Six Things to Do When It Rains at Walt Disney World

The occasional rainstorm is inevitable while visiting Walt Disney World, whether you are visiting in the summer when afternoon storms hit or have a rainy day coming into your trip. While you may be tempted to head out of the parks when it rains, there is plenty to do at Walt Disney World on rainy days, or at least until the rain passes:

See an Indoor Show

In general, it will take more time to see a show at Walt Disney World than it will to hop on a ride, so if you are hoping to do something indoors while you wait out the weather, seeing a show could be just the thing. Even if more guests flock to the nearest indoor show making your wait time to get into the theater a little bit longer, you will still be indoors and out of the weather until it hopefully passes.

Whether you are heading to the Country Bear Jamboree in the Magic Kingdom or Festival of the Lion King in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there are lots of shows you can pop into to avoid the rain.

Do Some Shopping

Shops will be crowded when it rains, but if you keep putting off browsing the stores at Disney theme parks in favor of visiting attractions instead, this could be a fun way to wait out the rain.

For the easiest indoor shopping, head to the flagship stores of each park when it rains (the Emporium in the Magic Kingdom, Creations Shop in EPCOT, and the shops along Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and in Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris

During or after a rainstorm can be one of the best times to experience Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, especially in the summer months.

The animals are often looking for ways to stay cool, which is part of why everyone says the best time to ride the safari is in the morning. Many will come out into guest view to cool off in the rain, too, so during or immediately following a rainstorm can be one of the best times to ride.

@adventurebyashley

Disney’s Rainy Day Cavalcade! ☔️ 🌧️🌂 On this day, the Festival of Fantasy parade was cancelled due to the rain, and then after it had stopped raining, we caught this short and sweet show! This cavalcade comes out very rarely and usually after it has already stopped raining, but when it’s still wet conditions. Have you ever been lucky enough to catch it? ✨ #waltdisneyworld #disneyparks #rainydaycavalcade #disneytravelprofessionals #adventurebyashley

♬ Singin’ In The Rain – Gene Kelly

See the Rainy Day Cavalcade

In the Magic Kingdom, afternoon rainstorms may mean you’ll get to see the Rainy Day Cavalcade! While it is not a full replacement for a parade or character cavalcade, it is a small piece of Disney magic that you really have to be in the right place at the right time to see.

During the rainy day cavalcade, Disney characters and dancers will parade through the Magic Kingdom all decked out in their rain gear, and it is adorable!

Resort Hop

Resort hopping can help keep you out of the rain (and away from the crowds if that’s what would keep you from shopping or heading into a show) especially with the Magic Kingdom area resorts as they are all accessible via monorail.

Hop aboard the Monorail outside the entrance to the park and you’ll stay dry while being able to explore Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. At each resort, you can explore the details in the lobbies, stop for lunch or dinner, or do some shopping, all while staying dry.

Just Keep Swimming!

A little rain never hurt anyone, right? If the rain goes on long enough, a lot of guests will start to make their way out of the park, meaning fewer crowds and shorter wait times for attractions if you choose to stay. Most attractions do operate in the rain, too, even outdoor ones (it’s high wind and lightning that may shut some attractions down), so as long as you’re up for a rainy day in the parks you’ll still find plenty to do.

Just be sure to pack your poncho or umbrella! Purchasing rain gear at Walt Disney World can end up being an expensive souvenir (and if everyone is rushing into the same store to stock up on ponchos you may be in for some extra crowds and long lines.) Packing an umbrella or ponchos will save you some stress and allow you to just keep going and enjoy the rest of your time in the parks.