Disneyland in the Rain: Full Guide + Essential Tips 2024

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Are you visiting Disneyland in the rain? If you want to know what rides will be open, what will be closed down, and if the Happiest Place on Earth is even worth the downpour, then you’re in the right place!

As Magic Key Holders who go to the parks at least once a month, we’ve visited Disneyland when it’s raining by choice and by happenstance.

My overall opinion? Don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits! As long as you’re prepared with layers and weatherproof jackets and shoes, you’ll be fine. And you’ll enjoy short wait times on the rides that do stay open in the rain!

With that said, there are a few things you need to keep in mind…

Why Visit Disneyland When It’s Raining?

First, let’s answer the big question: should I go to Disneyland if it’s supposed to be raining?

Disneyland is known as a “locals’ park,” so many visitors live nearby. They will easily be able to choose a different day to visit, making California Adventure and Disneyland a lot less crowded.

If you want the California sunshine, you can always postpone your visit, but if you come once a year or so I wouldn’t change your entire schedule for a little rain.

I’m from San Diego and in Southern California we don’t normally get a lot of rain. When it does rain, it usually comes and goes very quickly. 

And if the rain doesn’t stop quickly? 

Yes, that happens, but Disneyland Resort has a lot you can do and see indoors: riding certain attractions, shopping, dining, exploring hotel lobbies, indoor meet and greets, and a Rainy Day Cavalcade mini-parade.

What Should I Wear to Disneyland on a Rainy Day?

So you decided to go ahead and visit Disneyland in the rain. 

Great! 

What’s proper rain gear for Disneyland?

When it’s raining at Disneyland you want to wear waterproof everything and layers.

We wear our water-resistant hiking pants and hiking boots when it’s supposed to rain all day at Disneyland.

You don’t have to wear hiking boots, but rain-friendly footwear and non-slip shoes are important for staying safe on rainy paths. It can get a little slippery, and you don’t want to slosh around in wet socks all day. 

Rain jackets or ponchos and some kind of stroller rain cover are also a must for staying dry in the park.

Honestly, we used to just pin a poncho over the stroller, but when we started making plans for Walt Disney World we invested in a stroller rain cover. I can’t believe we never used one before! It makes a world of difference.

We haven’t been to Walt Disney World (yet!), but I have been to Florida multiple times. The rain is usually warm and humid so you can get away with good weather-resistant hiking sandals, shorts, and a t-shirt (plus your umbrella and poncho, of course).

The point is rain in Florida is way different than when it’s raining in California.

California rain is usually cold, not warm and humid like in Florida, so a base layer to keep dry under your rain jacket helps a lot. 

One time it was so cold in the rain that I had to wear gloves and keep my hands in my pockets to try and keep the gloves dry. My husband and I had to switch off pushing the stroller because our fingers were so cold.

Don’t worry, most of the time it just gets a little chilly. Planning for rain just means you can stay dry which will help you stay warm.

Essentials for Enjoying Disneyland in the Rain:

• Water-resistant shoes
• Quick dry socks (or a change of socks)
• Waterproof pants
• Base layer shirt (moisture wicking & quick dry, like merino wool)
• Rain jacket
• Baseball hat (the brim keeps water out of your face)
• +/- Gloves and warm hat
• Umbrella 
• Poncho
• Stroller rain cover

Pro tip: Pack a small towel in a waterproof bag to dry off seats or wipe down wet surfaces. There are also towels in the Disneyland Resort Hotel lobbies for you to dry off on your way in. Even if you’re not staying at one of the hotels, you can still enjoy some indoor seating, piano music, restaurants, shopping, and a great Disney Atmosphere inside out of the rain.

Which Disneyland Rides Close Due to Rain?

While some outdoor attractions may close during heavy rain, many rides remain open. We asked a cast member and were told it all depends on the risk of lightning.

If there might be lightning, any rides with an outdoor track will be closed temporarily. If the lightning risk goes away (the rain lightens up), these rides will open again.

For example, Alice in Wonderland is an indoor/outdoor track, so because of the outdoor portion, the ride will typically close when it’s raining.

Is it possible to ride an attraction with an outdoor track in the rain at Disneyland? 

