Updated: June 23, 2026

Hey friends! Are you gearing up for a trip to Disney World? How exciting! We hope you have all your days planned out, your dining reservations secured, and that you already know which Lightning Lane you’re gonna snag first.

If you are ready to go but a bit worried about the rain, we are here to help! We know you have probably seen those wild videos of just how heavy the rain can be in Disney World. It’s true. The rain can be a bit wild and unexpected at times, but it shouldn’t ruin your trip if you come to the parks prepared.

And hey, that’s what we’re here for, ya know? We’re going to share our tips for what to do when it rains in Disney World, what rides you can rely on in the rain, what to do if a ride is down, and what essentials you need to pack to be rainy-day ready!

Let’s get to it!

Rainy Day Tips for Disney World

Don’t Let It Ruin Your Day

Our biggest tip is to not let the rain ruin your day! For the most part, the crowds will really thin out when it rains. So if you stick it out, you will likely have the opportunity to enjoy lower wait times.

The indoor merchandise areas will likely get very crowded, and wait times might initially spike. But we suggest heading towards an attraction with an indoor queue.

The Weird Cast Member RULE That Only Applies When It Rains in Disney World

Shoes

If you aren’t planning to wear shoe covers in the rain, we suggest bringing a second pair of shoes and/or socks. Wet socks are the worst and can really ruin a few hours of your day. So just throw another pair in your bag in case you find yourself caught in the rain!

Flip-flops with a strap on the back are the best flip-flop option in this situation, so you don’t slip and slide around in the rain.

Walk-Up Waitlist

If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat to get out of the rain, take a look at the walk-up waitlist to see if any Table Service restaurants have availability.

Then you can go and sit at a nice restaurant without needing an Advance Dining Reservation (ADR).

Bring Rain Gear No Matter What

We know that rain gear can be a bit bulky and seem cumbersome. But bring it!! We are going to share some small items that are lightweight and won’t take up much space. It will more than likely rain on your trip, and you don’t want to be caught in the middle of the parks with no rain gear at all. Ponchos in the parks are really expensive, and they can sell out.

So just be prepared ahead of time so you can still enjoy your day if and when it rains!

The Best Park for a Rain Day in Disney World

We think Magic Kingdom is the best park for a rainy day simply because there are so many indoor attractions and locations. Even if quite a few outdoor rides shut down due to lightning, there are still many things to do, and places to eat inside. We also think that Magic Kingdom is great if you want to leave the parks while it’s raining, because you can quickly hop on the resort monorail and go check out some hotels while it rains!

We also think that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a great option because there are fewer lines, and wait times tend to be higher during a normal day. Since rain will thin crowds, it might be a great opportunity to hop on rides with lower wait times.

6 Places You DO NOT Want To Be in Disney World When It Rains

What to Wear in Disney World in the Rain

Umbrella

We like to bring a compact umbrella with a case to the parks. They are tiny and don’t take up much room, and we like that there is a case we can put the wet umbrella in, so all of our stuff doesn’t get wet after a storm!

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Rain Poncho

Don’t forget to pack a poncho! This poncho is easy to pull on and features a deep hood.

 

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Shoe Covers

Shoe covers are another option. They are like little rain jackets for your feet. They zip up and protect your shoes so you don’t have soggy, stinky feet all day after a storm! We tried these shoe covers, and they work well. Our reporters loved how easy and lightweight they were to wear around the parks.

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Athletic Wear

We also like to wear athletic wear that dries quickly. So think athletic dresses, leggings, skirts, basketball shorts, etc! ODODOS is one of our favorite brands because their items are cute and trendy, and also wear really well in the parks.

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What Disney World Rides Close in the Rain/Lightning

Attractions that typically close in the rain and/or lightning are noted below.

Magic Kingdom

• Astro Orbiter
• The Barnstormer
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Jungle Cruise
• Liberty Square Riverboat
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Swiss Family Treehouse Tom Sawyer Island
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Walt Disney World Railroad

Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Slinky Dog Dash

Animal Kingdom

• Expedition Everest
• Gorilla Falls Trail
• Kali River Rapids
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Wildlife Express Train

EPCOT

• Test Track

Some of these rides will only close when the weather gets severe with torrential rain rather than a light drizzle.

Extra-Ticketed Events During Storms

When rain all but ruins an extra ticketed event like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you’ll get a rain check!

Note that you’re only entitled to compensation if the weather causes significant issues at the party.

What Is a Disney World “Rain Check,” and Why Do You Need To Know About It?

Fireworks/Shows When It’s Raining in Disney World

Shows can be canceled due to high wind, rain, or lightning. Disney’s Cast Members tend to do everything they can to make these shows happen, so they may push the show time back in hopes they can still make it happen. Fantasmic! is a show that does tend to be canceled outright when there’s bad weather.

Parades can be canceled due to rain as well.

Does the Skyliner Close in the Rain?

The Skyliner will close in severe weather, such as high winds and lightning.

It is not going to close if it is just raining, though.

Do Boats Run in the Rain?

Just like the Skyliner, boats will typically operate in the light rain.

But if there is serious rain, lightning, or high wind, the boats will pause operations.

Things That Only Happen When It Rains in Disney World

There are a few things that only happen when it rains in Disney World! In Magic Kingdom, you may be able to experience the Rainy Day Cavalcade. This is a parade that Disney puts on when it rains instead of their standard parades.

Also, after a rainstorm, you may see Disney World Cast Members making water art!

This can happen on a sunny day, too, but it will especially happen after a rainy day in the parks.

Central Florida is home to stormy weather, and the Disney Parks try to make the best of those rainy days.