If you're planning a trip to Disney World (especially during the summer months), you might be so concerned about the heat that you forget about the rain.
But the truth is, it's very likely that you'll get at least a little rain -- if not some heavy rain -- during your trip, and it's important to be prepared for it.
Florida weather can be kind of weird. One minute it's hot and sunny, and the next minute you're in what feels like the middle of a tropical storm.
Unless you like being drenched, it's a good idea to pack something for the rain, whether it's a lightweight rain jacket, a travel umbrella, or even just a cheap poncho from the local dollar store.
In this post you'll discover all kinds of rain gear options to help you prepare for the wet weather, whether your experience just a little bit of rain or a full-blown afternoon thunderstorm.
SaphiRose Hooded Rain Poncho with Pockets
Hooded Rain Poncho with Pockets
This hooded rain poncho is made of 100% polyester fabric and has an adjustable drawstring hood with toggles. It comes in 40 different colors, including gradient and polka-dot designs, so you're sure to find a color and design that you love.
Reviewers loved how it was lightweight and that it can easily be rolled up and put in its matching zipper pouch, so you don't have to lug a wet poncho all over the park. (You can see a photo of the poncho and its matching pouch here.)
This poncho is an excellent choice for "Pooh-sized" Disney fans. One size 28 reviewer was delighted that the poncho not only fit fine, but also was big enough to cover her backpack.
And if you love this poncho, you can get them for the entire family. Click here to see to the kid's version
Amazon reviewer GraysonsMom said this poncho was a "lifesaver" at Disney World:
I bought this poncho for a trip to Disney world in early March. It was a lifesaver! It rained everyday. Not normal Florida rain, but full blown thunderstorms. Epcot literally flooded one night. I bought some other disposable compact ponchos and they did nothing. This bad boy kept me super dry. Dried quickly. Wasn’t too bulky or heavy to carry around in my backpack and I got multiple compliments on it.
Frogg Toggs Men's Ultra-lite2 Waterproof Breathable Poncho
FROGG TOGGS Men's Ultra-lite2 Waterproof Breathable Poncho
You've heard me sing the praises of the Frogg Toggs cooling towel before. It turns out they also make a rain poncho that's a popular choice for Disney goers.
The Frogg Togg men's poncho is made of 100% Polypropylene, has a pull-on closure (as opposed to the poncho above, which has a zipper closure), and is machine washable.
It also features both an adjustable hood with cord locks and side snaps, with both do a great job of keeping water out. It comes with a "stuff sack" to make it easy to carry.
It's available in 6 different colors, including dark green, yellow, khaki, and pink.
Reviewers liked how this poncho had a very light fabric lining that kept the plastic from sticking to you, but didn't make you hot.
10-Pack Disposable Rain Ponchos with Drawstring Hood
COOY Disposable Rain Ponchos,with Drawstring Hood （10 Pack
If you don't want to actually invest in a rain poncho for long-term use, but just want some cheap plastic ponchos that you're gonna stuff in the trash soon after you're finished with them, these 10-packs by COOY are your best option. (They're also available in a 7-pack or in a 6-pack for kids.)
Reviewers particularly liked how the elastic around the wrists and the drawstring for the hood helped keep them dry.
Amazon reviewer Jessi Lynn says these ponchos are great for a Disney trip:
Took these for a "Just in case" rain shower at Disney. It seems to rain there once a day. Well it did & these were so useful. They covered our backpacks & went to about our knees. Im 5'5 230 lbs. And my boys are 5'10 180 lbs, 6 ft 260 lbs. They fit us all perfect!
The drawstring on the wrists & hood was a life saver. It kept us dry. We also purchased water shoes. When it started raining we were able to still walk through the park while others were hiding for cover.
Mickey and Minnie Rain Poncho
Disney Mickey and Minnie Mouse Rain Poncho
If you want Disney ponchos for your Disney trip, but want a more affordable option than you'd at the parks, check out this poncho featuring both Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
It's made of 100% vinyl, measures 52 inches across and 40 inches tall, and has an attached hood and two snap buttons on each side for easier access.
Columbia Women's Switchback Rain jacket
Columbia Women's Switchback II Jacket
If you want to own a quality jacket that you can wear in "real life," even when it's not raining, consider the Columbia Women's Switchback II Jacket.
It's available in six different colors (including fuchsia, coral, blue, or black) and has a ZIPPER CLOSURE. The shell is 100% nylon and the lining is 100% polyester.
Amazon reviewer Mistelle wore this jacket at Disney World and loved it:
This fits absolutely true to size if you are going by your measurements and true size. I'm a size 22/24, smaller chested with more weight in my tummy area and average width arms for a plus size woman. I was actually worried I may not be able to zip the 3x due to my hips (nothing ever fits my hips) but I was pleasantly surprised that this jacket is a perfect fit.
Yes it is only a shell jacket, and yes it's waterproof, so one should expect it may get a bit humid if you're wearing it zipped in a hot climate. For being waterproof though, the material is buttery soft and doesn't make annoying crunchy fabric sounds.