Absolutely! Again, it all depends on the lightning risk factor (no, I don’t know what weather person they follow, or who makes the judgment call).

Riding the Matterhorn in the Rain at Disneyland was a hilariously amazing experience! There was just a drizzle, but you go so fast, the rain is pelting you in the face. We couldn’t stop laughing! 

Here are the rides that might close when it’s raining at Disneyland.

Disneyland Rides Closed in the Rain

• Matterhorn 
• Thunder Mountain
• Jungle Cruise
• Splash Mountain (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure)
• Teacups
• Alice in Wonderland 
• Dumbo
• Storybookland Canal Boats
• Casey Jr Circus train
• GoGo Gadget Coaster
• Autopia

California Adventure Rides Closed in the Rain

• Incredicoaster 
• Mickey’s Pal-A-Round
• Swings
• Jumping jellyfish
• Zephyr
• Goofy’s Sky School
• Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters
• Radiator Spring Racers
• Grizzly River Run

Remember, the Disneyland app is your best friend for real-time updates on ride closures and wait times. This is not a complete list, because it really is an in-the-moment judgment call.

And just because it’s raining, doesn’t mean the outdoor rides are closed. 

We’ve ridden It’s a Small World, Autopia, Astro Orbitor, Jungle Cruise, the Matterhorn, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, the Golden Zephyr, and more all during the rain at Disneyland and California Adventure.

What Indoor Attractions Can I Enjoy at Disneyland When It’s Raining?

Don’t cancel that Disney trip with your kids just yet. Rainy days are perfect for exploring Disneyland’s indoor attractions. Just keep in mind any attraction can close down temporarily, so bring your patience. 

On one of our rainy Disney days, WEB Slingers closed down during the rain because of a pipe issue due to the rain. BUT they did get it fixed, and we got to go on the “Spidey ride” (as my 5-year-old calls it) later that same day.

Here’s a general list of indoor rides at Disneyland you can expect to normally be open on rainy days at the parks.

Indoor Attractions at Disneyland:

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Indiana Jones
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Astro Orbitor
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

Indoor Attractions at California Adventure:

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Animation Academy
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Disney Junior Dance Party 
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! 
• Soarin’ Around the World 
• WEB Slingers
• Midway Mania

I challenge you to pick things you haven’t done before. Let the rain guide a new experience on some amazing attractions that can easily get overlooked in favor of the coasters.

Turtle Talk with Crush is a must, and if you haven’t experienced it, you need to buy a California Adventure ticket and go right now.

Once more bonue about rain at Disneyland: the lines are short so you probably won’t need to buy Genie Plus for a fast pass.

How Can I Stay Dry While Visiting Disneyland in the Rain?

Staying dry is key to enjoying your rainy day at Disneyland (and key to keeping kids from whining about the rain). 

There aren’t many rainy-day amenities offered by the theme park, but if you visit the Disneyland Resort Hotel lobbies, there will be towels and umbrella bags.

Staying dry in Disneyland is all about your weatherproof layers (rain jacket, weather-proof footwear) and any extra rain accessories. Ponchos, umbrellas, and baseball caps help keep the rain off of you.

There are overhangs throughout the parks, and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is indoors, so your kid can still have a magical makeover. They put so much gel and hairspray in, that I doubt the rain would ruin the hairdo. Bring a rainjacket to keep that nice princess dress or knight costume dry.

My favorite way of drying off in the park is enjoying a sit-down meal inside. You don’t even need a reservation at Blue Bayou or Ogga’s Cantina to make this happen.

Disneyland quick-service restaurants like Alien Pizza Planet, Red Rose Tavern, and Docking Bay 7 all have indoor seating.

If you’re willing to venture out of the theme parks for a little bit, I recommend going back to the hotel for a quick break. 

This is one of the times when a Disneyland Resort Hotel is amazing! We booked the Pixar Place Hotel on a weekend we knew would be raining at Disneyland. 

We asked for a late checkout, so we had the room until noon. After rope dropping, we left for our hotel room and ate the Luncheables we brought from home. 

