Despite being coined the sunshine state, Florida certainly sees its share of rain! Afternoon rain showers are something that many Disney World visitors find themselves contending with , especially in the late spring and summer months. While other guests may flee the parks to escape the rain, we have a few fun ideas that will keep your group entertained while you ride out the rain.
Go see a show! Both The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond are housed in indoor theaters. Each show is about 30 minutes in length and combine live actors, puppets, singing and special effects to create an entertaining and immersive experience that is certain to entertain the whole audience.
Board The Wildlife Express from the Harambe Station bound for Rafiki’s Planet Watch. The outdoor affection section petting zoo may not be ideal for inclement weather, but head straight inside the main building to the Conservation Station. Inside you will find the Veterinary Treatment Room where animals from the park are cared for and minor procedures take place, you may even be lucky enough to see one in action! Try and spy some amphibian and reptile friends from their habitat windows, see where food is prepared for the park residents, and get a glimpse of the science center. These are all great choices for a rainy day, but there is another activity that is perfect to do while escaping the elements! The Animation Experience is also housed inside the Conservation Station. This experience allows everyone to become an expert animator by following along with an onsite cast member who will guide you step by step to draw a well known animal friend character. This experience takes about 25-30 minutes, and even the least artistically inclined member of your party is bound to be satisfied with what they created!
Join the walk up wait list, and grab a table at Nomad Lounge. This spot is highly recommended on any Animal Kingdom day, but refuge there would be especially valuable on a rainy day. Nomad Lounge offers several tables indoors, but even the covered patio would provide great shelter from the elements. This lounge boasts an impressive signature drink menu, and serves a variety of small plates. They are well known for their delicious churros, which are served with sides of vanilla creama, and a strawberry guava sauce. Depending on the severity of the weather, if you find yourself on the patio, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that the character flotillas often float right by the porch.
If you are looking to find cover but are also in need of some sustenance to keep your day going, head over to Flame Tree BBQ. Grab a plate of their mac n cheese and pulled pork which is known to be a crowd pleaser! Even though this location does not offer any indoor seating, it has a sprawling complex of covered pavilions and offers some seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the park. While many guests looking to escape the rain will head to a table service restaurant or a quick service that offers indoor seating, this choice will also quite likely provide a more laid back, and quiet experience along with providing shelter. Not to mention a darn good, often sharable meal!
Animal Kingdom also offers several indoor attractions in which the line queue is inside, or mostly inside. The best attractions to head to hide from the rain are:
Don’t let a little rain ruin your Animal Kingdom day! This beautiful park is centered around wilderness and animal habitats, but there is certainly enough to keep your and your travel party busy should you find yourself there on a less than ideal day.