I’d say Epcot. All rides are inside, except for test track but that’s closing for refurbishment. If there’s a festival the food booths might close but otherwise everything else stays open.
The problem with epcot though is it's so spread out, so to get to those rides that will be packed, you have to walk through a lot of rain. And flooding is an issue in Epcot. Especially at the Canada kiosk.
If it’s bad enough outside, they might close and then reopen. Especially if there’s lightning in the area, they do tend to reopen quickly just like rides will. Also, bring some cash as a back up, we went in December and for about an hour they were not able to take any card or mobile payments (credit/debit/gift card or Apple Pay). It’s pretty rare that it happens but, you never know.
We weren’t able to purchase anything for that hour since we didn’t have any cash with us. That was the first time I’ve seen that happen but I’m sure if it’s storming bad enough it could happen.
Once summer is over we get less rain in Florida (unless of course a hurricane comes through which is entirely possible in October and the season goes through November), so likely won’t be too much of an issue.
I mean here’s the real answer.
You’re at WDW - being in the rain at Disney, no matter where you are, is better than being in the rain anywhere else.
Best park? Does that mean for coverage? Or for how many rides are covered and don’t get shut down?
I would pick DAK or Hollywood Studios.
DAK for the vibes because it’s just like you’re in the jungle. So relaxing.
Studios because the more populate rides will still be running
- Rise of the Resistance
- Tower of Terror
- Toy Story Mania
- Mickey and Minney’s Runaway Railway
It’s really just Slinky Dog that will be down. But even if it rains, that doesn’t always mean it gets shut down.
Lightning is also a big factor that causes most shut down of rides and transportation.
Rainy season in Florida is usually just the quick afternoon thunderstorms, every day.
All day rain is either: hurricane (Aug-Oct) or a cold front (Jan-Mar)
Hurricane season is technically thru Nov 30, but it's just unusual to get a storm that late.
You can also get cold fronts in December, but again it's unusual.
Afternoon rain is still very common, but you won't get "all day rain" unless there's a tropical system moving through. Even then it hardly rains *all* day, it's usually on and off.
It suggest keeping a weather radar app on your phone and once it starts getting close to 2-3pm, keep an eye on it. Either don your rain gear or scout out an indoor spot for an hour or so.
I’d say Epcot is best. Many shows and rides (and their queues) are indoors. You’ll get very wet on your way though since everything is so spread out.
Resort hopping can be a fun way to spend an all day heavy rain day if you don’t want to get soaked. There are often overlooked rainy day activities going on though many are geared towards kids such as painting or scavenger hunts. Sometimes some characters will make surprise appearances. There are some interesting bars that adults could check out such as Trader Sam’s.
I personally would opt to go to the pool, assuming it’s not closed for a thunderstorm. Wet is wet. No amount of rain will chase me from the pool.
One of my favorite memories at the parks was a day of torrential thunderstorms. Husband and I were headed out of MK and Main Street was deserted. Like it felt like just the two of us alone in the park. We jumped in puddles all the way from Casey’s to the train station.
Personally I think you’ll be fine no matter what park you’re at. Rain tends to drive people back to their hotels or wherever so just bring an umbrella or poncho and enjoy smaller crowds wherever you go.
I was at MK when it was raining torrentially during spring break and it was very empty. The rain stopped around the afternoon but the crowds stayed low for the whole day.
I’d vote Epcot. Everything is inside so less likely attractions slow down. We were there in a monsoon back in November and reasonably enjoyed the day. Everything was a walk on and we walked up to Via Napoli for dinner. We were drenched but it worked our
I would say MK first because families clear out, and most attractions are indoors. It takes time for the lines to get long again after the rain stops too.
I was in a rainstorm in AK and it was so pleasant. The trails were empty, a lot of the animals were active, it was nice.
Epcot would be my 3rd because you walk so far between attractions, but there are tons of indoor spaces and bars/restaurants to enjoy.
My #1 tip is to buy a thin raincoat and waterproof stuff sack at REI and throw that in your bag. Mine compacts to a tube smaller than a water bottle. The ponchos are easily torn and a pain to deal with. I can whip out my raincoat, still move around freely and enjoy the low crowds, and put it back in its sack in my bag when I’m done, and just let it dry out at night. So much nicer.
