Well, you’ve got your park tickets, hotel reservations, and ride wishlist. But what if your trip to the Sunshine State theme parks isn’t too sunny?
Hurricane Debbie drenched parts of Florida last weekend, forming in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, August 4, and making landfall in the Big Bend region of northern Florida a day later before weakening to a Category 1 tropical storm.
However, for those who have already paid a penny on their theme park trips, not even a hurricane can stop them from going to Mickey Mouse Pretzels or Hogwarts Castle.
Guests brave Florida theme parks during Tropical Storm Debbie
Debbie’s visit didn’t stop parkgoers from attending their favorite theme parks, or at least trying. Social media videos and photos show Florida parks nearly empty due to rain or a lack of guests.
Most of the state’s theme parks remained open during Debbie’s landfall, although Busch Gardens and SeaWorld closed early.
Whether you’re intentionally heading out in the middle of a hurricane or accidentally encountering light rain during your Florida theme park trip, here are 11 tips and tricks for making the most of your stormy day:
Check weather apps before you head to the park
You probably know what you’re up against. Depending on what time of year you visit Florida, you may find storms pass quickly as they arrive.
The state’s hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak activity seen in late August to early October. However, even our “dry season” can see some crazy storms.
Before leaving your home or hotel in the parks, open your designated weather app and see what the rain situation looks like. By 3pm there’s probably a 90% chance it’s over, giving you and your family the perfect afternoon break to kick back and relax. Or it could rain lightly throughout the day, giving you a chance to pack accordingly.
Wear waterproof shoes for parks
Wet shoes are the quickest and easiest way to ruin your entire theme park day. The feeling of the moisture against your skin and the squelch sound from each step was terrifying to say the least.
If you know bad weather ahead of time, wear waterproof shoes to save your feet and your sanity. If you don’t have your own, pack an extra pair of socks to change into when your shoes get wet.
Ditch the umbrella and opt for a raincoat or ponchos
A true Floridian Never Carry an umbrella.
Just kidding but seriously, dragging an umbrella around all day can be a bit annoying and inconvenient. Especially when you don’t have a bag to stuff it in when not in use. Some rides don’t allow you to take them with you, meaning you’ll need to grab a locker beforehand.
A better and more effective option is to bring a sturdy, waterproof raincoat or poncho with you.
Pack some extra plastic bags to store items
Just got a new iPhone? The last thing you want is for it to break after being nearly soaked in rainwater.
To protect your valuables, take some plastic bags to protect them. They can also be used to store extra clothes, like the extra pair of socks mentioned above.
Take advantage of the indoor rides and attractions
Enough packing and prepping, what can I do once I actually get to the theme parks and it rains? A little, actually.
From Disney World to Busch Gardens, there are many indoor attractions for guests to enjoy. If all outdoor rides are closed due to heavy rain, you can go for indoor rides. Keep in mind that others may have the same idea and the lines for these places may be a bit longer.
So why not be proactive and try other venues like shows or interactive experiences. For example, Universal Studios’ new DreamWorks Land hosts a show at the DreamWorks Imagination Celebration Theater. Or Monsters, Inc. at the Magic Kingdom. Let’s look at the Laugh Floor.
Check out the shops and you’ll have a rainy day treat
It may be premature to say this, but treat yourself and you’ve earned it. After battling the harsh winds and water, you deserve a small snack or souvenir.
If it rains, it may take some time to explore the shops and cafes in the park. You’ll go under them for shelter from the weather anyway. While you’re in, grab a butterbeer ice cream or ballcap with tiger.
Speaking of eating out, try to plan meals or make reservations
When the skies open up and the rain pours down, suddenly every parker around you feels the same rumble in their stomachs. That’s crazy for the nearest quick service or restaurant. No one wants to wait outside in the rain for a table.
To avoid being part of the chaos, try to make a game plan for where you and your party want to eat in the park. If you’re planning ahead, try to make some reservations for the park’s restaurants.
If you ever have time to ride the water attraction, go for it
Let’s face it, you’re already wet. May agree.
While the summer heat is enough to make anyone want to go water skiing, the thought of getting your clothes and shoes wet might make you think twice. But if you’re already soaked in the rain…go for it.
No lightning or a drizzle? More outdoor rides are available in line
Just because the weather is a little cloudy doesn’t mean you have to give up on rollercoasters.
As long as there is no lightning, you can queue up for your favorite outdoor rides. Even with a light drizzle, the ride should be operable. Off-season parkers usually don’t follow this tip and head for indoor spaces at the first sign of rain.
Bring a change of clothes
For those worried about spending most of the day in slightly damp clothing, here’s an extra special, “uno-reverse” style tip — bring a spare change.
Whether you take them out once the rain stops completely or save them for the end of a park trip, you’ll have a great backup plan for when your outfit gets really drippy (and not in a good way, according to the general). Z slang).
Make alternate plans if you can in nearby locations
If you’re a passholder and skip the theme parks when a big storm approaches, it’s understandable. But you can enjoy a day near theme parks in Florida cities at parks or amusement parks that belong to fun areas.
Both Disney World and Universal Studios have free places for guests to stay and do other activities – Disney Springs and Universal City Walk. In both areas, you can eat, shop or watch a movie.
Guests can hotel hop at theme parks or explore cities where theme parks are home, such as Orlando and Tampa.
