If you’ve been to Disney World, you know that sometimes, the unexpected just happens.
Check out that flooding!
By unexpected, we’re talking about the things that aren’t the most “magical” that happen when you’re least prepared for them. Now, if you’re getting ready for your first trip ever to Disney World, there’s this one mistake that so many people make that would help tremendously in one specific unexpected scenario. We don’t want that to be you, so let’s talk about it.
As we were saying, so many people make the mistake of thinking that Florida won’t rain on them during their Disney World trip and they end up not bringing a poncho with them. So what inevitably happens is that during the afternoon, the sky opens up and starts dumping gallons of rain and these same folks make mad dashes for the nearest shop desperate for shelter and a poncho. What they’re greeted with is a less-than-sturdy poncho and a hefty price tag.
Rainy Day
Like we’re saying, we don’t want you to make the same poncho mistake (not bringing your own poncho and then paying theme park prices when you don’t have to). That being said, if you didn’t bring your own, I get it. It can feel like you’re lugging around a poncho “just in case” when you’re trying to stay cute and comfy in the parks.
Rainy day in Magic Kingdom
But if you’re already at Disney World, and rain is in the forecast, there’s a quick hack that could save you a bunch of money, and it’s hiding right in plain sight. We’re talking about heading over to the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel!
Swan Hotel
The $3 Poncho You Didn’t Know Existed
Here’s the secret: at Java in the Swan Hotel (yes, those fancy-looking resorts just outside EPCOT and Hollywood Studios), you can snag a poncho for just three (3) bucks! Yup, you read that right $3! It comes folded up in this little plastic sleeve.
Rain Poncho
In some cases that’s like 75% cheaper than the ones you might find in the gift shops at the parks.
Rain Poncho
The catch? Well, you’ve got to make your way over to the Swan to grab one.
Java at the Swan Hotel
But don’t worry, even if you’re not staying at the Swan and Dolphin, this trip is totally doable. Plus, a visit to these hotels isn’t exactly a bad time. The architecture is gorgeous.
Swan Resort
Also, it’s just a short hop from EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, which makes for a chill little side trip during your day.
It’s Going to be a Rainy Day Life-Saver
Honestly, it rains a lot at Disney World, and if you’re not prepared, you’ll end up dropping unnecessary dollars on an overpriced poncho just to avoid getting soaked (or worse, drenched and then freezing in that A/C). That’s something we don’t won’t to happen to you.
Rain at Magic Kingdom
Sure, you can grab a poncho from your local dollar store or Amazon before your trip, but let’s face it, most of us forget to do that. So, when that inevitable downpour hits, remember this tip and don’t be afraid to hop over to the Swan Hotel.
Rain Poncho
You’ll save a ton of cash that you can spend on something way more fun like churros, souvenirs, or even another Dole Whip!
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What a great tip! Thanks, DFB! We always bring a poncho per person per day from the Dollar Tree, but this is good to know if we ever forget or run out!
Thanks , great to know about that poncho .
I would add to bring a pair of flip flops or sandals in your bag if there is rain in the forecast. Switch to them so your walking shoes don’t get soaked. The poncho keeps you dry enough but walking around with wet shoes for the rest of the day is never fun.
I never go to any of the parks without a couple of cheap Walmart ponchos!
Trivia about the Swan and Dolphin.
When initially built, they put the swans on top of the hotel that was supposed to be the Dolphin and the Dolphins on to of the hotel that was supposed to be the Swan.
The cost to correct the placement of the statues was much higher than the solution they went with…
They switched the names.
Being local to Orlando, I can tell the tourists from the locals. The locals are strolling in the rain without a care. Why, you are going to be wet all day anyway, either from the humidity or then rain. But putting on a plastic poncho will make both worse most of the time. Keeping in your own sweat or retaining that water as it rains. Much easier to just enjoy the day and realize no matter what you may be wet or moist part of the day. You do dry pretty fast from the heat most days anyway. And what do you do with a wet poncho after the rain?
That $3 poncho does not look very sturdy. While bringing one from home is your best bet economically, the WDW ponchos are comparable quality to those found at Target or similar. Bonus points for being clear. Ponchos of color tend to be very prohibitive in reference to your peripheral vision and a nuisance. I say splurge on the park poncho 🙂