Rainy Day Magic: Fun Disney Activities Outside the Parks

By: Megan Collier
September 9, 2025

You’ve planned your park days, packed your ponchos, and circled your must-try snacks. But what happens when those famous Florida rain showers roll in? Don’t worry—a rainy day at Walt Disney World doesn’t mean the magic is over! In fact, it’s the perfect time to slow down, explore, and enjoy experiences you might have missed if the sun had stayed out.

Here are some of our favorite rainy-day Disney activities outside the parks—perfect for families of all ages.

1. Resort Craft Rooms

Many Disney resorts transform into little art studios when the rain begins. For a small fee, you can create keepsakes like:

  • Custom painted pottery

  • Tie-dye Disney shirts

  • Personalized tumblers

  • Christmas ornaments (yes, even in July!)

Some resorts also offer free coloring pages and board games, making it easy to relax while keeping the Disney magic alive.

Pro Tip: Check your resort’s daily activity board or stop by the front desk—craft offerings and times change seasonally.

2. Scavenger Hunts: Rainy Day Adventures

Think “Where’s Waldo,” but with Disney characters! Many resorts offer free scavenger hunts, like Disney’s Riviera Resort, where guests search for Pascal, the mischievous chameleon from Tangled.

It’s a wonderful way to explore your resort and keep the whole family entertained while staying mostly dry.

3. Pin Trading Adventures

Pin trading is a timeless Disney tradition that shines on a rainy day. Here’s how to start:

  • Pick up a starter pack of pins and a lanyard (available at most resort shops).

  • Visit pin boards around your resort—or hop on the Monorail to check out the Magic Kingdom-area resorts like the Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, and Contemporary.

  • Trade with Cast Members and discover unique pins at each stop.

Each resort has its own personality, making this experience part scavenger hunt, part souvenir shopping, and part mini-tour of Disney’s most iconic hotels.

Bonus: Resort-Hopping + Snacks = Rainy Day Win

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down, snack up, and resort-hop in Disney style! Some ideas to tempt your tastebuds:

  • Sip a Garden Spritzer Mocktail at the Grand Floridian’s Enchanted Rose

  • Try a tropical concoction at Trader Sam’s at the Polynesian

  • Indulge in a sweet treat at Riviera’s Le Petit Café

Rainy Days = Unexpected Magic

Some of the best Disney memories are made when the weather nudges you to try something new. So, when the skies turn gray, grab your poncho, take a deep breath, and embrace the magic—it just looks a little different in the rain.

Want more Disney tips, reviews, and inspiration? Connect with me and let’s plan your next magical adventure together!

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