If you’ve never been to Disney World during a rainstorm, your first instinct will probably be the same as everyone else’s:
“Well, there goes our day.”
But here’s the secret.
Some of the best Disney memories happen when it rains.
During our recent trip, our Magic Kingdom day was hit with several hours of rain. We had a two year old daughter, a six month old son, a stroller packed with baby gear, and plans to spend the day exploring the park.
Instead, we ended up spending most of the afternoon inside Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
And honestly?
It became one of my favorite memories from the trip.
The Rainy Day That Turned Into One of Our Favorites
When the rain started, we pulled out our stroller cover and headed for the nearest indoor attraction.
That attraction happened to be Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
The theater was cool, dark, dry, and comfortable. My daughter was absolutely mesmerized by the interactive effects and giant screen. Every time the show ended, she wanted to watch it again.
Meanwhile, my six month old son nursed under a cover, fell asleep on me, and happily snoozed through the show.
The best part?
The lines were practically nonexistent.
We asked the Cast Members if we could continue sitting in the back row and rewatch the show. They were incredibly accommodating and let us stay multiple times. Four showings later, we were still enjoying ourselves.
On our fifth attempt, a Cast Member politely told us the line was starting to back up and they needed the seats.
Fair enough.
We walked outside.
The rain had stopped.
The crowds were lighter.
And we were ready to continue our day.
Sometimes the best Disney plans are the ones you never intended to make.
Why Rain Is Actually Your Friend at Disney
Most guests see rain and head for the exit.
That means those who stay often benefit from:
- Shorter ride lines
- Less crowded walkways
- Easier mobile ordering
- Better dining availability
- Cooler temperatures
- A slower pace for little kids
If you’re traveling with babies or toddlers, a few hours of rain can actually provide a much-needed break from the Florida heat.
Instead of trying to rush from attraction to attraction, you get an opportunity to slow down.
And sometimes slowing down is exactly what your family needs.
Check Dining Reservations Immediately
This is one of my favorite Disney tricks.
When the rain starts, people leave.
When people leave, they cancel dining reservations.
The result?
Restaurants that have been fully booked for months suddenly have openings.
We’ve had amazing luck finding reservations during rainy afternoons.
Some of our best last-minute Disney dining reservations have included:
- Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Hollywood Studios
Akershus was probably the biggest surprise of the trip.
What started as a rainy-day backup plan turned into one of our favorite experiences. Our daughter loved meeting the princesses, we got out of the weather, and everyone had a chance to recharge.
Before you decide your Disney day is ruined, spend a few minutes checking the My Disney Experience app.
You never know what magical reservation might appear.
Best Indoor Attractions at Magic Kingdom During Rain
Mickey’s PhilharMagic Our personal rainy-day champion.
Comfortable seating, air conditioning, a fun show, and a great place for babies to nap.
Carousel of Progress
One of the longest indoor attractions in the park and an excellent chance to rest tired feet.
Country Bear Musical Jamboree
A fun indoor show that keeps everyone dry.
Hall of Presidents
A great place to escape a storm while still experiencing a classic Disney attraction.
Enchanted Tiki Room
Especially fun for younger children who enjoy music and colorful characters.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Once the rain starts letting up, this is often one of the most relaxing rides in the park.
Rainy Day Essentials for Families
Bring a Stroller Rain Cover
This is non-negotiable for me.
A rain cover protects:
- Your child
- The diaper bag
- Snacks
- Blankets
- Souvenirs
And it takes up very little room in your luggage.
Pack an Extra Outfit
Florida rain is warm, but wet socks can ruin a day quickly.
Always bring:
- Extra socks
- A spare outfit
- Plastic bags for wet clothing
Use the Baby Care Centers
Disney’s Baby Care Centers are fantastic.
You’ll find:
- Nursing rooms
- Feeding areas
- Changing stations
- Air conditioning
- A quiet place to regroup
That said, by our second Disney day, I was feeding my son in a carrier while walking through the parks. Disney is incredibly accommodating to families, and you’ll find plenty of ways to make feeding schedules work.
Stay Flexible
This may be the most important tip of all.
Many families get frustrated because they’re trying to force the original plan.
The truth is that Disney rewards flexibility.
That attraction you couldn’t get on earlier might suddenly be a walk-on.
That impossible dining reservation may suddenly appear.
That rainy afternoon might become the memory your family talks about years later.
Final Thoughts
Rain doesn’t ruin Disney.
In many cases, it improves it.
Some of my favorite memories from our Magic Kingdom day weren’t on rides at all. They were watching my daughter laugh through Mickey’s PhilharMagic for the fourth time. They were holding my sleeping baby while listening to the sounds of a Disney theater. They were finding unexpected opportunities because everyone else had decided to leave.
So the next time Florida weather shows up during your Disney vacation, don’t run for the exit.
Pull out the stroller cover.
Find an indoor attraction.
Check for dining reservations.
Slow down.
The magic is still there!
Leave a Reply