Tips for a Rainy Park Day

The other day, I got a question from a client about to leave for her vacation to Disney World. She had been looking at the forecast and their Animal Kingdom day was predicted to be filled with heavy rains and gusty winds. She asked me if I had any tips for doing the parks in the rain. Luckily for her, I have spent a fair amount of time in the parks in the rain. Here are my top tips for making the most of a rainy park day.

Bring a Rain Jacket

Although ponchos will protect you from the rain to a certain extent, in my experience a rain jacket is a better choice. My rain jacket has a hood with drawstrings to help keep it in place even in gusty winds. Rain jackets are also easier for kids to navigate than ponchos, which often aren't available in kids' sizes and can be a tripping hazard.

Wear the Right Shoes

There's nothing worse than walking around in soggy shoes. That's why water proof tennis shoes or shoes that don't absorb water (Chacos are my go-to) are a great choice. I could do a whole other blog post all about picking the right park shoes, but whichever option you go with, make sure that you give yourself a couple of weeks before your trip to break them in (you don't want blisters ruining your park day).

Focus on Indoor Rides

There are indoor rides and shows at both Disney and Universal. When the rain is especially heavy, focus on those. Florida weather is pretty finicky and a rainy morning can often turn into a beautiful afternoon. Take advantage of the rain to hit the indoor attractions and do the outdoor attractions when the rain has passed.

Keep a Positive Perspective

When you approach the day with a positive attitude, you can see the rain as a blessing instead of a hindrance. My rainy park days have often turned into some of my favorites! When the rain hits, the crowds thin out. Take advantage of the lower crowd levels to enjoy the attractions and restaurants with lower wait times.