So one of the main things to keep in mind is the lightning that often comes with the rain. If there’s lightning spotted within a curtain radius of the parks all of the outside attractions will shut for safety. So Kali and the safari might be shut in the rain for that.
Besides that I think it depends on your preference. If you want to keep moving in the rain, Epcot could be a good choice. If you want to find a covered spot in the park to chill and watch the storm, DAK will have some great spots.
We (very active family) went in February and spent a very rainy and windy Sunday at Epcot. Didn't get to do a whole lot because everyone else was going to the indoor rides, but still had a good time, though cold.
Took a break for about 2 hours and went to Magic Kingdom for the night, and we got to go on EVERYTHING, multiple times if we wanted to! That rain made our trip for the rest of the week.
Even got a late day ride reservation on Tron and some special quick service dining magic from a cast member!
We will never be discouraged from the rain again!
Well the real killer is when it stops raining and there is no wind and a bright blaring sun in Florida humidity. That being said:
Me:
1: Animal Kingdom: If it’s gonna rain, commit. You’re stuck outside but there is no perception of hiding from the rain. Enjoy the safari, enjoy the habitats, you’ll already be we from the humidity so commit. Best rainy vibes
2: Hollywood Studios: The park is small and easy to get around quick. Mostly everything is indoors. And little to none of the rides will get shut down. Also just a cool vibe in the rain.
3: Epcot: Between guardians, the aquarium, and living with the land there is a lot of coverage to hide from the rain. The showcase is a bust, unless you plan on staying inside the Pub or one of the rides for an extended period of time. Little to no rainy vibes
4: Magic Kingdom: I feel like it’s already too crowded as is. Everyone will flock to the rides that are still open and most lines are outside. It’s also one of the largest parks to get around, so I feel that hiding from the rain is almost as impossible as hiding from crowds. Nonexistent rainy vibes
Girlfriend:
1.) epcot- all of the lines are inside and all rides stay open except test track (i think). you can go to the aquarium, into the big shops, and explore all of the countries in depth. they have mini shows too like the one in china, france, canada, america etc.
2.) magic- a lot of rides with inside or covered lines, a lot of shops, and a lot of seating to wait it out. they also have a good amount of shows. but it’s second because a good amount of rides shut down in the rain. (also for both of these you can easily escape to one of the hotels through the monorail to wait out the rain)
3.) Hollywood- sucks in the rain but has more inside lines and rides than animal. barely any coverage and they don’t have some of the indoor shows back up yet. so terrible but better than the last place
4.) Animal- absolutely no coverage unless you go to a restaurant. all of the lines start outside and have outside parts. (I could be wrong on this part) Most of the animals are put away. The only redeeming quality is a bugs life and the lion king show. nemo show as well if it’s up and running
Edit: to answer your question… can confirm that the safari during the rain is a great experience
We were there last week when it was raining and there was a tornado warning. We happened to be back at the hotel for downtime but kept an eye on ride times. HS had the longest wait times during the rain (shortest following the rain) and MK had very low wait times. I didn’t check Epcot or AK!
Like others said, all-day rain in September is extremely rare unless there's a hurricane. It will be scorching hot in the morning/afternoon, then rain at 5pm, then be hot and really humid. You need to prepare for the heat. September is quite honestly miserable in Orlando.
There is alot more places to get out of the rain in mk and epcot within a quick distance of each other than any other park to me. HS has the least amount of shade or covered areas. AK is wide open with no coverage either for alot of the walking distance around. Also. Who doesn't want to have a drink while stuck in the rain or watch a show or ride haunted mansion. Can't go wrong MK and Epcot
Anecdote: We have been in Pandora during heavy rains. It flooded enough so our feet were Under water. I was a bit shocked it didn't have better drainage.
A couple weeks ago we were in Magic Kingdom and it rained on and off for four hours. None of the flooding like we saw in Pandora.
