It rains in Florida, so part of the preparation of trip planning is to know what to expect when the skies open and unloads torrential downpour in the Magic Kingdom.
UNIQUE PLANS
Honesty is the best policy here at Steps to Magic, and one of the biggest tips to share is that your plans will 100% be subject to location and crowds. It’s impossible to say that you’re going to stay dry, because even cast members get stuck in random shops in Frontierland because they assumed that there was another 5 minutes before the rain (and failed).
THINGS TO BRING IF IT’S GOING TO RAIN
There’s a list of things to wear and bring with you if there’s a chance for rain, and it’s all about being prepared to be soaking wet.
- Wear weatherproof footwear. My fav shoes are crocs, but that’s because I don’t have to worry about getting socks wet. If you are wearing sneakers or runners, bring extra socks!
- Ponchos are always easier than umbrellas, but having both in your bag will help. Torrential Florida downpours bring sideways rain, which will make umbrellas ineffective.
- Baseball caps will help keep hair out of your eyes when you’re trying to rush from one store to another.
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FULL DAY OR QUICK STORM
When you’re planning a day at the Magic Kingdom, it’s integral to know what you’re going up against. Are you going to get through the turnstiles and be subjected to a day of being soaked OR do you have a few hours before the dark grey clouds start to roll in?
Check the weather before you leave the hotel and keep in communications with cast members during the day, as they’ll be a good way to judge the strength of the storm. I was one to wear my rain gear earlier than my colleagues, but that’s because I had a role that involved running out to close down a merchandise cart at the single sight of rain.
LIGHTNING STRIKE RULE
Disney’s policy for operating outdoor attractions during rain is different whether or not there is lightning. If there’s a strike within ten miles of the parks, things will shut down pretty quick. These include:
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Barnstormer
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Jungle Cruise
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
You’ll also see outdoor shows, parades and fireworks postponed OR all-out cancelled. Disney doesn’t want to allow weather to ruin vacations, but it’s all about the safety of performers and guests.
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RAIN RIDES
Did you know that the Magic Kingdom is the best park to be in when it rains? It’s because of the sheer number of experiences that are indoors, so take advantage of this!
- Haunted Mansion
- its a Small World
- Under the Sea
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Space Mountain
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Winnie the Pooh
Always keep an eye out on the My Disney Experience app! It’ll keep you updated for the attractions that are still open.
The other thing to keep in mind are experiences that have indoor vs outdoor queue lines…but as long as you’re not in the Splash Mountain queue…you should have at least a little cover!
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PICK THE RIGHT SPOT TO WAIT
If the rain is going to be done in 15-20 minutes, you’ll want to pick out a good spot to wait out the storm. My favorite is the Main Street USA shops or in an attraction with some length.
- The Emporium
- Mickey’s Philharmagic
- Storybook Circus
WHERE TO AVOID WAITING
You don’t want to wait in a store that’s also the exit for an attraction OR the nearest store. The reasoning is that as the indoor attractions let out, the guests won’t want to go out into the rain and thus they’ll make a B-line to the nearest cover.
- Memento Mori (Haunted Mansion Store)
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Cosmic Rays (first-hand experience)
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TIPS IF YOU’RE GOING TO OUT-RUN THE RAIN
- Don’t Run – slipping isn’t fun
- Have a Destination – you don’t want to get too wet
- Know your Short Cuts – like the breezeway between Adventureland and Liberty Square
Common Courtesy for Other Guests
If you’re going to be around other guests in public areas, there are things that will make everyone’s life a little easier during rain storms.
COMPLAINING
Why complain? You know that Florida gets rain, so outside of living under a rock…it’s something that you’ll just have to deal with.
PONCHO ETIQUETTE
When you come from a wet area into a dry area, it’s important to strip off your poncho ASAP. Ask a cast member for a bag because that way you don’t have to store a wet bag in your backpack, but don’t wear it around indoors.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
If you’re catching a bus, judge the situation before you bring out an umbrella or poncho. There are times that you’re going from a covered area into another covered area and won’t have to worry about being exposed to the storm for long.
Hope this was helpful! The preparations that you make before your trip will help how you deal with rainy days or torrential downpours at the Magic Kingdom!