Tips for Disney World When It Rains

What To Do at Disney When It Rains

Many people consider rain a major damper on your vacation. But there are plenty of things to do at Disney World when it rains outside.

Check our full Disney packing list including rain essentials and how you can prepare ahead of your Disney vacation for if and when it rains.

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Disney World Rain Policy

First things first, what is Disney’s rain policy? When it starts raining at Disney World, many people leave the Disney theme parks. But Disney World does not close when it rains.

The Disney World rain policy indicates the Disney Parks do not close because of rain. The Disney Parks only close in extreme circumstances like hurricanes.

Since the Disney rain policy indicates the Disney parks don’t close because of rain, you don’t have to worry about rain keeping you out of the Disney parks.

And since Disney remains open in the rain, you will not receive a Disney rain check or refund. You have the choice not to go to the Disney Parks, but you will not get your money back.

What To Do at Disney When It Rains

Now that you know that Disney World remains open, even during rain, what to do at Disney when it rains? There are many ways you can approach a rainy day at Disney and we’ll lay out your best Disney rainy day options!

1 – Remain in the Disney Parks with a Plan

Over the years, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stayed in the Disney Parks when it rains! The vast majority of Disney rides are indoors and stay open when it rains at Disney World.

I actually recommend people stay at the Disney parks when it rains because the crowd size goes down exponentially. So if you want to get a lot of rides done at Disney, rainy days are a great chance to get a lot done in a short amount of time.

If you’ve made the decision to remain at Disney during the rain, make yourself a game plan. Regardless of which of the Disney World parks you’re at, make a plan of where you want to go and how to get there while remaining as dry as possible.

For example, if you’re at the Magic Kingdom, you could plan to do many of the rides in Tomorrowland as they are close together and mostly indoors.

While making your Disney rainy day plan, you’ll want to consider what attractions, restaurants, and shops are indoors to remain indoors as much as possible.

But it’s important to note that when it rains at Disney World there is still so much to do!

What To Pack for Disney in the Rain

If you’re like me and stay at Disney during the rain, make sure to include rain gear in your Disney World backpack. Before our Disney World trip, I always pick up throw away rain ponchos at Walmart or on Amazon.

I always keep rain ponchos in my Disney backpack because rain can pop up at a minutes notice. Many people also swear by umbrellas so make sure to keep either ponchos or umbrellas in your backpack for when it rains at Disney.

2 – Wait Out the Rain

Instead of wandering through the Disney Parks in the rain, you could find a location inside the Disney Parks to wait out the rain.

You could also choose to wait out the rain at Disney by grabbing a snack, doing a little shopping or finding a spot to sit and relax. Since we love to eat, my family will grab a table at a Disney quick service location and have a snack or drink!

when it rains at disney

This is the best option to remain in the Disney Parks during the rain while still keeping dry. There are so many ways to wait out the rain at Disney while remaining relatively dry and taking advantage of lower crowds.

3 – Head Back to Your Disney Resort

If you don’t love the rain, it’s always a great option to head back to your Disney resort for a break or nap. When it rains at Disney, the rain is often short lived so this can be a great time to get your afternoon nap in.

If you choose to head back to your Disney resort during the rain, make sure to head back to the Disney Parks later that day. With rain at Disney, crowds tend to remain lower for the rest of the day so you can still take advantage of lower crowds.

4 – Head to Disney Springs

Many people consider Disney Springs a great Disney World rainy day activity. Most of the Disney Springs shops and restaurants are close by to one another so it’s pretty easy to move around.

I always recommend people make some time to visit Disney Springs while at Disney so when it rains at Disney check out Disney Springs!

The World of Disney is also huge and can take up a large chunk of time when it rains at Disney.

5 – Go Resort Hopping

Do you have an interest in visit some of the other Walt Disney World resorts? What to do when in rains at Disney, go Disney resort hopping!

There is no great Disney transportation option between Disney resorts but you could always take an Uber and explore another or several Disney World resorts.

What Rides Close at Disney World When It Rains?

Now that you have an idea of what you want to do when it rains at Disney, you may be asking what rides close at Disney when it rains.

I’ll start by saying very few Disney rides close when it rains but there are few you should be aware of!

Magic Kingdom Rides That Close During the Rain

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Dumbo
Aladdin’s Flying Carpets
Jungle Cruise
The Tommorowland Speedway
Astro Orbiter
Liberty Belle Riverboat
Swiss Robinson Family Treehouse

It’s important that more Disney Magic Kingdom rides may close if there is severe weather like thunderstorms but this list of Magic Kingdom rides closes anytime there is any rain at Disney World.

Epcot Rides That Close When It Rains

Test Track

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Epcot is the best Disney Park during the rain because only one attraction closes!

Hollywood Studios Rides That Close When It Rains

Slinky Dog Dash
Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Fantasmic

Animal Kingdom Rides That Close During the Rain

Expedition Everest
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kali River Rapids
Triceriatop Spin
The Wilderness Express Train

As you see from the list of Disney rides that close during the rain, Epcot is by far the best Disney Park for rain. When it rains, Epcot has the most attractions open and Epcot World Showcase is a great place to wait out the rain.

Disney World Rain Tips

Have a poncho or umbrella
Make a plan
Enjoy lower crowds

If you’re asking how to deal with Disney in the rain, you’ve come to the right place. Disney in the rain is a unique experience but with proper planning a rainy day at Disney can be just as enjoyable as any other day.