Hello from (mostly) sunny Florida, Tristan! Welcome to planDisney!
Your magical Walt Disney World Resort vacation is so close now, but don't let the forecast rain on your parade! Take it from a lifelong Floridian, daily summer thunderstorms are totally normal, and just a fact of life here in the "Sunshine" State. The usual pattern in Central Florida is hot and sunny in the morning, with storms moving through in the afternoon. By the evening, they're mostly gone.
Our afternoon rains shouldn't completely wash out your day, but you will want to be prepared for them. You might decide the afternoon is a good time to head back to your hotel for a break and to wait out the storms, but if you think you'd rather push through, a rainy day can be a positive in the parks!
Be sure you have some
rain gear you can slip into quickly (umbrellas are allowed in the parks, too!). I like a poncho because I can wear it over my backpack, but lots of my friends prefer a light rain jacket. You'll also want to think about shoes - can you wear open shoes, like Crocs or a sports sandal, so you're not walking around in wet socks and sneakers? If you have room, you might even want to drop a small towel into your bag to dry off a bit if you get really soaked.
Many outdoor attractions like
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad,
Test Track,
Slinky Dog Dash, and
Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain will likely close in heavy rain or if there's lightning in the area, so try to do those early in the day if you can. A late lunch or early dinner might be a good idea, too. The more you can do indoors in the afternoon, the better!
Tristan, your phone is a great resource during a summer day at Walt Disney World. First, be sure you have the
My Disney Experience app, which will let you know when any attractions are temporarily closed due to inclement weather. Also, I'd find a good weather app so you can check the radar frequently. It will be a big help if you can see a cell popping up so you know what to expect throughout the day. I recommend checking out the local TV stations to see if you like their apps. You'll get the best information on Central Florida weather warnings from professionals who report on it every day.
Your rainy days at Disney don't have to get you down, Tristan. Just be ready for whatever may come your way, and you'll be awash in the magic! Have a wonderful time on your vacation, and please come see us again if you have any more questions!
Keep Disney Dreaming,
Kathy K.