I love the adjustable velcro cuffs on the sleeves, the zippered pockets (great for keeping my phone handy yet secure at Disney World), and the hood. I've worn this in light rain and actually mostly as a windbreaker and I think it was worth the price- much nicer quality and style than you could find in a cheaper brand ...
Toddler Mickey Mouse Rain Coat
Toddler Mickey Mouse Rain Coat
If you have a little kiddo who needs a good rain coat, this is an adorable choice. The outer shell is made of 100% polyurethane and the lining is 65% polyester and 35% cotton, so your child can be out in the rain and still be warm and snuggly.
Reviewers like the durable quality combined with the soft lining.
FAQs
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about rain gear at Disney World:
Should I bring rain boots to Disney World?
I'm always impressed when I see women walking around on a rainy day with actual rain boots. They look so smart! So prepared! So fashionable, even!
However, I personally wouldn't recommend wearing rain boots at Disney World.
The idea of it sounds clunky, hot, and generally annoying. And what do you do when it stops raining after an hour, as it often does in Orlando? Are you just gonna keep walking around in the heat wearing rain boots? Mmm, no thank you.
If you're looking for a good, comfortable shoe that can withstand both the Florida heat and the Florida rain, I suggest you check out Crocs sandals, Merrell sandals, or Keene sandals.
(NOTE: Don't be put off by the boring colors in the photos below; both the Crocs and Merrells come in a variety of colors.)
Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Ll Slide SandalsKEEN Men's Newport H2 Closed Toe Water SandalsMerrell Women's Terran Slide II
How do I keep my stroller dry at Disney World?
Some people like to make their own stroller covers using a shower curtain and something like duct tape or elastic
If you'd rather just click a button than go through all that trouble, here's a good stroller cover with a Disney theme to boot:
Disney Baby by J.L. Childress Universal Stroller Rain Cover
From one Amazon reviewer:
Our amazing Cybex stroller came with a rain cover -- but, unfortunately, it does nothing to cover the bottom of the stroller which means a really wet bottom that just drips wherever we park it. Not really ideal. Great for the baby and the seat, but that is about it.
When I saw [the Disney Baby stroller cover], I was interested for two main reasons:
- It's larger and looks like it will actually cover more of the stroller
- The Disney theme/print. My kiddos love Disney, so that was an obvious win from the get go.
I love that it goes all the way to the bottom on the back end (parent facing). This helps to keep anything in the under-storage part dry. An added bonus is that it also contains a pocket, so you can place either your phone, wallet, or something for the kiddos in there. And since the opening is like that of an envelope, it will also keep the contents of the pocket dry. It also goes farther around the front. If you have a toddler seat, it will drop down to cover the foot area. Due to it's design, it keeps majority of the stroller dry -- which is a huge plus!
This is easy to fold down and store, which is great. Again, it's adorable with the Mickey head shapes on it. If you have any of the other Disney themed J.L. Childress items, this goes along with it well ...
Can you wear ponchos on Disney water rides?
Sure, although people (most likely the other members of your family) might make fun of you.
Regardless of the weather, some people like to wear ponchos when they ride Splash Mountain (in Magic Kingdom) or Kali River Rapids (in Animal Kingdom).
Personally, I never wear a poncho on Splash Mountain, but I usually do wear one on Kali, because you can get pretty drenched on it, including your underwear, and that doesn't particularly appeal to me.
Does Disney give free rain ponchos?
I saw this as one of those "People Also Asked" on Google, and thought, "Aw, how sweet ... there are still people out there who are innocent enough to ask this.
That's a nice thought, that Disney would provide courtesy rain ponchos as a service to their customers, but unfortunately they do not.
You can, however, purchase a rain poncho at any of their gift shops.
How much are rain ponchos at Disney World 2022?
"Youth" ponchos are $9.39 and adult-sized ponchos are between $12 and $15.
That might seem like a lot (and it is), but some people really like the Disney ponchos. They're pretty well-made for a plastic poncho, and they're fun-looking too.
How many ponchos should I bring to Disney?
If you're bringing disposable ponchos, I'd recommend bringing 2-3 ponchos per person, depending on how averse you are to getting wet and how much of a risk-taker you are.
Should you bring ponchos to Disney?
Yes, you should bring either ponchos, rain jackets, and/or a travel umbrella, unless you either like living on the wild side of just enjoy being wet.
Should I bring a rain jacket to Disney?
See above.
Do they shut down rides when it rains at Disney World?
Some rides are shut down due to rain. Some rides are shut down due to thunder. Many other rides stay open all the time regardless of weather. Read my post on which rides close at Disney World when it rains.
Will Disney refund you if it rains?
No. (If they did, they would be giving refunds all the time!) However, they sometimes give refunds for extreme bad weather, like a hurricane.
When is hurricane season in Disney World?
Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, which is not exactly a "season," if you ask me. Usually hurricanes hit during August, September, and October.
Is Disney still fun in the rain?
Like most things in life, your expectations and attitude are going to affect your level of fun more than the circumstance itself.
But to actually answer the question, sure, you can still have fun at Disney when it rains. Ride some indoor attractions, get something to eat or drink, maybe even visit a resort.
The rain won't last forever, and it might even do you the favor of clearing out some of the crowds.
[Featured image courtesy of Judd Helms Disney Parks Photography.]
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