in a light rain. Note that Animal Kingdom has the least amount of attractions to do in the rain.
Pack a poncho: Don’t pay a premium to buy them at the theme park when it starts raining. If the forecast is showing rain, bring them to the park. You will see lots of folks leaving when the rain starts (because they didn’t plan ahead) but you will be good to go! I don’t recommend using an umbrella, they are a hassle to carry around and hard to navigate the parks using them. If you are going to be traveling with a stroller think about bringing a plastic cover for your stroller—an adult poncho works in a pinch! And don’t forget a Ziploc bag to protect your phone from getting wet.
Head to Disney Springs: You can spend a whole lot of time in “World of Disney” shopping. It’s the world’s largest Disney character store. Catch an entertaining meal at T-Rex or Rainforest Cafe, or some world class dining at Morimoto Asia. Disney Springs also offers the options of a movie at AMC Theatre, bowling at Splitsville, video games at Disney Quest or splurge to see the amazing Cirque du Soleil show.
Consider hitting a water park: If you’re going to get wet, might as well do it in style! As long as it’s just rain and not thunderstorms, they generally have very low crowds on rainy days. Summit Plummet here you come!
Relax at a spa: Senses Spas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort offer a wide range of services. After all, you are on vacation, so take some time to relax and rejuvenate.
Check out the Deluxe Resorts: They all have lush surroundings with extravagant and diverse themes in which to immerse yourself. Each one has at least one sit-down dining option. Ask your resort concierge for a recommendation. Some dining options include: Boma – Flavors of Africa at Animal Kingdom Lodge for a buffet breakfast or dinner; Kona Café at the Polynesian Resort and Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Cape May at Beach Club is one of my personal favorites and it’s a character meal for breakfast (many deluxe resorts also host character meals). Animal Kingdom Lodge has observation decks with many seating areas to relax and view animals on the 43 acres of African savannah and features the most remarkable lobby of any of the Disney Deluxes. Chef Mickey’s is also a fabulous choice and you can spend some time in the huge Contemporary arcade and take a ride on the monorail.
Get some shopping done: If you are at Magic Kingdom, stop in the Emporium on Main Street U.S.A – it takes up the entire block! If you are at Hollywood Studios, head to Sunset Boulevard for great options including Villains in Vogue showcasing souvenirs of all your most loved or hated Disney scoundrels. My personal favorite is the shops at Epcot including Mouse Gear – the biggest shop inside any of the 4 theme parks – and the unique shops at World Showcase.
Check the forecast before you travel: If it calls for rain, pack two pairs of sneakers. Wet sneakers and blisters will ruin your trip way more than rain ever will.
Rain or shine you need to plan ahead so contact me at mary@mickeytravels.com to book your next Disney vacation.
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