A rainy day visit to the Happiest Place on Earth may seem dreadful, but with the right attitude and preparation, you can have a magical experience at Disneyland even when storm clouds roll in. Lower crowds paired with proper rain attire like ponchos and waterproof shoes opens the door for lower wait times, fun splashy photos, and unexpected moments of joy. Follow the tips across four key areas in this guide – rides and attractions, food and dining, entertainment, and general strategies – to make the most of your Disneyland rainy day.

Rides and Attractions

When rain falls at Disneyland, outdoor rides like Alice in Wonderland and Mad Tea Party may temporarily close. But many popular, indoor rides stay open with very short lines. Focus your efforts on these rides with indoor queues during rainstorms:

Disneyland

Haunted Mansion

Pirates of the Caribbean

Space Mountain

Star Tours

California Adventure

Soarin’ Around the World

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout

Toy Story Midway Mania

If an outdoor ride is still operating, hop on and enjoy the extra splash! Rollercoasters like Incredicoaster, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad can be a blast in the rain if you don’t mind getting wet. Check the Disneyland app for closures before making ride plans.

Food and Dining

Stay dry while grabbing a bite at covered quick service and table service restaurants. Top rainy day dining picks include:

Disneyland

Plaza Inn

Alien Pizza Planet

Rancho del Zocalo

California Adventure

Award Wieners

Smokejumpers Grill

Carthay Circle Restaurant

Or pick up a hot coffee to warm up with while waiting out showers. Mobile order food when possible to minimize wait times outdoors.

Entertainment

While rain may cancel fireworks and parades, you can still catch shows like Mickey and the Magical Map at the Fantasyland Theatre or head to the Golden Horseshoe for laughs at the comedy and magic show. Character meet and greets also often move indoors. Check the Disneyland app for updates.

Tips and Strategies

Come equipped with ponchos, umbrellas, waterproof shoes, extra socks, plastic bags for wet items, and small towels. Use indoor attractions and dining as a chance to dry off and warm up before heading back out into the rain. Make dining reservations in advance to guarantee covered seating. Check for ride closures and entertainment changes in the Disneyland app before finalizing plans. And most of all, embrace the rain – splash in puddles, capture colorful photos, and make the most of short lines and small crowds.

FAQ

Will I get a refund if it rains?

Disneyland tickets are non-refundable, even for rain. You can cancel unused date-specific tickets up to the day before for a partial refund, but no refunds are given for weather on the date of visit.

What rides close in the rain?

Outdoor rollercoasters and rides may temporarily close due to rain, especially with lightning present. Indoor dark rides and attractions with covered queues usually stay open. Check the Disneyland app upon arrival for the most up-to-date list of closures.

What rain gear should I bring?

Bring compact umbrellas, waterproof ponchos, jackets or raincoats, waterproof shoes, plastic bags, extra socks, and small towels. Wear lightweight, quick-dry clothing as an extra base layer. Pack extra clothes to change into if needed after getting wet.

Conclusion

With the right mindset and preparation, rain doesn’t have to dampen the magic at Disneyland. Embrace splashy fun on open rides, take advantage of low crowds and short lines, and seek shelter in covered attractions, dining, and entertainment. Follow the tips in this guide to make the most of your Disneyland rainy day visit. A little rain never hurt anyone – now grab those ponchos and umbrellas and get ready to splash the day away at The Happiest Place on Earth!