Rainy Days at Disneyland
Rainy DCA
Rainy days at Disneyland - What you need to know!
Rainy days at Disneyland can be a mixed bag. On one hand, you’ll probably see lighter crowds, which is always a win. On the other, if it’s a full-on downpour, that lighter crowd might just be... you.
For us, light rain? Totally manageable. Heavy rain? Not so much. It’s funny—when my son was younger, he couldn’t stand being wet unless it was swimming or bath time. Now? He’s the first one to go puddle-jumping. But even though he’s good with the rain, we still have our limits.
What to Pack for a Rainy Disneyland Day
Being prepared is key. Buying rainy day essentials inside the parks can get pricey, so it’s best to come equipped.
Here’s what we always bring:
Ponchos (much cheaper if you buy ahead of time)
Rain jackets
Waterproof shoes or boots
Extra clothes (just in case)
Locker rental – We rent a locker for rain gear and extra layers when we’re not ready to head back to the hotel.
Skip the umbrella – It’s just one more thing to carry
What Closes When It Rains?
Light rain usually won’t impact much, but if it starts pouring, outdoor rides will close. Here’s what you can expect to be down:
Disneyland Park
Alice in Wonderland
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
Gadget's Go Coaster
The Mad Tea Party
Main Street Vehicles
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Disney California Adventure
Golden Zephyr
Goofy’s Sky School
Jumpin’ Jellyfish
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
And it’s not just rides—outdoor entertainment like parades and fireworks can be impacted too.
Where to Go When the Rain Won’t Stop
If the rain isn’t letting up, you’ve got options! Some of the best places to hunker down include:
Disneyland
Longer indoor rides – Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World
Dining spots – Plaza Inn, The Golden Horseshoe, and the covered seating area near Space Mountain and Aliens Pizza Planet (though these fill up fast!)
Waiting out the rain in Animation Academy
Disney California Adventure
Entertainment spaces – Animation Academy, Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Casual indoor seating – Smokejumpers Grill
Beyond the Parks
Hotels & Downtown Disney – take a break at one of the resort hotels or grab some food in Downtown Disney.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes – Bowling and tasty food. One of our favorite rainy-day escapes!
Bowling at Splitsville
Pro Tip: Give Yourself Extra Time
If you're visiting Disneyland during the rainy season, consider adding an extra day if your budget allows. You may end up spending more time in your hotel room than expected, so having a buffer day can make your trip more enjoyable.
Rainy weather doesn’t have to ruin the magic—it just takes a little planning! Want to make sure you’ve got everything covered? Check out my packing lists so you don’t forget a thing!