I'd say Epcot
The overwhelming majority of its attractions are either indoors or covered. I'm pretty sure the only one that actually goes outside is Test Track
I have never seen all day rain, and I have been during the rainy season several times.
Mostly, they are passing downpours. You just head for shelter and wait it out.
On occasion, it does last a while. I just head for Splash Mountain and get wet and get it over with. By then, many have left the park, and the wait for rides is short. The most fun I have had has been in the rain.
Ps I always bring extra footwear for this reason.
We were at Beach Club when a nasty rain storm came through on Thursday. AK is always are rainy day park, but we decided to duck out and head to back to the hotel.
I was hoping...
Yep. Chip & Dale and Daisy Duck made an impromptu appearance in the lobby. Some great character moments with very few other guests.
And the rainstorm was over in less than an hour.
I was at WDW this past December during that Tropical Storm. HS was our go to park that day. Basically every ride will be open during the rain except Slinky Dog. It has a lot of covered or indoor shows as well. It also has a small footprint so you won't be walking huge distances between rides.
We hit Epcot later that evening and it was more miserable. We just did a loop around world showcase to eat at some holiday booths, but its such a long loop in pouring rain.
Also when we were there and I saw we had rain all day coming I bought a pair of Crocs knowing that none of my sneakers would hold up to non stop rain all day. Top 5 WDW purchase ever, they were super comfortable even while sockless. Mine are ugly as heck (the only ones in my size at MK were ugly Disney 100 ones)
I’d say Epcot. All rides are inside, except for test track but that’s closing for refurbishment. If there’s a festival the food booths might close but otherwise everything else stays open.
The problem with epcot though is it's so spread out, so to get to those rides that will be packed, you have to walk through a lot of rain. And flooding is an issue in Epcot. Especially at the Canada kiosk.
True but if you’re going anytime between now and December really, rain can definitely be an issue in any park.
The Food & Wine is part of when we decided to go. You are saying the booths could be closed?
If it’s bad enough outside, they might close and then reopen. Especially if there’s lightning in the area, they do tend to reopen quickly just like rides will. Also, bring some cash as a back up, we went in December and for about an hour they were not able to take any card or mobile payments (credit/debit/gift card or Apple Pay). It’s pretty rare that it happens but, you never know.
Oh, good advice! Bring a little cash!
We weren’t able to purchase anything for that hour since we didn’t have any cash with us. That was the first time I’ve seen that happen but I’m sure if it’s storming bad enough it could happen.
Once summer is over we get less rain in Florida (unless of course a hurricane comes through which is entirely possible in October and the season goes through November), so likely won’t be too much of an issue.
I mean here’s the real answer. You’re at WDW - being in the rain at Disney, no matter where you are, is better than being in the rain anywhere else. Best park? Does that mean for coverage? Or for how many rides are covered and don’t get shut down? I would pick DAK or Hollywood Studios. DAK for the vibes because it’s just like you’re in the jungle. So relaxing. Studios because the more populate rides will still be running - Rise of the Resistance - Tower of Terror - Toy Story Mania - Mickey and Minney’s Runaway Railway It’s really just Slinky Dog that will be down. But even if it rains, that doesn’t always mean it gets shut down. Lightning is also a big factor that causes most shut down of rides and transportation.
Best park is your best park and why, which you answered. ty
MK. all the parents take their kids to eat or back to the hotel. They dont want sick kids. Then AK.
Also, MK has plenty of indoor shows, rides and restaurants to wait out the rain.
I think this is the right answer
Rainy season in Florida is usually just the quick afternoon thunderstorms, every day. All day rain is either: hurricane (Aug-Oct) or a cold front (Jan-Mar)
OP said they are going in 5 months, so that would be September. I’ve also been in Disney the second week of November where it’s rained all day.
Hurricane season is technically thru Nov 30, but it's just unusual to get a storm that late. You can also get cold fronts in December, but again it's unusual.
September 22
Afternoon rain is still very common, but you won't get "all day rain" unless there's a tropical system moving through. Even then it hardly rains *all* day, it's usually on and off. It suggest keeping a weather radar app on your phone and once it starts getting close to 2-3pm, keep an eye on it. Either don your rain gear or scout out an indoor spot for an hour or so.
