Doing Disney in the Rain
Gear Up Like a Pro
If you're headed to Disneyland on a rainy day, having the right gear can make all the difference between a soggy meltdown and a magical adventure. First things first—shoes matter. Skip the mesh sneakers (they’ll soak through in seconds), and opt for something water-resistant. Leather can work, but if you’re under 10 years old, rain boots are non-negotiable. Disneyland gets a surprising amount of standing water, and kids are going to want to splash—so let them! That’s part of the magic, as long as their feet stay dry.
Raincoats for everyone are a must (umbrellas just don’t cut it in the crowd), and dress in layers—it might be muggy during the day but it gets chilly fast once the sun goes down. A beanie and gloves for the littles can go a long way toward keeping everyone comfortable and happy.
Pro tip: pack an extra pair of socks for the kids. I know it sounds silly, but it beats your spouse spending 30 minutes in a restroom trying to blow-dry a soaked sock with a hand dryer (ask me how I know 😁).
Stroller covers are another must-have if you’ve got littles in tow. Not only do they keep your kids dry, they also keep them cozy and warm when they inevitably crash mid-afternoon.
Finally, have a rain game plan. Know where you can duck in and warm up during heavier showers. In DCA, the Disney Junior Dance Party is a perfect spot to relax and regroup. Over in Disneyland, head to The Tiki Room, lunch or dinner at The Carousel Inn, or even the queue for Space Mountain—all great places to get out of the rain without missing the magic.
Don't Let the Rain Ruin the Magic
Here’s the secret: some of our favorite Disneyland days have been rainy ones. Seriously! The crowds are lighter, the lines are shorter, and there's something kind of whimsical about watching Main Street glisten in the rain. The weather usually comes in spurts—a little rain, then a break, then more rain—and it’s rarely a non-stop downpour all day.
Take those in-between moments to grab something warm and cozy. Hot chocolate from Ghirardelli in DCA is a must—it’s rich, warm, and totally hits the spot on a chilly day. Then head across the street for a hot loaf of sourdough bread. Pair that with some puddle-jumping and spontaneous dance parties in the rain, and you’ve got the makings of a core memory.
Disneyland in the rain? It’s not just doable—it can be downright magical!