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Imagine this: you’ve been dreaming of your magical Disney World vacation for months. You’ve got your Mickey ears ready, your itinerary planned, and your excitement is through the roof. But then, just as you’re about to step into the exciting world of Disney, the sky darkens and the rain starts pouring down.
With this guide, you’ll be able to navigate Disney World with ease, even on the rainiest of days. We’ll provide a detailed overview of each theme park and rank them based on their suitability for rainy weather. By following our recommendations, you can ensure that your magical moments continue uninterrupted, no matter what the forecast holds.
What is the Best Disney World Theme Park for a Rainy Day?
If you’re deciding what Disney World theme park to go to during your visit and the forecast calls for heavy rain throughout the day, we highly recommend Epcot. Not only does it have mostly indoor attractions, but most of Epcot’s experiences take place indoors, such as exploring the pavilions in World Showcase.
If you’ve already been to Epcot, Hollywood Studios is another great pick. With only one outdoor ride that closes during a thunderstorm, you’ll have lots to do even on the rainiest of days at Hollywood Studios.
We also recommend Magic Kingdom as a solid pick for a rainy-day park. While it definitely has more outdoor rides than Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom is quite large. So you’ll still have lots to ride and explore in each area.
Lastly, we do not recommend going to Animal Kingdom on a day with lots of rain. We’d only suggest this if Animal Kingdom is last on your theme park itinerary. This is because the draw of Animal Kingdom comes from its lush vibrant oasis and exploration of the natural world. If most of your time is going to be spent inside, you’re missing a huge aspect of this incredible theme park.
Here is a table summarizing the priority of each park during rainy days:
| Theme Park | Priority |
| Epcot | 1 |
| Hollywood Studios | 2 |
| Magic Kingdom | 3 |
| Animal Kingdom | 4 |
Epcot on a Rainy Day
Epcot offers a good mix of indoor attractions spread across its different areas, with a particular concentration in the front of the park (World Celebration, Discovery and Nature). The World Showcase also has some key indoor attractions in certain country pavilions. This makes Epcot a solid choice for escaping inclement weather while still being able to enjoy much of what the park has to offer.
World Celebration
- Spaceship Earth
World Discovery
- Mission: SPACE
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (virtual queue only)
World Nature
- The Land Pavilion
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Living with the Land
- Awesome Planet
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Turtle Talk with Crush
- Journey into Imagination with Figment
World Showcase
- Frozen Ever After (Norway)
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (Mexico)
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (France)
- Impressions de France (France)
- The American Adventure (America)
| Area | Attraction |
|---|---|
| World Celebration | Spaceship Earth |
| World Discovery | Mission: SPACE, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind |
| World Nature | Soarin’ Around the World, Living with the Land, Awesome Planet, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, Journey into Imagination with Figment |
| World Showcase | Frozen Ever After (Norway), Gran Fiesta Tour (Mexico), Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (France), Impressions de France (France), The American Adventure (America), Meet Anna and Elsa (Norway) |
As you can see, almost every single attraction in Epcot is indoor! That means you can come to Epcot even on rainy days and have a great time.
Hollywood Studios on a Rainy Day
Hollywood Studios offers a good variety of indoor attractions across its lands, with a particular concentration in Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard, and the Theater District. Many of the park’s headliner attractions like Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Tower of Terror are fully indoor experiences. The park also features several indoor shows and meet-and-greets to enjoy. With this mix, guests can find respite from the elements while still experiencing the best the park has to offer.
Here is a comprehensive list of indoor attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Hollywood Boulevard
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Mickey Shorts Theater
Echo Lake
- Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
Grand Avenue
- Muppet*Vision 3D
Toy Story Land
- Toy Story Mania!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Sunset Boulevard
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
- Walt Disney Presents
Animation Courtyard
- Star Wars Launch Bay
- Disney Junior Dance Party!
Theater District
- Beauty & the Beast – Live on Stage
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
| Area | Attraction |
|---|---|
| Hollywood Boulevard | Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Mickey Shorts Theater |
| Echo Lake | Star Tours, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular |
| Grand Avenue | Muppet*Vision 3D |
| Toy Story Land | Toy Story Mania |
| Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance |
| Sunset Boulevard | Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, Walt Disney Presents |
| Animation Courtyard | Star Wars Launch Bay, Disney Junior Dance Party |
| Theater District | Beauty & the Beast – Live on Stage, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration |
The best part of Hollywood Studios is that it only has one outdoor attraction that closes due to rain: Slinky Dog Dash! So if the forecast is calling for a lot of rain for the day, our second pick is to go to Hollywood Studios.
Magic Kingdom on a Rainy Day
With the sporadic Florida weather, Disney World can get rainy, but that’s no reason to worry. Magic Kingdom has lots of fun for families even on wet days. Many outside rides might close when it’s raining hard, but there’s still a lot to do inside. This makes it great for all types of weather.
Here is a comprehensive list of indoor attractions at Magic Kingdom, categorized by land:
Main Street, U.S.A.
- Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theatre
- Shopping in the Emporium
Adventureland
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Frontierland
- Country Bear Jamboree* (this attraction is closed for refurbishment until the summer of 2024)
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
- Hall of Presidents
Fantasyland
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- it’s a small world
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Princess Fairytale Hall character meet & greet
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Meeting Ariel at her Grotto
- Pete’s Silly Sideshow character meet & greet
Tomorrowland
- Space Mountain
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
| Land | Attraction |
|---|---|
| Main Street, U.S.A. | Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theatre, Shopping in the Emporium |
| Adventureland | Pirates of the Caribbean, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room |
| Frontierland | Country Bear Jamboree |
| Liberty Square | Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents |
| Fantasyland | Peter Pan’s Flight, it’s a small world, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Princess Fairytale Hall, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, Meeting Ariel at her Grotto, Pete’s Silly Sideshow |
| Tomorrowland | Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover |
Magic Kingdom offers a wide variety of indoor attractions across all its lands, ranging from classic dark rides, audio-animatronic shows, and meet-and-greets, to thrilling coasters like Space Mountain. These provide a welcome escape from the Florida heat and rain. That means Magic Kingdom is our third choice if the forecast is calling for storm clouds.
Animal Kingdom on a Rainy Day
While Animal Kingdom has fewer indoor rides compared to other Disney parks, there are still several attractions, shows, exhibits, dining, and shopping options to enjoy during inclement weather. Many outdoor attractions also have covered queues to provide some protection from the elements. With a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences, visitors can still have an enjoyable time at Animal Kingdom even on a rainy day.
Here is a comprehensive list of indoor attractions and activities at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
Discovery Island
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Africa
- Festival of the Lion King show (covered outdoor theater)
- Dawa Bar (covered outdoor seating)
Asia
- Maharajah Jungle Trek (partially covered walking trail)
- Feathered Friends in Flight (covered outdoor theater)
- Expedition Everest
DinoLand U.S.A.
- DINOSAUR
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! show (indoor theater)
Pandora – The World of Avatar
- Avatar Flight of Passage (indoor queue)
- Na’vi River Journey
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
- Wildlife Express Train (covered train ride to the area)
- Conservation Station (indoor exhibits)
Other Indoor Activities
- Shopping at various gift shops throughout the park
- Dining at quick-service and table-service restaurants with indoor seating like Flame Tree Barbecue, Satu’li Canteen, Restaurantosaurus, Tiffins Restaurant, and Yak & Yeti Restaurant
- Nomad Lounge (indoor bar and lounge)
| Area | Attraction |
|---|---|
| Discovery Island | It’s Tough to be a Bug! |
| Africa | Festival of the Lion King (covered outdoor theater), Dawa Bar (covered outdoor seating) |
| Asia | Maharajah Jungle Trek (partially covered), Feathered Friends in Flight (covered outdoor theater) |
| DinoLand U.S.A. | DINOSAUR, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond (covered outdoor theater) |
| Pandora | Avatar Flight of Passage (indoor queue), Na’vi River Journey |
| Rafiki’s Planet Watch | Wildlife Express Train (covered), Conservation Station (indoor exhibits), Affection Section (covered petting zoo) |
As you can probably tell, Animal Kingdom is by far the worst park to go to when the forecast is wet. Not only is the flagship attraction Kilimanjaro Safaris closed for the safety of the animals, but part of the thrill of this park is exploring the outdoors. We only recommend going to this park on a rainy day if it’s the last park on your list.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s unpredictable tropical weather means that rain is almost inevitable during your Disney World vacation. However, most showers are brief, lasting around 30 minutes or less. If the forecast calls for heavy rain during your stay, don’t let it dampen your spirits!
By familiarizing yourself with the indoor attractions at each Disney World park, you can make informed decisions about which parks to prioritize on rainy days.
Remember, a little preparation and flexibility can go a long way in adding to your magical and memorable Disney World stay. So, add ponchos to your packing list, check the forecast, and get ready to have fun, rain or shine! Most importantly, prioritize your safety and well-being while making the most of your journey through the Disney parks.
FAQ
If you still have questions about what the best Disney World park is for a rainy day, check out our FAQ section below for all you need to know.
What is the best Disney World theme park for when it rains all day?
The best choice on rainy days is Epcot. It has many indoor places to stay dry. A visit there can keep you comfortable even if it pours.
What should I pack for a rainy day at Disney World?
Pack rain gear like ponchos, umbrellas, and waterproof shoes. Bring extra socks and clothes in case you get wet. Don’t forget to protect your electronics with waterproof cases or plastic bags.
Do the parks offer any special rainy-day activities or entertainment?
Sometimes, Disney World theme parks may offer special indoor entertainment or character meet-and-greets during rainy weather. Check the My Disney Experience app or ask a Cast Member for any special rainy day offerings.
Are there any discounts or special offers for visiting on a rainy day?
While Disney World does not typically offer discounts specifically for rainy days, you can still take advantage of any ongoing promotions or deals. Keep an eye out for special offers on dining or merchandise that can help you make the most of your rainy day visit.
How can I stay comfortable while exploring the parks in the rain?
Wear quick-drying, breathable clothing to stay comfortable in humid weather. Consider bringing a small towel to dry off after rides or when entering indoor attractions. Take breaks in indoor locations like restaurants or shops to cool off and recharge.
Will outdoor shows and parades still happen during the rain?
Disney often cancels outdoor shows and parades like the Festival of Fantasy Parade when it’s raining. If the forecast is grim, prioritize the outdoor shows on your list.
Can I get a refund or reschedule my tickets if it rains all day?
Disney World tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled due to weather conditions. However, if a significant portion of the park’s attractions are closed due to severe weather, Disney may offer ticket holders the option to visit another day. Check with Guest Services for more information on their weather policies.
