From 63.125.97.2 on October 14, 2009 at 11:13 AM
When DLR used to sell a hard ticket New Years Eve event we were happy if it was raining. The park was less crowded (even though it was sold out) because a lot of people chicken out when it rains, we had short waits for the rides, could find an indoor place to eat and got a great view of the Midnight Fireworks show. Of course this was before they did their New Years Eve Free-for-All they do now and as an AP holder with blackout dates that might be the only special event I would buy hard tickets for if they offered an event again.

From Anthony Murphy on October 14, 2009 at 11:28 AM
I would say, if you happen to be going to WDW and you know its going to rain, pick EPCOT. Everything is mostly indoors there.

From Vickie Boyd on October 14, 2009 at 11:43 AM
Excellent suggestions. (You probably should link back to lightning story, too, just for safety)

I have to add, though, that if you have all of the above and there is no lightning about, GO! Don't change your mind. The parks are usually fairly deserted in the rain. You can ride your heart out on ANYTHING that is open! And hey, hit those water rides. You're wet already. :) Gives you an excuse. I got to ride Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens Europe six times in a row without getting out on a rainy day.

From 4.36.109.30 on October 14, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Bless you for your comments about umbrellas. Too many guests rely only on an umbrella when it rains and they are potentially dangerous in a crowded park. I worked at Fantasmic in DHS and we had to tell everyone repeatedly that umbrellas were not permitted in the theater. Many guests only had umbrellas and were less than happy about not being allowed to use them. The problem was, with stadium seating your umbrella was right at eye level for the people sitting behind you. I've personally been nearly impaled by a careless umbrella waver during a sudden rain shower in the parks. Rain gear is easier to carry (zip lock bags are essential - put your gear in it to keep it dry in case of sudden showers, then back in it afterwards to keep everything else dry from your raingear), easier and cheaper to replace if you lose it, and safer for everyone around you.

From Tim Odom on October 14, 2009 at 1:23 PM
Allow me to state that riding Big Thunder Mountain at Disney World during Tropical Storm Fay was not the best idea I have had in my life. Oh, the ride was fun (as fun as Thunder Mountain gets, that is), but seeing as how no one was in the park due to the rediculous amounts of rain, I had no one next to me. Thus, I slid around that seet the entire ride, one of the most painful experiences I have had on a coaster.

So, in short, if you ride Thunder Mountain in the rain, have someone sit next to you or prepare your ribs for some pain.

On a side note, though, riding Splash Mountain in said Tropical Storm was simulataneously hilarious and awesome, and was the only time I have ever been asked at Disney if I wanted to ride again while still on the ride.

From M. Ryan Traylor on October 14, 2009 at 2:17 PM
On a trip to WDW in 2007, we had rain almost everyday of vacation. On the days that it was forecasted for all day, we hit the water parks.

We had our light rain jackets that covered our bums and stayed in the parks the rest of the days. I remember a one ride cycle wait for Dumbo. The longest waits I remember for dark rides at Magic Kingdom.

Here is Los Angeles, rainy days are the best for the theme parks because almost everyone here hates the rain. I welcome the change in weather with open arms. If I'm not working and the rain hits, I cautiously hit the freeway and make way to the park of which I am a pass holder. I've done DL, SFMM, and Knotts all in the rain. I do recommend not riding "X2" in the rain. It's not a lot of fun turning face up into the rain after the first drop.

From Amanda Jenkins on October 14, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Many of my favorite memories at theme parks have been when it was raining. Everyone is usually running into shops or restaurants which means shorter lines for rides. I can't help but laugh at the people squealing when raindrops hit them, yet wait in long lines to ride Splash Mountain, Kali River Rapids, etc...

From Rob P on October 15, 2009 at 2:29 AM
We spent almost an entire week at the Parks in , what seemed like, 24 hours a day torrential rain.
We'd come over from the UK in June 2000 and hadn't packed any serious rain gear so had to make use of the plastic ponchos. But this was fine. If anything the rainy weather made it a surreal atmosphere. Everyone seemed to have that bulldog spirit of " being in it together" which was really fun.
Did we get wet ? Of course
Were any rides closed ? Only when lightning threatened.
Was it uncomfortable ? At times yes.
Did it stop anyone form having fun ? Noooo

and interestingly :

Were the crowds any lighter ? No. It was June and it was packed out.

Although we did hear one man complain to his wife that he was getting soaked through while he was in the line for Jurassic Park River Adventure. Work that one out if you can.

From Cole Ricks on October 15, 2009 at 8:01 AM
Be warned that riding a coaster in the rain can be a slighly painful experience. I rode Thunderhead at Dollywood and Grizzly at Kings Dominion both in the rain and it felt like a bunch of little pinpricks on my face. Sunglasses (yes in the rain) helped keep it out of my eyes, but a jacket with a hood (and maybe with a drawstring to tighten it up) as Robert suggested sounds like it would helped too. Also, I don't know exactly what they are called, but some parks have these drying stations that you stand in and is blows hot air on you after you get off of a water ride. Dollywood's was the best couple of bucks I spent all day to get dried off from the rain.

From 96.52.24.124 on October 15, 2009 at 1:17 PM
never go on dueling dragons

From Bob Miller on October 15, 2009 at 2:16 PM
No matter where Zachary and I go, I always carry my,(as I like to call it) weather bag. In it, is heavy duty ponchos for both of us, a folded umbrella for when it's raining lightly and we're walking. A pair of water moccasins for both of us and a large plastic bag for our shoes and socks so they stay dry. And also a small towel to dry off our feet after we get to where we're going. I've used my weather bag many times, especially in Florida.