Tips about Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Planning and Rain

Having an occasional rainy day while at Disney actually gives us a good excuse to do some of the indoor things that we would probably never get around to doing on a beautiful sunny day. - Doris Merowitz

Walt Disney World in the rain can spark some of the most magical moments and even create traditions. But the best part of the rainy day is when you have decided that you are so wet that you need a change of clothes and just HAVE to head to one of the stores get yourself some new Walt Disney World gear... the skies clear and you are ready to go. - Leigh from NJ

I bundle several plastic grocery bags together and carry them in my backpack. They are lightweight, compact, and disposable. They are available to pull out and sit on during a parade or a ride with wet seats, tie over your shoes to keep your feet dry (I do this for Kali River Rapids whether it's raining or not), and place my camera or other items in that should be protected from the rain. Also, if you get caught in a downpour and are changing into something dry, you then have something to put the wet articles in! - Pamela Warren

We bring extra cheap ponchos from the dollar store to cover backpacks and strollers. They come two in a pack and cost $1.00. - ahktlove

With four children, rain is just another opportunity to splash in puddles! To keep everyone safe and semi-dry, we always buy the matching Disney rain ponchos. I bring along a permanent marker and we let each person decorate their own poncho. This eliminates the "whose is that one?" syndrome you can get with a pile of six ponchos! - Jane Peters

I discovered that the poncho hood does not stay put on the head very well, so I bought a sun visor that fastens at the back of the head and put it over my hood. This not only kept my head dry, but it kept my glasses and my face dry as well. - Andrea DeYoung

If rain is in the forecast, we bring an extra set of clothes to the park and put them in a locker. We can choose the poncho route, or just get a little wet. When the rain stops we run for a quick change; dry shoes and socks make all the difference. Carrying a towel in a backpack can help, too, to dry off the seats of rides before you sit! - Kelly Hughes

EPCOT - Soarin' has become one of Epcot's most popular attractions, but many miss the chance to enhance the experience. When the attraction is loaded, guests are asked to remove loose-fitting shoes/sandals and leave them on the attraction floor. I recommend that you DO take your footwear off, for two reasons. One, it is cool to leave your shoes on the floor and then be swept away from them as the ride lifts and sweeps forward (and later, almost magically, to be returned to your original position and waiting footwear). Two, and more importantly, the sensation of bare feet dangling during the ride is so much more enjoyable. This may sound strange, but you can almost feel your feet dipping into the ocean surf or brushing against the orange trees. Try it and see what I mean. - Rich Czarnecki

EPCOT - Soarin' has become one of Epcot's most popular attractions, but many miss the chance to enhance the experience. When the attraction is loaded, guests are asked to remove loose-fitting shoes/sandals and leave them on the attraction floor. I recommend that you DO take your footwear off, for two reasons. One, it is cool to leave your shoes on the floor and then be swept away from them as the ride lifts and sweeps forward (and later, almost magically, to be returned to your original position and waiting footwear). Two, and more importantly, the sensation of bare feet dangling during the ride is so much more enjoyable. This may sound strange, but you can almost feel your feet dipping into the ocean surf or brushing against the orange trees. Try it and see what I mean. - Rich Czarnecki

ALL PARKS - When a Cast Member asks you how many people are in your group, tell them the ENTIRE number in your group. The Cast Members are trying to group your entire party onto the ride at the same time. If you tell them a number less than your party, don't be surprised when your party gets split up. (You might be asked by up to three different Cast Members for your party size.)

ALL PARKS - When a Cast Member asks you how many people are in your group, tell them the ENTIRE number in your group. The Cast Members are trying to group your entire party onto the ride at the same time. If you tell them a number less than your party, don't be surprised when your party gets split up. (You might be asked by up to three different Cast Members for your party size.)

Magic Kingdom - If you ever walk past Space Mountain and it's been shut down for maintenance for a few minutes, jump on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. As the ride passes by Space Mountain, the lights will be turned on and you can see what the coaster actually looks like. As a repeat visitor to Disney World, I thought it was just about the coolest thing I'd seen all day, and it made the idea of going on the ride a lot less scary. - Allie

ALL PARKS - As a teacher I have found the park maps to be a wonderful way to teach map skills to my first graders. I always make sure to pick up a handful for my students. I also laminate them and put them in our reading basket. Even laminated, they get a lot of wear. Too bad...I guess I'll have to go back for replacements! - Rae Vautrin

ALL PARKS - As a teacher I have found the park maps to be a wonderful way to teach map skills to my first graders. I always make sure to pick up a handful for my students. I also laminate them and put them in our reading basket. Even laminated, they get a lot of wear. Too bad...I guess I'll have to go back for replacements! - Rae Vautrin

ALL PARKS - When visiting the Disney parks, I usually like to pick up an extra guide map or two. I use them to decorate my cube walls at work and will also give extra copies to friends and family who may be planning their own trip in the near future. This helps them get a better idea of the park layout and make plans. - Kerry Kollasch