Rainy days at Disneyland and California Adventure are some of my favorites. I know this sounds a little crazy, but when I see that the forecast is cloudy with rain I get extra excited about going to the park. It is a different Disney experience when it’s cloudy and raining. One of the best perks about going on these days is the park is usually less crowded. One of the downsides of a rainy day is some of the rides close if it’s raining too hard. Below I have included what you can expect during a rainy day and my tips on how to enjoy this fun experience.
Items to Make Sure You Have With You
I have learned after getting caught in unexpected rainstorms to make sure to always take certain items into the parks everyday. Always make sure to take a raincoat or a poncho into the park with you. There have been times when the weather forecast did not say anything about rain then I get caught in a rainstorm and my clothes get soaked. My family and I always laugh and make the best of it when this happens. But we have started always taking our raincoats into the parks with us. If you don’t want to carry around your raincoat or poncho all day Disneyland and California Adventure both have lockers that you can rent for the day. The problem with this is the lockers are towards the front of both parks so you will have to walk in the rain to get your coat or poncho. I personally recommend taking a backpack to put your raincoats or ponchos in so they are with you if it starts to rain. You are also able to take an umbrella into the parks with you to help you stay dry in a rain storm.
Perks of Rainy Days
Lower Crowds
One of the biggest perks of going to the Disneyland Resort parks on a rainy day is
the crowds are usually lighter. A lot of times locals and even people from out of town will change their plans and do something else on a rainy day. This makes lines for attractions shorter and the over all crowds less. You will be able to get a lot done and have a fun day in the rain.
Watch Indoor and Covered Shows
Disneyland and California Adventure both have indoor and covered shows. During the rain is the perfect time to see these shows. It will get you out of the wet and cold and will give your feet a rest.
Go Shopping
If you enjoy shopping, during a rainstorm is a great time to check out the stores in the parks. This will give you time out of the rain and you will be able to get some of your shopping done with hopefully lower crowds.
Ride Water Attractions
This might sound a little strange, but one of my favorite things to do in the rain is
ride water attractions. I usually wait until I’m about to head back to the hotel then I ride one of the water rides. I figure I am already wet from the rain so why not get more wet from the attraction. It’s also great because I usually have on a raincoat or poncho so not all of my clothes get wet. This also creates a fun memory with your group.
Fun Memories
Enjoying the parks in the rain creates some super fun memories. Riding the open outdoor attractions is a lot of fun and is a different experience. You get wet on rides you usually don't get wet on. My family and I laugh a lot when we are get sprayed by water while on a ride. The pictures are also so much fun. After being at the parks in the rain we always come away with funny stories and great memories.
Downside of Rainy Days
What Attractions Close When it’s Raining
Some of the attractions at Disneyland and California Adventure close when it is raining. Here is a list for both parks of attractions that could be closed during the rain.
Disneyland
Alice in Wonderland
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
Chip 'n' Dale's GADGETcoaster
The Mad Tea Party
Pirate’s Lair
Storybook Land Canal Boats
California Adventure
Golden Zephyr
Goofy’s Sky School
Jumpin’ Jellyfish
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
If the the weather is too bad, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mark Twain Riverboat, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Astro Orbitor might be closed as well.
Shows Canceled
One of the biggest downsides to a rainy day is the parades and not covered shows might be canceled. If it is a light rain storm that doesn't last long some of the shows will continue to run. However, if it's heavy rain and windy the outdoor shows will usually be canceled. The firework show is one that gets canceled if the wind alone is to bad. The last time I was at the parks, it had been raining really hard then it let up just in time for World of Color to still happen. So, it all depends on the amount of rain and wind if the shows will be able to happen. Be sure to check the Disneyland App for updates on the shows.
Less Characters to Meet
Another downside to the rain at Disneyland is meeting some of the characters either changes location or is canceled all together. If it is raining too hard, the characters might not be walking around the parks like they usually do. There are times you will see characters walking around in the rain with an umbrella. Also, any scheduled outside meet and greets with characters will usually be canceled or they are moved inside. There are usually still many characters to meet who have indoor meet and greets. Check your Disneyland App or ask a Cast Member about which characters you are still able to meet.
Even though there are some downsides to a rainy day at Disneyland and California Adventure it definitely creates a different experience with a lot of memories.
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