Spring is finally here! And while springtime often conjures up images of blooming flowers, BBQ’s and outdoor activities in Orlando, what do you do if you when you experience the occasional light showers or worse? If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World ®, don’t over worry too much about the weather, just prepare for it because it can be hot one minute, then lead to a quick shower, and then remain perfect for the rest of the night. But never fear, this is a good thing most days! Best of Orlando has put together a list of some of the best tips and tricks to having fun on a rainy day, and even benefiting from it.

# 1: Don’t Leave! Wait it out a bit. Florida showers are sporadic and often end quickly, even if the skies look pretty dire. When the rain slows or subsides, lines are dramatically shorter because most visitors left thinking the day was ruined because they are not used to the Orlando weather of heavy rain one minute and sunshine the next.  

#2: Purchase a Poncho and Stay. If you see it might rain, before you leave your hotel, prepare for a little rain. Most hotels sell nice ponchos, but if you want to get the complete Disney ® experience; grab a Disney ® Poncho. They have mouse ears and other cute and adorable Disney ® versions. You even consider purchasing an extra poncho for your baby stroller. Most of the time, light rain does not shut anything down, and a poncho goes a long way. They also can fit in your pocket, so you can take it off when you’re inside or when it stops during the day.

Tip: When looking for a poncho the strong vinyl ones work the best.

#3: Head Indoors! If rain is heavy, consider waiting inside an attraction; rain might be over by the time you finish the ride. Not every ride and attraction at Walt Disney World ® is located outside. In fact there are plenty of things to see and do inside. Here are a few queues that are fully covered:

Epcot ®:
Soarin’ or anything in The Land area
Imagination
Innoventions
The Seas With Nemo & Friends
Ellen Energy Adventure– This ride is 45 minutes, which means there is a good chance the rain will be over by the time you’re done (see sporadic showers above!)

Hollywood Studios ®:
Toy Story Mania!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Disney Junior – Live on Stage (Now with Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First)

Magic Kingdom ®:
Space Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Caribbean
It’s a Small World

Animal Kingdom ®:
Expedition Everest (while the queue is completely covered, the ride is not.)
Dinosaur
Finding Nemo – The Musical

#4: Eat if it Rains. When the rain comes down, it’s also the perfect time to grab a bite to eat or get some shopping done. What better excuse to load up on your favorite foods or get your shopping list taken care of early. Remember, you don’t have to carry things you buy at Walt Disney World all day. You can ask to pick them up at the end of the day in a location at the front of the park. Or if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel, they can be delivered to your hotel room. All of which is completely free!  

#5: Water Parks are a good option. If you happen to be at one of Disney’s ® water parks when it starts raining what’s a little more wetness when you’re already getting wet by splishing and splashing around the park? But if they temporarily close the attractions, it’s the perfect time to eat and relax with the family. And if the skies do clear up everything will reopen, and lines will be almost nonexistent. The short downtime is nothing compared to the time saved with short lines later. In fact, it’s been known that you can slide down Summit Plummet at Disney’s Blizzard Beach ® over 50 times in a row in less than an hour and a half when rain scares away the crowds!

Enjoy Disney’s ® magic sunshine or otherwise with discounted Magic Your Way Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option right here on Best Of Orlando.

Orlando, FL – 03/20/13