The ironing board made a great table, and we got to kick off our theme park shoes, dry off, relax, and watch some Mickey cartoons on the TV. After that, we checked out and enjoyed an afternoon in California Adventure Park then headed home.

If you don’t want to budget for a Disney-owned hotel, there are some very close Good Neighbor Hotel options across the street!

Check out my review of the Grand Legacy Hotel– the most comfortable beds ever!

Staying Dry in Disneyland

• Sit Down Dining Indoors
• Shopping
• Relax in and Explore Disney Hotel Lobbies
• Use Rain Jackets and Umbrellas or Ponchos
• Bring Water-Resistant Purse/Bag
• Wear Layers
• Invest in Weather Resistant Shoes

Rain Gear Etiquette

Let me take a moment to go over rain gear etiquette.

Umbrella use in Disneyland can be terrible. People don’t realize where their umbrella is with regard to the people around them. 

Remember, we’re in Southern California- we don’t know how to use umbrellas (I’m joking! Kind of…).

Even for Nighttime Spectacular Projections (fireworks are typically canceled in the rain due to the wind), or the Rainy Day Cavalcade, guests might raise their umbrellas too high.

Just be aware of your surroundings, bring a compact umbrella that’s easy to close and carry with you on the rides, and be polite. 

Are There Any Special Rainy Day Events or Shows at Disneyland?

There are some modifications due to rain when it rains at Disneyland.

Outdoor entertainment and character meet and greets are canceled or moved under overhangs when it’s raining at Disneyland and California Adventure.

You can still see characters in the overhangs, you just can’t get hugs or autographs unless it’s an indoor meet and greet.

Fireworks may or may not still go off, we were told that depends on the wind. Typically the projections still run for the Nighttime Spectacular. 

The projections are amazing on the castle, and if there are no fireworks, you can get a front row for a castle view without saving a spot 3 to 4 hours before showtime!

I haven’t caught the Rainy Day Cavalcade yet, but it looks so cute! It’s a mini rainy-day parade where the characters are in their rain gear.

Disney bands can play their instruments in covered areas. We’ve enjoyed listening to the Bootstrappers band play on the balcony above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

Check the Disneyland app or ask a Cast Member for up-to-date information on special rainy-day entertainment. The cast members are always super helpful!

Meeting Disney Characters in the Rain

Characters do come out at Disneyland when it rains, but they need to be under a roof or overhang. This can limit the type of interactions you can have.

We met Clarabelle on Buena Vista Street, the Main Street when you walk into California Adventure.

She was under an overhang on a porch out of the rain. You could take selfies but not get any autographs or character hugs.

Indoor character locations are still functioning in the rain. One of my favorite character encounters indoors is at Royal Hall in Fantasyland where you can meet 2-3 princesses. There’s also Mickey Mouse’s House where you meet the Big Cheese himself.

At Oogie Boogie Bash, the after hours Halloween Party at California Adventure, the characters did not come out in the rain. 

My mom and I were super disappointed because it was just drizzling. At least the Treat Trails were open, and the rain stopped in time for the villains to finally make an appearance. The rain finally stopped for the party meet and greets and we still had a lot of fun with the pumpkin hunt and other Halloween festivities earlier that day.

There are still photo ops during rainy days, but not as many photographers are out in the parks.

What Are the Best Disneyland Restaurants for a Rainy Day?

Rainy days are perfect for enjoying some of Disneyland’s sit-down dining options! 

Some quick-service restaurants have indoor seating, but I recommend reserving one of the specialty restaurants or booking a character meal.

We love Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel and Mickey’s Storyteller Cafe at the Grand Californian Hotel. The Princess Breakfast at Napa Rose is spectacular, but it’s also the priciest. 

Blue Bayou at Disneyland and Carthay Circle Restaurant at California Adventure are a bit pricier ranging from $35-$60 per adult, but the food is delicious with amazing ambiance. 

Out of the two, I prefer Blue Bayou because I love Pirates of the Caribbean so much. The seating is adjacent to the water for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. As my daughter puts it “it’s like you’re a part of the ride.”

My favorite restaurant at California Adventure is Lamplight Lounge. It’s located in Pixar Pier and the Pixar theme just makes me happy! You can sit inside, or by fire pits under an overhang looking out at the water between Ariel’s Undersea Adventure and the Pixar Pal-A-Round.

