Hey there, April!
Welcome back to planDisney. I'd be happy to help! While April showers are a standard springtime weather inconvenience, August showers are probably even more commonplace at
Walt Disney World Resort. I remember reading about many rainy Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates last summer, as hurricane season ramped up and sweltering summer temps were the afternoon standard in The Sunshine State. While I always pack a poncho and try to go with the flow, I can understand not wanting to sit through a 25-minute carriage ride in a downpour. Let's discuss your options!
Like other activities from the
Enchanting Extras Collection, guests can book a
Horse Drawn Carriage Ride at Disney's Port Orleans Resort- Riverside 60 days in advance. Though it's impossible to predict the weather that far out, you'll note that the listing says experiences may be canceled due to inclement weather. My family reserved
Horseback Riding at The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort earlier this year which had the same terms. The morning of our trail ride was overcast and we experienced a brief period of misty weather as we were out on the journey. Luckily, the weather didn't interfere with our plans and we were able to enjoy the full experience without delays or cancellations. However, my fellow
panelist Lauren M. was scheduled for the same experience a few days after us but received a phone call just as she was making her way to the meeting point with news of a weather-related cancellation.
I can't imagine that you'd be forced to enjoy a scenic carriage ride in a heavy downpour but I'd like to note that the guest seating area is covered. I'd recommend keeping an eye on the weather report leading up to your scheduled experience. Carriage Rides are subject to a 1-day cancellation, so you'll be able to change your mind and receive a refund as long as you cancel more than 24 hours in advance of your scheduled ride.
I took a look at the available time slots on August 12, and see that a few evening rides are still available to schedule. This might be the perfect time to enjoy a ride along the Sassagoula River, as the afternoon heat welcomes twilight. It sounds so magical, I may just go ahead and book the experience for my September visit!
April, I hope this puts you at ease. You are welcome to
contact a Cast Member by phone with more specific questions or concerns. I'm wishing you a most magical vacation, whatever you decide.
There’s magic in the air tonight, and anything can happen,
Amy