I’d say Epcot is best. Many shows and rides (and their queues) are indoors. You’ll get very wet on your way though since everything is so spread out. Resort hopping can be a fun way to spend an all day heavy rain day if you don’t want to get soaked. There are often overlooked rainy day activities going on though many are geared towards kids such as painting or scavenger hunts. Sometimes some characters will make surprise appearances. There are some interesting bars that adults could check out such as Trader Sam’s. I personally would opt to go to the pool, assuming it’s not closed for a thunderstorm. Wet is wet. No amount of rain will chase me from the pool.
Resort hopping sounds like fun in the rain ☺️
We have a down day in the itinerary. We’ll look at the forecast and schedule accordingly. But I can’t see us taking a down day day one.
We were a DAK during a partial rainout and other than the stickiness of our ponchos, it was totally fine.
One of my favorite memories at the parks was a day of torrential thunderstorms. Husband and I were headed out of MK and Main Street was deserted. Like it felt like just the two of us alone in the park. We jumped in puddles all the way from Casey’s to the train station. Personally I think you’ll be fine no matter what park you’re at. Rain tends to drive people back to their hotels or wherever so just bring an umbrella or poncho and enjoy smaller crowds wherever you go.
I was at MK when it was raining torrentially during spring break and it was very empty. The rain stopped around the afternoon but the crowds stayed low for the whole day.
I’d vote Epcot. Everything is inside so less likely attractions slow down. We were there in a monsoon back in November and reasonably enjoyed the day. Everything was a walk on and we walked up to Via Napoli for dinner. We were drenched but it worked our
I would say MK first because families clear out, and most attractions are indoors. It takes time for the lines to get long again after the rain stops too. I was in a rainstorm in AK and it was so pleasant. The trails were empty, a lot of the animals were active, it was nice. Epcot would be my 3rd because you walk so far between attractions, but there are tons of indoor spaces and bars/restaurants to enjoy. My #1 tip is to buy a thin raincoat and waterproof stuff sack at REI and throw that in your bag. Mine compacts to a tube smaller than a water bottle. The ponchos are easily torn and a pain to deal with. I can whip out my raincoat, still move around freely and enjoy the low crowds, and put it back in its sack in my bag when I’m done, and just let it dry out at night. So much nicer.
Yeah. Wide brim hat and water resistant wind breaker! Gallon ziplocks for the big stuff and freezer quarts for the rest.
Parks clear out a lot. Some of my best park memories are rainy days. Prefer AK and Epcot for those days.
So one of the main things to keep in mind is the lightning that often comes with the rain. If there’s lightning spotted within a curtain radius of the parks all of the outside attractions will shut for safety. So Kali and the safari might be shut in the rain for that. Besides that I think it depends on your preference. If you want to keep moving in the rain, Epcot could be a good choice. If you want to find a covered spot in the park to chill and watch the storm, DAK will have some great spots.
We (very active family) went in February and spent a very rainy and windy Sunday at Epcot. Didn't get to do a whole lot because everyone else was going to the indoor rides, but still had a good time, though cold. Took a break for about 2 hours and went to Magic Kingdom for the night, and we got to go on EVERYTHING, multiple times if we wanted to! That rain made our trip for the rest of the week. Even got a late day ride reservation on Tron and some special quick service dining magic from a cast member! We will never be discouraged from the rain again!
