When it starts raining during your visit to Disney World, you might be unsure of what to do next. Indeed, many guests leave the parks altogether if inclement weather strikes. However, there are many places to take shelter from the rain throughout all four theme parks. You can continue enjoying your day while checking out underrated attractions and hidden rest spots.
While you’re waiting for that afternoon deluge to pass at EPCOT, head to one of these locations!
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
This family-friendly attraction is the perfect place to go during an extended period of rain. The indoor queue leading to the attraction provides plenty of air conditioned shelter, even when the line is long. After enjoying the relaxing, slow-moving ride, you can explore the pavilion’s incredible aquariums: in addition to the massive 5.7 million gallon saltwater aquarium, you can see smaller exhibits throughout the pavilion with coral, fish, manatees and more. Pick up a complimentary self-guided scavenger hunt booklet for a fun, indoor rainy-day activity!
The Land Pavilion
The Land Pavilion offers the perfect shelter from the rain, with attractions and dining all under one roof. This pavilion is home to the fan-favorite Soarin’ Around The World and Living with the Land attractions, two uniquely different ride experiences. You can also watch “Awesome Planet,” a 10-minute immersive film presentation exploring our planet.
You can also enjoy a quick service meal or snack at Sunshine Seasons restaurant which offers breakfast, lunch and grab-and-go snacks. Many of the dishes served here feature fresh ingredients grown right in the park’s greenhouses! There is plenty of table seating to relax and wait for the rain to pass.
Mitsukoshi and the Bijutsu-kan Gallery
In the World Showcase Japan Pavilion, you can find one of the best shops in all of EPCOT: Mitsukoshi is a massive store selling an endless variety of gifts and souvenirs. Here you can find snacks, games, housewares, Japanese pop culture merchandise, clothing, beauty products, accessories, toys and plush, and so much more; the whole family will enjoy browsing while waiting out the rain storm!
After shopping in Mitsukoshi, visit the Bijutsu-kan Gallery to see the “Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture” exhibit and learn about the art and lifestyle of the Kawaii pop culture phenomenon. There are benches in the gallery where you can sit and relax during inclement weather.
EPCOT’s Circle-Vision Attractions
EPCOT has two Circle-Vision 360 theaters showing breathtaking and immersive short films. In the Canada Pavilion you can see “Canada Far And Wide In Circle-Vision 360,” a 12-minute excursion through Canada’s breathtaking sights and sounds. In the China Pavilion, “Reflections of China” takes guests on a 12-minute film tour of ancient and modern China. Just outside the “Reflections of China” theater you can also visit the Shanghai Disney Resort exhibit!
Showtimes for both Circle-Vision films run throughout the day, making them the perfect place to take a break anytime from inclement weather.
Mexico Pavilion
In the World Showcase Mexico Pavilion, the towering Aztec pyramid houses shopping, dining and attractions to enjoy under the cover of perpetual “twilight.” The scenery inside the pyramid is full of beautiful details.
There is plenty to see and do here while waiting out a rainstorm:
- Enjoy shopping in the Plaza de los Amigos, modeled after an open-air marketplace. You can browse a selection of piñatas, sombreros, ceramic figurines, baskets, clothing, leather goods, food items and more. You can also visit the La Princesa de Cristal and La Tienda Encantada shops adjacent to the Plaza.
- Visit the Mexican Folk Art Gallery to see beautiful artwork and learn about Día de los Muertos.
- Take a ride on the Gran Fiesta Tour, featuring the Three Caballeros.
- Enjoy a beverage at La Cava del Tequila, a popular lounge offering tequilas and light snacks; or for a full meal, visit San Angel Inn Restaurante for traditional Mexican fare.
Where is your favorite place to go in EPCOT when it rains? Tell us in the comments!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
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.
