I’m going to be a little bossy here for a second (imagine that!): Do NOT go home from your Walt Disney World vacation whining about the weather. Do. Not. Complain. In the summer, it rains in Florida. A lot. If you don’t realize that going into the trip, you’re going to be surprised and disappointed! Plan for rain – during certain times of the year, you’ll need to plan for daily rain. That’s right – it rains every afternoon sometimes – a quick shower that comes and goes, but may be a torrential downpour for a while. The average monthly rainfall is over 7 inches for June, July and August. It’s HOT in Florida, too – but I’ll save being bossy on that topic for another day.
Back to the rain. You have two choices when it rains. Tough it out or pack it in. Here are my suggestions for 
embracing the rain – no matter which choice you go with.
1. Make like a good Boy Scout and bring a rain poncho to the parks during the rainy season. Shoes that are water resistant or will dry quickly are helpful, too. Flip-flops can become hazardous, near deadly instruments of torture in a downpour as they become very slippery on both the bottom and the foot bed….beware! 
2. Hang in there. Try to stay as dry as possible and wait it out. Go for an indoor attraction like Mickey’s PhilharMagic or Hall of President’s in the Magic Kingdom, a movie in Epcot’s World Showcase (in Canada, China, or France), wait in the LONG (but dry) line for Soarin’ in Epcot’s Future World, check out the Great Movie Ride or MuppetVision 3D in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In Animal Kingdom, you can see It’s Tough to be a Bug. If it’s not raining hard, grab a snack and a seat and people-watch for a few minutes. Wait and see if the clouds clear up.
3. Shop. There is no shortage of shops in Walt Disney World! Take the time to browse – if you’re
usually rushing from thrill ride to thrill ride, you’ll find an undiscovered treasure trove of unbelievable Disney items for wearing, decorating, eating, and collecting. Find souvenirs and gifts for everyone including your dog. Just the number of different hats is staggering.
4. Head on over to Downtown Disney for bowling or a movie or both. We wouldn’t normally spare the time for an activity we can experience at home, but rainy days may call for some adjustments and accommodation. Splitsville, the new bowling hotspot in Downtown Disney and an AMC Theater (complete with dine-in options) are side by side in the Westside district. 
5. When the going gets wet, the wet get going. Pack it in, people – sometimes the rain just won’t let up – everybody’s wet, cold and cranky. This is the time to head on back the resort and order a pizza, watch some TV and rest up for better weather…which should come around unless you happen to be in Orlando during a hurricane. Then you have my permission – encouragement even – to dismiss my bossy directive at the beginning of this post and complain away. Whine til the cows come home. If your entire vacation has been wiped out by a hurricane (it’d probably have an oddly mild name like Dudley), you deserve sympathy and a do-over. I hope this hasn’t ever happened to any of you and hope it never does.
What are your Walt Disney World rainy day tips?
I love this post! I am a Disneylander, and while rain is rare there, I have spent a few rainy days in the parks, and they have been the best. If you are prepared, they can be the days you get the most done because the crowds usually end up being low.
Thanks for linking up at Travel Tip Thursday! Hope to see you again this week.
One of our funniest family photos was from Disney World when I was maybe four. It rained harder than I’ve ever seen it rain (and it can sure rain in Missouri). My parents had to rush to get us ponchos. They were clear and I remember dreading putting it on. I used to HATE things being on my head. Someone took our picture and I look absolutely miserable . . . not because I was wet, but I was thinking to myself how I’d rather be wet than wear this stupid ugly clear poncho and have a HOOD on! Luckily I got over that since I live in Seattle 🙂
That’s hilarious, Ellen! Funny what we remember most from being a little kid. I’d love to see that picture.
Another great post, Lisa! We usually go to Disney World in August, so we’re no strangers to sudden, torrential downpours. I agree with your suggestions. Instead of a poncho, though, I carry a small, foldable umbrella in my purse. That way, it can double as sun protection while waiting in a hot, sunny line. My boys, on the other hand, just embrace the rain and enjoy the cooling shower (or downpour). It washes the sweat away, and we just reapply sunscreen after. 🙂
Thanks, Heather! I’ve thought about carrying one of those tiny collapsible umbrellas, but me being…well ME, I can imagine how many people I would accidentally bean with it. Mostly my own loved ones! I’ll have to stick with the poncho, I’m afraid.