When it rains at Disney World, it pours. And this happens quite often. In fact, depending on the time of year you visit Disney World, you can expect a daily downpour. Summer is particularly notorious for inclement weather, but rain can strike at any time.
This article is meant to help sort out which rain gear essentials are best for your next Disney World vacation. You don’t necessarily need all of these items, but having them in your suitcase or park bag will at least give you peace of mind knowing your family will stay (relatively) dry when bad weather strikes.
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Umbrellas
The first rain gear essential many will think of when packing for Walt Disney World is an umbrella. I’m not particularly fond of umbrellas as a first choice for rain protection, mainly because they take up more room in your park bag than, say, a poncho. Large umbrellas can also be cumbersome when they’re out. If you’re going to pack an umbrella, make sure it’s as small and compact as possible.
One added benefit of umbrellas is that some double as a UV blocker when the sun is out. Make sure you look for one that lists that as a feature, as not all umbrellas are made this way.
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF DISNEY WORLD PARK BAG ESSENTIALS
Ponchos
My personal go-to rain gear essential when I visit Disney World is a poncho. I typically stock up on Amazon prior to my vacation and plan on each person in my party having a few ponchos each. That way, if one is needed, you can throw it away when you’re done and not have to worry about re-packing a drenched poncho in your bag. Buying ponchos ahead of your trip is the way to go, as Disney World charges an arm and a leg for their ponchos that they are banking on guests needing when it starts to rain.
Stroller Covers
If you’re traveling with a stroller, you may want to consider purchasing an inexpensive cover as protection from the rain. Most strollers are durable enough to get wet without any damage, but your strollers are probably doubling as storage for souvenirs and personal items you may not want to see get wet! Plus, nothing sounds worse than coming off a ride only to find a wet stroller seat for the kiddos.
Your stroller may have come with a rain cover when you purchased it, but if you need a replacement or a spare, there are plenty available on Amazon. Many of these covers are manufactured to fit numerous stroller models.
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST HARDSHELL SUITCASES TO BRING ON YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION.
Rain Jackets
You’ll always see me pack ponchos when I visit Disney World, no matter the time of year. However, in the winter months when it’s less likely to downpour, I’m probably throwing a rain jacket in my suitcase as well. For light rain days, a packable rain jacket with a hood is all you need. Make sure you look for ones that won’t take up much space in your luggage.
Quick-Dry Clothing
If rain is forecast for your vacation, you may want to consider planning your wardrobe around quick-dry clothes. There is a lot of athletic leisure clothing out there specifically designed to dry quickly, and these days you don’t have to sacrifice style in order to stay comfortable. Everything from t-shirts to shorts to pullovers should be included on your packing list, whether it’s raining or you’re expecting high temperatures.
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF CARRY-ON WEEKENDER BAGS PERFECT FOR YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION.
Waterproof Shoes
This category might be a little controversial depending on your stance when it comes to walking shoes at Disney World. You do a lot of walking on a Disney World vacation, so comfortable shoes are paramount. That said, soggy shoes can make or break a vacation (not to mention make you more prone to blisters, which would truly put a damper on things). Some folks prefer to wear sandals in the parks, while others are on team sneakers. Others find middle ground with shoes like Natives. No matter your preference, what you put on your feet is likely the most important clothing item regarding rainy weather. Plan accordingly!
Extra Clothes
In worst-case scenarios, even the most prepared traveler won’t have enough rain gear to protect from the occasional deluge in Central Florida. It’s always a good idea to have extra socks (no show…ankle…what are the kids wearing these days?) and an extra pair of shoes in your suitcase in the event that your feet get soaked in the rain. You do a lot of walking in Disney World, so it’s going to be of the utmost importance to always have a dry pair of shoes ready for the next day in the parks. You can always pack socks with you in your park bag as they don’t take up too much space.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL DISNEY WORLD PACKING LIST (WITH PRINTABLE PDF)
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