It was actually on a rainy day when we were surprised with the Lamplight Lounge secret room! This is a “secret” dining room meant for up to 11 people, but because it was raining, they surprised us with this seating.

I had no idea where they were taking us at first. We walked past all the other dining areas toward the back room closet-looking space. As soon as we turned the corner and saw the “locked” vault door, I got super excited!

The girls got to turn the wheel on the “vault” to light up 3 lightbulbs and “unlock” the door. We had a comfortable corner booth table, games to play at a separate table with a couple of cushioned chairs, and a private balcony! 

That’s right, we had a covered balcony all to ourselves. We could walk outside and see the Incredicoaster zoom by (it was only sprinkling so that ride was still going)!

Pro tip: Don’t use the Disneyland app to make walk-up dining reservations. Ask to be added to the wait list from a cat member at the door. The online reservation system will not always show open tables (this is how we’ve gotten into Blue Bayou and the secret room at Lamplight Lounge).

Speaking of pro tips, don’t forget to check out my top 60 Tips for Disneyland vacations.

What Should I Pack in My Day Bag for a Rainy Disneyland Visit?

I am silly and still use my Loungefly which is NOT waterproof. Don’t be me. Get a water-resistant bag to use on a rainy Disneyland day.

If your bag isn’t water-proof, make sure things like tissues are in a Ziploc or something so they don’t turn into a useless mess. This reminds me: tissues are great to have on hand to keep your nose dry and clear.

Bring extra socks (also in a waterproof bag), especially if you don’t have weather-resistant footwear.

A lot of the newer smartphones are somewhat water-resistant, so you shouldn’t need to worry about that. 

I also pack a warm hat and gloves in my park bag. Even if they’re not waterproof, they help you stay warm. Just put your rain jacket hood over your hat, and keep your gloved hands under the umbrella or poncho (or tucked into your rain jacket sleeves as much as possible).

All of these items will help you make the most of wet weather in the parks.

Disneyland Rainy Day Essentials

• Extra Socks
• Plastic Bags for Wet Clothes
• Warm Hat & Gloves
• Portable Phone Charger 
• Water-Resistant Park Bag
• Tissues

Are There Any Discount Disneyland Tickets Available for Rainy Days?

No, sorry.  

You can find great deals in the off-season when it’s more likely to rain, but Disneyland doesn’t typically offer specific “rainy day discounts.” 

The highest chances of rain in Anaheim are from January through March.

To get the best deals, avoid holiday weekends (Martin Luther King Jr Day in January and President’s Day in February). Also, plan your visit before mid-March when spring breaks start.

Check out my affiliate partners at Get Away Today for the most recent deals and vacation packages that save on hotels with park tickets. 

I love using Get Away Today for their customer service and great multi-day ticket deals! The price you see is the price you get since it already includes taxes and fees.

I also have a guide on the best ways to save money at Disneyland.

Overall Tips for Enjoying Disneyland in the Rain

I hope my rainy day stories encouraged you to not shy away from experiencing Disneyland in the rain!

With proper planning and rain gear, it’s a very enjoyable Dinsey day! 

Here are some of my key takeaways for you:

If it’s raining at Disneyland, be prepared for some rides to close down. That’s ok, explore the other indoor options the theme parks offer (and any outdoor attractions still going!).

Southern California rain can stop and go very quickly. If the sun comes out, the crowds make their way back into the park. I think it’s all the people hiding in their hotel rooms or waiting at home nearby just waiting for the rain to let up…

Take time to visit the three Disneyland Resort Hotel lobbies. You won’t be disappointed and it will be a nice break from the rain.

Book a dining reservation for a character meal or specialty restaurant. There are so many good options with delicious food and amazing atmospheres you miss out on if you only go for the cheaper quick-service meals.

Most importantly, dress in layers and make sure you have a weatherproof outer layer (including your shoes!). You’ll outlast everyone else at the parks, stay comfortable longer, and thoroughly enjoy your day at Disneyland.

Ready to start planning out your rainy day? Check out our Vacation Planner complete with theme park templates for itineraries and packing lists.