When you think of planning a trip to Disneyland Resort we're pretty sure that you don't think of dealing with rain. It doesn't rain in Southern California very often, but when it does it can pour down in a hurry. If you happen to be in Southern California on a Disney Vacation and rain appears in the forecast, don't fear! Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are open rain or shine and there is still plenty of fun to be had at the 'Happiest Place on Earth!'
Believe it or not, there are actually many good reasons to go to Disneyland during the rain. The crowds are usually down, the lines are short, and the photos opportunities are unique and beautiful. Many locals love it when it rains for exactly these reasons.
So whether it's a light drizzle or a full-blown El NiƱo storm...
Here's our best tips for surviving Disneyland Resort in the rain.
Dress Accordingly.
Layers. Extra Socks. Change of clothes (at least for kids.) Ponchos. Hoodies. Raincoats. Even trash bags. You can shop ahead of time (before your trip) to save money, but if the rain fall is unexpected rest assured that you can purchase all rainy day merchandise at the parks. Bring an umbrella. Especially if your little one has a Disney Umbrella, the photos with them holding them through out the park will be priceless. Then when the rain stops you can rent a locker to put all of the rainy day items in, so you don't have to carry them around the parks.
Grab a Hot Drink.
There are currently 3 Starbucks locations at Disneyland Resort, so take advantage of it and grab some coffee, tea, coco, vanillas or cider. Market House, Fidler Fifer and Practical Cafe, and Downtown Disney District by the Tram exit. Get warmed up from the inside out!
Visit an Art Gallery.
Inside the Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A. is an enchanting display of art and Disney history at the Disney Gallery . You never know what treasures you will find because there are seasonal exhibits showcasing artwork and renderings from Disney artists and Disney Imagineers.
Get a History Lesson.
Now would be the perfect time to see all of the attractions and shows that you might normally skip on a sunny day. There's plenty of dry seats at the Opera House at The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
Take in a Movie.
Step into the Main Street Cinema, to see six great Walt Disney cartoons starring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, and more! Check out these vintage black & whites that you've probably never seen before. There are no seats (standing room only) but it's still a great hiding place from the shower outside. Lights! Camera! Action!
Use the Force.
With the new Season of the Force in Tomorrowland there are many galactic ways to stay on the 'Dry Side' but none better then at Star Wars Launch Bay. Visit the Tomorrowland Theater to see Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, ride Star Tours - The Adventure Continues and Hyperspace Mountain.
Hang out with Super Heroes.
Head over to Marvel Super Hero HQ, (located directly above Star Wars Launch Bay) to meet your favorite heroes like Spider-Man and Thor, virtually suit up as Iron Man, and play video games. A super place to stay super dry!
Shoot lots of pictures.
When the ground gets wet there are beautiful opportunities to see reflections in the puddles. And nothing beats a stormy, moody sky as the perfect backdrop for the iconic castle or colorful balloons. You may want to bring a small towel to keep your lens dry, and also some small ziploc bags to protect your smartphone.
Catch a Show.
Want to sit down and take a break from the sprinkles while at Disneyland Park? There are many great shows that will keep you entertained and dry. See the Princesses in Fantasy Faire's Royal Theatre, listen to the Tiki Birds sing at Enchanted Tiki Room or The Golden Horse Shoe is always good for a laugh.
Talk to the Animals.
Swim into Turtle Talk with Crush and have the chance to interact in the most excellent way with the funny dude from Finding Nemo. This is a great 15 minute conversation perfect for staying dry, under the sea. It's located inside the Disney Animation Building in Disney California Adventure one of the driest places in the Park.
Learn to Draw.
Most people have no idea that you can actually take an art class taught by a Disney Artist at Disney California Adventure. Head over to the Animation Academy in Hollywood Land and learn how to draw some of your favorite Disney animated characters.
Watch out for Bugs.
Get out from the rain and crawl underground to see how the creepy, crawly things live. It's Tough To Be a Bug show is located inside "a bug's land" where you can become an honorary bug with your host Flik.
Soup it Up.
One of our favorite meals at Disneyland Resort when it is cold and wet (even when it's not) is soup in a bread bowl. There's nothing like the Clam Chowder, Gumbo, or Corn Chowder for a delicious meal at the Parks. We also recommend Walt's Chili or the Jambalaya. These hot soups and stews are sure to warm you up and fill you up when you need it most. These delicious soups are served at multiple places through out the parks, check out Disney Dining to see where to get yours.
Retail Therapy.
If all else fails... Go shopping! There is nothing that will take your mind off the bad weather more then going from store to store on Main Street, Buena Vista Street and even at Downtown Disney District. SO.MANY.SHOPS. Our favorite is probably the World of Disney, the biggest Disney Store of them all. Just think of all the early holiday shopping that you could get out of the way!
DISNEYLAND
These attractions are just perfect for escaping the rain.
Star Wars Launch Bay
Superhero HQ
Hyperspace Mountain (line partially outside)
Buzzlightyear Astro Blasters (line partially outside)
Buzzlightyear Astro Blasters (line partially outside)
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
it's a small world (line outside)
Mickey's Toontown Houses
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Indiana Jones Adventure
Pirates of the Caribbean (line partially outside)
Haunted Mansion (line outside)
These attractions should be avoided in the rain.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Mad Tea Party
Astro Orbitor
Astro Orbitor
Alice in Wonderland
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Storybook Land Boats
Gadget's Go Coaster
These attractions are just perfect for escaping the rain.
Red Car Trolley
Art of Animation
Art of Animation
Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!
Soarin' Over California
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Toy Story Midway Mania!
The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure
These attractions should be avoided in the rain.
California Screamin'
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Silly Symphony Swings
Mickey's Fun Wheel
Mickey's Fun Wheel
Golden Zephyr
Goofy's Sky School
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Of course, our idea on a rainy day would be to stay as dry as possible, but some may take the opposite approach. As in, what's the harm in riding the water rides especially if you are already wet and heading back to your hotel room? This just might be the perfect time to make a stop at Splash Mountain or Grizzly River Run. You'll probably be able to walk right on to either of them and that poncho you're wearing would sure come in handy!
We couldn't leave you to head out in the rain without giving up a secret location... The very best spot for hiding out and getting warm in the entire Disneyland Resort has got to be sitting on a rocking chair, in front of the fire, listening to the piano, inside the lobby of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Trust us, it's the perfect spot for drying off and warming up.
*Please keep in mind that any of the rides, attractions and shows may or may not be working. So plan accordingly and check to see which of your favorites are on the refurbishment list during your visit by visiting the Disneyland Resort website.
Disclosure: We were invited to Disneyland Resort as members of the media and gifted a bag of rainy day supplies. As always the opinions on this blog are 100% Disney Sisters and 100% magical. Thank you for reading our blog! We appreciate you!