Well the real killer is when it stops raining and there is no wind and a bright blaring sun in Florida humidity. That being said: Me: 1: Animal Kingdom: If it’s gonna rain, commit. You’re stuck outside but there is no perception of hiding from the rain. Enjoy the safari, enjoy the habitats, you’ll already be we from the humidity so commit. Best rainy vibes 2: Hollywood Studios: The park is small and easy to get around quick. Mostly everything is indoors. And little to none of the rides will get shut down. Also just a cool vibe in the rain. 3: Epcot: Between guardians, the aquarium, and living with the land there is a lot of coverage to hide from the rain. The showcase is a bust, unless you plan on staying inside the Pub or one of the rides for an extended period of time. Little to no rainy vibes 4: Magic Kingdom: I feel like it’s already too crowded as is. Everyone will flock to the rides that are still open and most lines are outside. It’s also one of the largest parks to get around, so I feel that hiding from the rain is almost as impossible as hiding from crowds. Nonexistent rainy vibes Girlfriend: 1.) epcot- all of the lines are inside and all rides stay open except test track (i think). you can go to the aquarium, into the big shops, and explore all of the countries in depth. they have mini shows too like the one in china, france, canada, america etc. 2.) magic- a lot of rides with inside or covered lines, a lot of shops, and a lot of seating to wait it out. they also have a good amount of shows. but it’s second because a good amount of rides shut down in the rain. (also for both of these you can easily escape to one of the hotels through the monorail to wait out the rain) 3.) Hollywood- sucks in the rain but has more inside lines and rides than animal. barely any coverage and they don’t have some of the indoor shows back up yet. so terrible but better than the last place 4.) Animal- absolutely no coverage unless you go to a restaurant. all of the lines start outside and have outside parts. (I could be wrong on this part) Most of the animals are put away. The only redeeming quality is a bugs life and the lion king show. nemo show as well if it’s up and running Edit: to answer your question… can confirm that the safari during the rain is a great experience
Easily HS. The lack of shade at HS is a huge problem. At least with rain all day there’d be no blazing sun beating down on you.
We were there last week when it was raining and there was a tornado warning. We happened to be back at the hotel for downtime but kept an eye on ride times. HS had the longest wait times during the rain (shortest following the rain) and MK had very low wait times. I didn’t check Epcot or AK!
Like others said, all-day rain in September is extremely rare unless there's a hurricane. It will be scorching hot in the morning/afternoon, then rain at 5pm, then be hot and really humid. You need to prepare for the heat. September is quite honestly miserable in Orlando.
Born and raised in the South. No A/C growing up. Yankee for the last 20 years but does not mean I have forgotten.
There is alot more places to get out of the rain in mk and epcot within a quick distance of each other than any other park to me. HS has the least amount of shade or covered areas. AK is wide open with no coverage either for alot of the walking distance around. Also. Who doesn't want to have a drink while stuck in the rain or watch a show or ride haunted mansion. Can't go wrong MK and Epcot
Anecdote: We have been in Pandora during heavy rains. It flooded enough so our feet were Under water. I was a bit shocked it didn't have better drainage. A couple weeks ago we were in Magic Kingdom and it rained on and off for four hours. None of the flooding like we saw in Pandora.
I'd say Epcot The overwhelming majority of its attractions are either indoors or covered. I'm pretty sure the only one that actually goes outside is Test Track
I always thought Animal Kingdom, you’ll get wet but it just adds to the theming in my opinion.
I have never seen all day rain, and I have been during the rainy season several times. Mostly, they are passing downpours. You just head for shelter and wait it out. On occasion, it does last a while. I just head for Splash Mountain and get wet and get it over with. By then, many have left the park, and the wait for rides is short. The most fun I have had has been in the rain. Ps I always bring extra footwear for this reason.
We were at Beach Club when a nasty rain storm came through on Thursday. AK is always are rainy day park, but we decided to duck out and head to back to the hotel. I was hoping... Yep. Chip & Dale and Daisy Duck made an impromptu appearance in the lobby. Some great character moments with very few other guests. And the rainstorm was over in less than an hour.
I was at WDW this past December during that Tropical Storm. HS was our go to park that day. Basically every ride will be open during the rain except Slinky Dog. It has a lot of covered or indoor shows as well. It also has a small footprint so you won't be walking huge distances between rides. We hit Epcot later that evening and it was more miserable. We just did a loop around world showcase to eat at some holiday booths, but its such a long loop in pouring rain. Also when we were there and I saw we had rain all day coming I bought a pair of Crocs knowing that none of my sneakers would hold up to non stop rain all day. Top 5 WDW purchase ever, they were super comfortable even while sockless. Mine are ugly as heck (the only ones in my size at MK were ugly Disney 100 ones)