Originally Posted By familyguy I leave for Disneyland today and there is rain forecasted for like 3 days while we're there. Never been to Disneyland for this much expected rain. Now, although I know how wrong the weatherman can be, I'd still a little bummed and I'd like to get some encouragement from you guys about how to enjoy a rainy day at the parks. I'm assuming it will keep the crowds a bit lower than they may normally be. Any tips that might help??
Originally Posted By gadzuux Get there early. Because if it rains hard enough long enough, they'll close early. For my sensibilities, skip the ponchos, and forget about umbrellas. Although a hat is a big help. Resign yourself to getting wet. I'm sure other people will tell you differently, but my attitude is you won't melt in the rain - you'll just get wet. Attractions that allow guests to come and go as they please - 'animation exhibit' and 'innoventions' would be good places to duck in for some cover. Most attractions push you out the door at the end, so they don't offer as much help. And finally - attitude is everything. You're in disneyland and it's easy to have fun there - if you want.
Originally Posted By mhartman47 I would agree with gadzuux. I will also be there this coming weekend. I am packing extra socks in case my feet get soaked and bringing a good rain jacket. I tend to get cold easily and want to stay as warm as possible.
Originally Posted By darcy-becker Definitely be prepared for wet feet. I got my feet all wet on Grizzly on my last trip and ended up with blisters.
Originally Posted By DlandDug I agree on skipping mass rain gear, but I really don't like getting all wet, so I bring a compact umbrella. Rain keeps a lot of the locals away, so that's a mercy. The best of the "signature" attractions are indoors, and should be operating. You may have to miss a few attractions that operate outdoors. If it does get miserably wet, head over to the lobby of the Grand Californian. There's a charming inglenook with a roaring fire, or the fireplace off the Hearthstone Lounge. Hot drinks and snacks do a lot for reviving flagging spirits!
Originally Posted By Dabob2 A few years ago when I was there it rained in the morning, but cleared up by noon, and because the report had called for rain all day, surprisingly (but blissfully), the park remained remarkably uncrowded even after the rain stopped. What was weird was that it was raining pretty good when we went into the Tiki Room (which seemed a good place for a 20 minute respite). They did the "rain storm" effect as always... and then stepping outside it was just STOPPING raining. It was one of those "only in DL, isn't this weird but cool?" moments.
Originally Posted By Bellella Once upon a time, I visited D-land during a torrential rainstorm in March. I made sure to bundle up, and I had to buy one of those little ponchos. Jungle Book, Autopia, Alice in Wonderland, and the Teacups were all closed due to the downpour, but basically, most of the rides were open, and my family and I had the park almost to ourselves. I got soaked on the Matterhorn, but it was still worth it. Going on Small World was great (nice and warm inside!) During a break in the rain late at night, I went on Splash Mountain. (Oh, yes I did.) My advice to you would be to make sure you have a place where you can dry off and change clothes mid-day. If you have a motorhome, great. But expect few crowds and a few rides unopened.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros It's probably too late now, but I would recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes if you'll be there for more than 1 day. When I was in WDW last spring, it rained over 24" in my 10 day trip (yes, that's 2 feet!), and the only thing that kept me going was having dry shoes each morning, because that pair had sat in the hotel drying out the day before. There's nothing worse than starting off your day with wet feet, so avoid it at all costs. I really don't recommend anything other than tennis shoes for the parks, but Crocs and flip-flops do tend to dry faster, if you're in a pinch!
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Crocs are excellent on a rainy day. True your tootsies won't be warm and cozy, but you also won't be sloshing in a shoe that's hard to keep dry.
Originally Posted By DBitz2 >>A few years ago when I was there it rained in the morning, but cleared up by noon, and because the report had called for rain all day, surprisingly (but blissfully), the park remained remarkably uncrowded even after the rain stopped.<< I wouldn't count on that now. If it clears up mid-day, there'll be a flood (pun intended) of people coming in. That's been my experience. If it is only light intermittent showers, it may not keep people away as much as you'd think. I was there one day in October when it rained in the morning. So, I thought, "Oh, it's going to be a nice, light crowds day.". Wrong! Once it stopped raining, the crowds poured in. But, still, it could make the crowds lighter than normal if it rains as predicted. I was looking at some old video that I shot on rainy days back in the 1990's during the El Nino's when a lot of my visits were on rainy days and was remembering how fun it was.
Originally Posted By Mickeyfan1 One other thing to remember concerning the Christmas Parade. Keep an eye on the weather and if it's clear see that parade and don't wait. If it is raining the will of course cancel the parade, however even if it's cloudy and threating rain, but it's dry they usually go ahead with the parade.
