HOW to NAVIGATE the DISNEY PARKS in the RAIN

Photo Credit: thisfairytalelife.com

One of the most exciting times to go to Disneyland is when it's raining. Nothing excites me more than when the weatherman on the news says, “Brace for rain this weekend.” The first thing that comes to my mind is “I’m going to Disneyland!!” Now, I have to say, this isn’t for everyone. There are Pros and Cons to going to Disneyland in the rain. Some of the pros are the crowds are definitely smaller which means the queues for the rides and attractions are shorter and the park is almost empty. If you’re a SoCal resident, I know sometimes, the sunny weather and heat gets old and takes its toll. So, when it rains, we definitely take advantage of being outside and getting “knee deep” in the puddles and wet. Now it doesn’t rain a lot in Southern California but when it does, SoCal residents get super excited about dressing warm, having coffee or hot cocoa and enjoying the “Happiest Place on Earth."

Photo Credit: Disneyaddicts.com

BE PREPARED TO GET WET

Your attitude will determine if you have a great time or a bad time. You know you’re gonna get wet, so just go with it. You’re gonna be at Disneyland, make it fun and enjoy the day. As I always say, “A rainy day at Disneyland is always better than a normal day at work.”

CHECK YOUR WEATHER APP

Weather is finicky in Southern California. It could be cold and cloudy in the morning and you could be having heat stroke by mid-afternoon then back to freezing and rainy in the evening. Always check your app of choice and dress accordingly!

RAIN - FRIEND OR FOE

There are two kinds of people in this world - Those who love rain and those who hate it. Those who love rain will always see the fun and adventure awaiting around every corner and they don’t mind getting wet. Those who hate will do whatever it takes to not be outside at all and will avoid being outside no matter what.

WHAT KIND OF RAINY DAY IS IT? IS IT A LIGHT RAIN OR A DOWNPOUR?

If the weatherman (or the app) says it will rain all day, you may want to heed this warning and bring rain gear, like a raincoat, rain pants and waterproof boots. Some people will wear just a waterproof shell, warm pants and rain boots. If it’s a light rain, a hoodie will suffice, maybe a cap to keep the raindrops or mist from your eyes, maybe an umbrella, but you usually won’t need an umbrella.

Photo Credit: Mousewait.com

UMBRELLA OR RAIN GEAR

Some people are pretty choosy about how they stay (somewhat) dry while at Disneyland in the rain. Some people like using umbrellas to keep themselves dry because they don’t like feeling that they have too many clothes on. Some people opt out of bringing the umbrella because they don’t like holding too many things while enjoying the park. For a long time, I hated using an umbrella at the park because I hated how some guests were inconsiderate about their umbrellas poking me in the face and it blocks the view when walking around the park. I always opt for my runDisney waterproof jacket and a hoodie. But lately, I haven’t minded using an umbrella and I find it easier to carry at times when I bring a backpack.

BAG OR NO BAG

This question is always on my mind when I go to Disneyland whether it’s raining or not. Do I want to make it simple and just carry what I need, or should I bring a bag/backpack and carry everything with me? When I don’t bring a bag/backpack, I almost always budget for a locker, unless it's cold and I may not have to take my hoodie off. Like I said above, the weather in SoCal is always ever changing. It’s always a good idea to bring a waterproof bag or a backpack because that way, you can store your belongings with you, save money on the locker and have a place to store your new merchandise that you bought that day…Oh come on, you always buy merch!!

Photo Credit: Themomedit.com

THE SHOES WILL MAKE YOU OR BREAK YOU

I’ve been in the rain in Vans and Leather Nikes and I can tell you in all honesty, I hate it when my feet are wet when walking around Disneyland in the rain. Sloshing around in wet feet isn’t comfortable and will leave your feet blistery at the end of the day. I have a pair of white leather Nikes that I wear to Disneyland in the rain. They’re comfortable, non-slip and they have kept my feet dry for the past 6 years. You can opt for rain boots, water-proof hiking boots, maybe even flip-flops or sandals just make sure their comfortable for all the walking you’ll be doing. The more comfortable and dry your shoes are, the longer you’ll last in the park.

LAYER IT UP

Dress in layers!! You’ve heard it all before, especially living in SoCal. Peel clothes off as it gets warmer and add more layers if you’re cold…I mean, it’s that simple. Add a waterproof layer when it rains, on your body, head and feet. Bring an umbrella if that suits you better.

Photo Credit: Campanda.com

IN THE CAR AT THE END OF THE DAY

At the end of your lovely rainy day at Disneyland, make sure you leave a bag full of dry warm clothes in your car. Extra socks, comfy shoes, dry shirt and hoodie…maybe even a pair of sweats or yoga pants. Trust me…change in your car…maybe even bring that Disney blanket with you…you know…the one that you bought at Walt Disney World…The EPCOT one that you haven’t used in a few months…The drive home will be that much more comfortable and almost bearable.

Edited by: Ryder Lazo