Okay, you got your park tickets, hotel reservations and ride wish list covered. But what do you do if your trip to the Sunshine State's theme parks isn't so … sunny?
Hurricane Debbydrenched parts of Florida this past weekend, forming in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, Aug. 4, and makinglandfall a day later in the Big Bend region of North Florida as a Category 1 before weakening to a tropical storm.
However, for those who have already paid a pretty penny of their theme park trips, not even a hurricane could stop them from chomping down on a Mickey Mouse pretzel or visiting Hogwarts Castle.
Guests brave Florida theme parks during Tropical Storm Debby
Debby's arrival didn't stop parkgoers from attending, or at least trying to, their favorite theme parks. Social media videos and photos show Florida parks either pummeled by rain fall or nearly empty from the lack of guests.
Most of the state's theme parks remained open during Debby's landfall, however Busch Gardens and SeaWorld did close early.
Whether you're purposely venturing out in the midst of a hurricane or accidentally coming across light rain on your Florida amusem*nt park trip, here's 11 tips and tricks on how to make the most of your stormy day:
Check weather apps before you leave for park outing
You might as well know what you're up against. Depending on what time of the year you visit Florida, you might be seeing storms passing through as quickly as they come.
The state's hurricane season lasts from June to November, seeing peak activity from late August to early October. However, even our "dry season" will see some crazy storms here and there.
Before you even leave your home or hotel for your day at the parks, open up your designated weather app and see what the rain situation looks like. Maybe it's a 90% chance around 3 p.m., which gives you and your family a perfect midday break to go back and relax. Or possible it's just some light rain throughout the day, giving you a chance to pack accordingly.
Wear waterproof shoes to parks
Wet shoes are the fastest and easiest way to ruin your entire theme park day. The feeling of moisture against your skin combined with the squelch sound from each step is horrifying to say the least.
If you're aware of nasty weather ahead of time, wear water-resistant shoesto both save your feet and your sanity. And if you don't own any, pack an extra pair of socks to change into once your shoes become soaked.
Ditch the umbrella, opt for raincoats or ponchos
A real Floridian would never carry an umbrella.
Only joking but seriously, it can slightly annoying and inconvenient lugging an umbrella around all day. Especially when you don't have a bag to shove it into when it's not in use. Some rides won't even let you take with you, which means you'll need to grab a locker beforehand.
A better, and more effective way, to keep dry is to bring a sturdy, waterproof raincoat or poncho with you.
Pack some extra plastic bags to store belongings
Did you just get the new iPhone? The last thing you want is for it to break after nearly being soaked with rainwater.
To protect your most precious items, grab some plastic bags to help protect them. They can also be used to store extra clothes, like the extra pair of socks mentioned above.
Take advantage of the indoor rides, attractions
Enough with packing and prepping, what can I do once I'm actually at the theme parks and it's raining? Quite a bit, actually.
From Disney World to Busch Gardens, there are so many attractions that are indoors for guests to enjoy. If a heavy rain closes all of the outdoor rides, you can head to the indoor rides. Keep in mind that others might have the same idea and the lines for these attractions might get a bit long.
So why not take advantage and also try out other attractions, such as shows or interactive experiences. For example, Universal Studios' new DreamWorks Land offers a show at the DreamWorks Imagination Celebration theater. Or you can check out the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom.
Check out the shops, get a rainy day treat
This might be premature to say but treat yourself, you earned it. After battling the harsh wind and waters, you deserve a little snack or souvenir.
If it's raining, you might as well take some time to explore the shops and cafes in the park. You'll be going under them for shelter anyway from the weather. While you're inside, grab some Butterbeer ice cream or ballcap with a tiger on it.
Speaking of eating, try to plan out meals or make reservations
When the heavens open up and unleash a heavy downpour of rain, suddenly every parkgoer around you feels the same growling in their stomach. And it's a mad dash to the nearest quick-service or restaurant. No one wants to wait outside in the rain for a table.
To avoid being a part of the mess, try to make a game plan for where you and your party would like to eat at the parks. If you're planning far in advance, attempt to make some reservations for the park's restaurants.
If there's ever a time to ride a water attraction, go for it
Let's face it, you're already wet. Might as well commit.
While the summer heat is enough to make anyone want to hop on a water ride, the idea of getting your clothes and shoes soaked might make you think twice. But if you're already wet from the rain … go for it.
No lightning or just a drizzle? Still get in line for outdoor rides
Just because the weather is a little overcast doesn't mean you have give up the rollercoasters.
As long as there is not any lightning, you can still get in line for your favorite outdoor rides. Even if it's slightly drizzling out, the ride should be able to operate. Unseasoned parkgoers usually don't follow this tip and head towards the indoor attractions at the first sign of rainfall.
Bring a change of clothes
For those will worried about spending most of the day in slightly damp clothing, here's an extra special, "Uno-reverse" style tip — bring a spare change of clothes.
Whether you whip them out once the rain fully dies down or you save them for the end of the park trip, you'll have the best back up plan for when your outfit gets too drippy (And not in the good way, as per Gen Z slang).
Make alternative plans if you can at nearby locations
If you're a passholder and just would rather skip the theme parks when a major storm is approaching, understandable. But you can still enjoy a day near the theme parks, either at entertainment complexes owned by the parks or fun areas in the Florida cities.
Both Disney World and Universal Studios have free destinations for guests to hang out in and do other activities — Disney Springs and Universal's City Walk. In both areas, you can eat, shop or see a movie.
Guests can also hotel hop at the theme parks or explore the cities were the theme parks are houses, such as Orlando and Tampa.
