Rain and Disney World seem to go hand-in-hand. In Central Florida, a daily rainstorm is simply inevitable…especially during the summer months and hurricane season. But even though the rain can pop up at a moment’s notice, it often passes by just as quickly as it arrived; and you can continue having a magical Disney day without too much interruption!
When it starts raining during your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, just head to one of these handy spots.
Flame Tree Barbecue
For a fan-favorite quick service meal with outdoor covered seating, look no further than Flame Tree Barbecue. While most of this restaurant’s seating is in the open, there are several pavilions where you can find shelter from the rain (or sun!). These covered pavilions offer seating, ceiling fans, trash receptacles and plenty of scenic Animal Kingdom ambiance.
When you see the rain clouds approaching, make sure to place a mobile order so you can quickly grab your meal and find a seat before the downpour! Enjoy the rainy views of Discovery River while you dine on ribs, slow-smoked chicken, baked macaroni and cheese or other delicious selections from Flame Tree Barbecue’s menu.
Animation Experience at Conservation Station
If you happen to be at Rafiki’s Planet Watch when rain strikes, take the opportunity to check out the Animation Experience at Conservation Station. During this 25-minute interactive experience, you’ll get to learn about the influence of real life animals on Disney animation; then your instructor will teach you how to draw a classic animated character. Your very own hand-drawn creation will be a great keepsake!
If the rain persists after your Animation Experience class, stick around and check out the rest of what the Conservation Station has to offer. You can see small exhibits of amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates, the meal prep station, the veterinary treatment room, and the science center. The Conservation Station is a great educational experience for little ones!
Festival of the Lion King
Animal Kingdom is home to two popular live stage shows, both perfect for enjoying on a rainy afternoon.
Festival of the Lion King can be found in Africa‘s Harambe Theater, which has plenty of seating for a large audience to take shelter from the rain. The show features talented singers/actors, incredible costumes, puppets, acrobats and more in a retelling of The Lion King. This 30 minute show is interactive and entertaining for all ages.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…And Beyond!
In DinoLand U.S.A.’s Theater in the Wild, you’ll find another live stage show: Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…And Beyond uses puppetry and an incredible cast of performers to take guests into the world of Finding Nemo. Enjoy the theater’s immersive lighting and sound effects during the show, and feel transported to the “Big Blue World” under the sea.
The theater can accommodate 1,500 guests for each showing, plenty of room for all trying to avoid the rain.
Honorable Mention: Kilimanjaro Safaris
While it is not the driest place to go during the rain, it is certainly worth a visit during a light shower: Kilimanjaro Safaris is home to over 30 species of animals. As you pass through their habitats on open-air ride vehicles, you can typically see them roaming around, eating, napping or enjoying the shade.
During the rain, however, these wild residents often become more active. It is well-worth getting a little wet to see this different behavior. (Don’t forget, the queue is covered so you can enjoy a dry wait in line!)
Where is your favorite rainy day hideout in Animal Kingdom? Tell us in the comments!
Featured photo by Leia Cullen.
Written by
Leia Cullen
Leia is a proud mom of two boys. She has been in love with Disneyland and Disney World since her first visit to the parks many years ago, and she continues to relive the magic now with her family. She is passionate about creating helpful content that shares news or information about all things Disney, in the hopes it helps others create their own magical moments.
