Tips for Fun in WDW's Magic Kingdom During a Rainy Day

B. Hopkins
If it rains on the one day your family plans to visit Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, there is no need to be a gloomy Eeyore. Despite clouds and downpours, visitors to the Magic Kingdom can still spend an entire day immersed in Disney magic, including all the favorite rides, shows, and attractions and of course meeting the world's most famous Mouse.

When the Florida skies look like something Ursula the Sea Witch conjured, your visit to the Magic Kingdom is not doomed even if you forgot to pack rain-gear. When you enter the park, take a minute to stop at the Magic Kingdom's City Hall. It is the first building on your left as you enter Main Street U.S.A. and is marked number one on your park map. City Hall houses Guest Relations, Lost and Found, and is a center of Information.

At City Hall you will be able find out which rides may not be running due to rain, where the characters will be and at what times, and any other important park information. According to the Walt Disney World Reservation Specialists, activities including the afternoon parade will still be performed despite rainfall. They are only canceled during violent or extremely inclement weather.

When the weather forecast predicts an entire day of showers and you do not have any rain-gear, a quick trip into Mickey's Star Traders on Main Street U.S.A. can help. Disney ponchos are usually available in adult and kids' sizes, have a hood, and are less of a hassle when compared to umbrellas. To manage umbrellas and children while trying to capture each Disney moment, Mom and Dad would need more magic than Mary Poppins.

A rainy day in the Magic Kingdom can mean fewer crowds and shorter lines for favorite attractions. The Magic Kingdom is divided into six theme areas not including Main Street U.S.A. Each area has one or more attractions and rides that are not affected by rainy weather. Working your way counter-clockwise around the park, you can enjoy several rides and attractions.

Adventureland

Indoor or covered rides/attractions: The Pirates of the Caribbean, The Enchanted Tiki Room, and, the Jungle Cruise.

Frontierland

Indoor rides/attractions: Country Bear Jamboree. The Walt Disney Railroad is a covered ride that can be enjoyed during a rainy day. Splash Mountain is also located in Frontierland and although it is not an indoor ride, it is a water ride. If you're already damp from rain, why not enjoy the thrill of plunging five stories into Brer Rabbit's Laughin' Place?

Liberty Square

Indoor rides/attractions: The Hall of Presidents and The Haunted Mansion.

Fantasyland

Indoor or covered rides/attractions: Peter Pan's Flight, "it's a small world", Mickey's PhilharMagic, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Cinderella's Golden Carousel, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and the Mad Tea Party.

Mickey's Toontown Fair

Indoor attractions: Mickey's and Minnie's Country Houses, The Toontown Hall of Fame Tent, and The Judges Tent. Characters are still available for meet and greets in Toontown during a rainy day.

Tomorrowland

Indoor or covered rides/attractions: Space Mountain, Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Stitch's Great Escape!, and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.

Because most of the queue areas for the rides and attractions are covered, you will stay protected from the rain. Some waiting areas are entirely indoors like Mickey's PhilharMagic, The Hall of Presidents, Space Mountain, and The Pirates of the Caribbean. Not only can you stay dry on rainy days, but they are air conditioned on hot days.

When the raindrops subside, remember to use caution when sitting down in rides that have outdoor seating like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. To avoid a wet seat, use your poncho to wipe the rain away.

During heavier periods of rain, visitors to the Magic Kingdom can enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the many themed restaurants located throughout the park. At The Crystal Palace on Main Street U.S.A., your family can dine with Disney characters at a breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet all while avoiding the rain.

A little rain never stops the souvenir hunter. Many of the shops along Main Street are interconnected so you can move from store to store without letting a drop of rain dampen your spirits or packages. Souvenir shops are also located directly at the exit of rides like The Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain. Any Pirates' fan will be able to spend a significant time happily avoiding the wet weather while searching for booty.

Photo opportunities are still numerous during a rainy day at the Magic Kingdom. The Cast Member photographers will take your picture in front of the castle and Mickey and his friends will still be hanging out in Toontown Fair. If you decided to pass on a wet walk through the Swiss Family Treehouse, purchase an official Disney postcard of the attraction to add to your vacation scrapbook.

A rainy day in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom can be just as magical as one filled with sunshine. Any day in the Magic Kingdom is a happy day and the place "where dreams come true."

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