avingisney
Yes it is true....even in the near perfect land commonly known as Walt Disney World the sky isn't always clear and the sun does not always shine. Even in the "happiest place on earth" the weather can be wet, cool and Eeyore may even refer to it as gloomy at times. However, rain doesn't need to put a damper on your Disney experience. There are plenty of fun things to do on a rainy Disney day. First of all if you are adventurous, the rainy, or colder days are the BEST days for short lines. If you have a good rain jacket (or the infamous bright yellow Mickey poncho) handy then you can get out and enjoy the parks. The most important advice I can give if you dare to venture to the parks in the rain is to be prepared! If it is going to be chilly out, remember to wear layers. If you don't want cold feet, remember to wear waterproof shoes. Also, when you are packing, remember plenty of socks...there is nothing worse than having to wear yesterdays damp, cold socks because you thought you were going to be wearing flip flops the entire trip!! If you choose to bring an umbrella remember that these must be closed up in many areas. One example being the Fantasmic! show ampitheatre. I learned this one from experience and was forced to just plain get soaked in order to watch the show. If there is no thunder or lightning, and not too cool out, the water parks can be an excellent choice for a rainy day...you're going to get wet anyway right?? Just make sure you get a hold of a covered area to put your belongings and enjoy the short lines. I, for one, am one of the adventurous who love to go out and fight the rain and cold in search of short lines, but I understand that many of us are not. One good rainy day idea for the less adventurous Disney goer is to go the the movies at the theater in Downtown Disney. This is especially fun if there is a Disney movie that recently came out. Whenever you watch the movie in the future, you will remember your trip to Walt Disney World. Shopping is another great way to spend a rainy day. Head to downtown Disney with a poncho and an umbrella and explore the many shops. You could probably spend all day in the "World of Disney" store. I know I could. Who knows? Maybe when you come back outside the Florida sun will be showing its face again!! If you are traveling with children, then the arcade may be the way to go. You could go to the huge arcade known as "Disney Quest" which is full of interactive, virtual reality type rides and traditional arcade games. Disney Quest is located in Downtown Disney Westside. You have to purchase a ticket to enter Disney Quest, but if you have a plus option left, you can use that too. Another arcade option is the arcade at any Disney Resort Hotel. Some are better than other, but many of these arcades are quite large and are great for the kids who are into video games. Air hockey is a personal favorite of Eric and myself! One more rainy day idea is to check out the other Disney Resorts. Take the bus to the Magic Kingdom and ride the monorail around to the Contemporary, the Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian. Walk around and explore the shops and sights of these hotels. They are entertainment in themselves in my opinion. You can also take the boat over to the Wilderness Lodge. There is tons to take in over there. (This is our FAVORITE Disney resort ;). Even in the rain or cold, there is plenty of magic floating around Disneyworld just waiting to be found. Whether you are an adventurer ready to brave the weather and ride the rides, or one who would rather spend the day under cover, there are plenty of options. If anyone has any suggestions or would like to add his or her favorite rainy day Disney activity please feel free to let us know. We would love to add them all!