A little while ago, a friend and I were hanging out at my place on a rainy day. I told them how fun it would be to be at Disneyland while raining. This friend doesn’t work for Disney and isn’t as immersed in the magic as I am.

“What’s it like when it’s raining?” They asked curiously.

“Oh!” I exclaimed excitedly, “Let me share all about it!”

This conversation and the recent rainstorms we’ve had in California prompted this mini survival guide to brave Disneyland in the rain.

Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list, just my personal tips and tricks for making the most of your Disney day. Some methods and tips may work and make sense for some, but may not work for others. Also, these tips may not apply so great to Walt Disney World in Florida, since their weather patterns differ from California’s Mediterranean-like climate.

What to Expect

Rain, lol.

Okay, but seriously, no matter how prepared you are, and how bundled up and protected you may feel from the rain, you will end up cold and wet by the end of the day. And that’s okay! If you’re okay with that. Everyone around you will be cold and wet, too. You’re all in this together :).

It can be a lot of fun at the parks when raining. There are not that many people walking around, the attraction wait times are low (generally), and there’s a certain magic in the air you feel when you’re freely walking around and splashing in the puddles.

Some people specifically flock to the parks as soon as they hear that it is going to rain at Disneyland. They know the wait times will be low.

When it’s storming at Disney, however, I advise you to stay away. A downpour of rain, strong wind, and freezing temperatures are not fun when you’re walking around outside for hours. In times of inclement weather, the parks may close early as well.

Attractions

Some attractions will be shut down due to the rain as well, such as the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland. These attractions are shut down for Cast Members’ and Guests’ safety. Please remember that this was not intentionally done to ruin vacations, but out of necessity to keep everyone safe. Cast Members are not to blame for closed attractions and canceled entertainment. (We don’t get mad at Cast Members on this blog!! Thank you to my friend Alyssa for this reminder!).

Remember that Cast Members are out in the rain, too, and can’t easily escape to an indoor store or attraction like Guests can. Spreading kindness is free.

Indoor attractions such as “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and the Animation Academy are great places to stay dry and wait out the rain. Be mindful, though, that they will be busy as others try to escape the rain as well.

The "it's a small world" attraction at Disneyland park fascade against a grey, dark, and gloomy rainy day

What to Bring

Backpack

This is a no-brainer, but I suggest you bring a backpack (or belt bag, purse, etc.) to hold everything you need for the day. A waterproof backpack is ideal, but just a regular one you already own is fine. Expect the backpack to get wet, even if you have an umbrella. Consider bringing a plastic ziplock back or reusable bag to store any electrical cords, portable batteries, and your phone to prevent them from getting wet inside your backpack.

If you end up bringing a lot to the parks and don’t want to carry it all, you can drop off your things at a locker rental. These are located in the Esplanade (the open space between the two parks) and inside both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Poncho or Rain Jacket

Whichever you prefer to wear in the rain, ponchos or rain jackets are a must for rainy weather. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I think a poncho feels more Disney and matches what everyone else is wearing, however, a rain jacket is a bit more practical, especially if you plan to reach into your backpack a lot.

I wore a Disney poncho when a sudden storm arrived during my recent visit to Walt Disney World, and I never felt happier to be caught in the rain. I felt like I was a real tourist as I was experiencing my first subtropical rainfall.

Disney sells ponchos (with Mickey on them!), but you can easily get a cheaper one at your local Target or Walmart before your trip.

Umbrella

Another obvious one, but it deserves to be on the list nonetheless. An umbrella is necessary to stay dry, but be mindful of other people around you if you’re holding an especially big one. It’s also good to have a plastic bag on hand to store the umbrella in when not in use.

Rain Boots

While exploring an empty Disneyland in the rain may be fun, the quickest way to dampen (pun intended) that fun is by getting your socks and shoes all wet. They will stay wet the rest of the day, trust me. To avoid this, I recommend wearing rain boots. Ankle-length boots may be more practical, but you will stay more dry if you wear knee-length boots.

Pro-tip: add insoles to your rain boots for added comfort and cushion all day long.

Extra Socks

In those instances where your socks do get wet, I recommend bringing an extra pair or two with you. Socks are also good to have on hand at Disneyland even when it’s not raining, to change into if you get soaked on water attractions.

Gloves, Beanies, & Scarves

The holiest trinity on the coldest, rainiest of days. As mentioned before, it will be cold while raining at Disney. Extra layers for warmth are recommended, such as gloves, beanies, and scarves. I prefer fingerless gloves so I can still use my phone without having to take off the entire glove.

Lip balm

Lip balm is a MUST for me in rain and cold (and in every other weather, tbh). The last thing you want is chapped, dry lips while battling against rain and wind. I pack it in an easy-to-reach zipper pocket or my jeans pocket.

Disney sells lip balm behind the counters at most retail locations. Just ask the cashier if they have any in stock!

Eyeglass Cleaning Cloth

As an eyeglass wearer, my glasses get fogged up and smudgy so easily in the rain. I keep a portable cleaning cloth connected to my house keys with a keyring that I can easily find in my backpack. When I am wearing a hoodie, mask, and umbrella, I’m entering fog city. The cleaning cloth within easy reach saves my life every time.

Hand Warmers

As I’m sure many Cast Members will agree with me, hand warmers are a lifesaver on a chilly day. If you end up waiting in an outdoor queue for what feels like forever in the rain, hand warmers will provide some comfort and heat in that cold, harsh time.

Bonus: Stroller Cover

I added this as a bonus tip because I do not have children and don’t have more specific tips to aid parents. Stroller covers ensure your child remains dry inside the stroller so you can continue walking in the rain worry-free. I’ve seen lots of parents with stroller covers on in the parks and it seems like such a smart idea.

Did I miss anything on this list? What are you bringing to your next rainy-day Disneyland trip?

Until next time we gather, friends!

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Feb 22 How to Survive Rainy Days at Disneyland