What to Do on a Rainy Day at Universal

So you’re planning a Universal Orlando vacation and see rain in the forecast, what do you do? Panic?! NO! This guide to what to do on a rainy day at Universal Orlando will help, because here’s a (not so) secret: it rains a LOT in Orlando. In the summer, it will rain almost every day. The good thing is, it rarely rains ALL day.

Plus, Universal Orlando (and Disney) know this, so there are plenty of things to do on a rainy day at Universal! Today, we’ll discuss some of them.  Before we get started on what to do on a rainy day at Universal Orlando, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a travel blogger, and a long-time Universal Annual Passholder.

As both a Universal Travel Agent and mom who’s visited the parks more times than I can count, I’m here to help you plan your visit to Universal Orlando vacation with confidence! Contact me for more information if you’d like assistance in booking your Universal vacation at no cost to you. 

If you’re flying into Orlando for your vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the absolute best rates on rental cars; you don’t pay until you pick it up, and cancellation is free.

What to do when it rains at Universal Orlando

One of the best things about Universal Orlando is how much of it is covered or indoors. Many of the park’s most popular attractions are perfect for keeping dry while still having fun. This is especially true at Universal Studios!

Even if the rain is heavier than expected, a little flexibility can go a long way. You’ll want to bring ponchos, wear waterproof shoes (we like Tevas), and maybe even some extra clothes. If you’re staying onsite at one of the fantastic Universal Orlando hotels, it’s easy to hop back for a quick change!

If you prefer a video version, check out our YouTube video of what to do on a rainy day at Universal Orlando.

Do you need to rent a stroller in Orlando? We recommend Orlando Stroller Rentals! Bringing your own? You may have heard about expensive strollers like the Doona or Orbit getting stolen. If you want to leave your pricey stroller at home, we use (and love) the BabyTrend Expedition Jogger, which has everything you need at a lower price point.

Oh, and since we’re talking about things to do on a rainy day at Universal, don’t forget a rain cover for the stroller!

When does it rain the most in Orlando?

Before we talk about what to do on a rainy day at Universal, let’s discuss just how much it rains. Generally speaking, Orlando sees the most rain during the summer months. Yes, during the most popular months for travel. Don’t worry, it often rains for only about 30 minutes and usually in the afteroon.

A word of warning, it gets VERY humid after the rain, so you may want to prepare for that too! Now, let’s get into what to do on a rainy day at Universal Orlando.

Best Indoor Rides at Universal Orlando for Kids

If you’re trying to figure out what to do on a rainy day at Universal Orlando, the answer is simple: rides! Universal Orlando, and Universal Studios in particular, have LOTS of indoor rides that operate no matter what is going on with the weather. We have a list of all the rides at Universal, rides at Epic Universe, and the worst rides for motion sickness at Universal on the blog too! For now, let’s talk about indoor rides at Universal Orlando.

Indoor rides at Universal Studios

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Villain-Con Minion Blast
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Revenge of the Mummy (indoor dark coaster)
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
• Fast And Furious – Supercharged
• Hogwarts Express (Kings Cross Station) – it’s worth noting that some of the queue is NOT indoors so you may be standing in the ride if there’s a long wait time.
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
• The Simpsons Ride
• E.T. Adventure

As you can see, Universal Studios Florida has a LOT of indoor rides to enjoy even if it’s raining.

Indoor rides at Islands of Adventure

• Storm Force Accelatron – not indoors, but covered and usually operates unless there is lightning
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• The Cat in the Hat
• Caro-Seuss-El – not indoors, but covered and often stays open unless there is lightning

While there aren’t as many indoor rides in Islands of Adventure, there are still quite a few.

Indoor rides at Epic Universe

• Constellation Carousel (not indoors, but covered)
• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
• Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

A rainy day at Universal Orlando may not be the time to head to Epic Universe. With only three truly indoor rides, those wait times might get really long! I’m sure that as Epic expands and opens new rides and attractions, there will be more to do indoors.

Indoor Shows at Universal Orlando

Shows are another great option on a rainy day. The main shows are Universal Orlando are in Universal Studios Florida. These include:

• The Bourne Stuntacular
• Animal Actors on Location (outdoors, but well covered)
• Horror Makeup Show

There are plenty of other shows but check the daily schedule. Some of the smaller shows may not operate during rain as they are outdoors.

Dining and Shopping Indoors at Universal Orlando

What to do on a rainy day at Universal Orlando? Why not spend some time shopping, or sit down and rest your legs at one of the restaurants. If it looks like it’s going to rain, head to a restaurant quickly to ensure getting an indoor seat! You can also take the time to shop in one of the parks or in CityWalk.

Kid-Friendly Indoor Activities at Universal Orlando

For younger kids, indoor play areas or interactive spaces can one of the best things to do on a rainy day at Universal. The main area for this is in Universal Studios, in DreamWorks Land.

The Vistor Center in the Jurassic World/Jurassic Park area in Islands of Adventure is another great spot for kids to play indoors. You may even catch a raptor hatching!

Do the water rides stay open at Universal in the rain?

When you’re considering what to do on a rainy day at Universal, you might wonder if you can still go on the water rides. Water rides, resort pools, and water play areas stay open at Universal Orlando unless there is lightnining in the area. If you are wet anyway and want to enjoy a water ride – go for it! Check out our post with a complete list of water rides at Universal Orlando.

Rainy Day Tips for Universal Orlando

The most imporant thing to remember is that rain rarely lasts all day. If it does, you can always find a dry spot to enjoy a show or indoor ride.

Our best tips are to bring ponchos and/or an umbrella. Also make sure to bring a stoller cover to keep your baby (and your stuff!) dry.

Please remember to follow instructions from Team Members in regards to rides closing and staying safe. They are just doing their jobs.

Things to Do on a Rainy Day at Universal Orlando

So if you’re planning a Universal Orlando vacation (especially in the summer), know that it might rain, and that’s okay! We hope this guide to what to do on a rainy day at Universal Orlando helps.

If you’re ready to plan your family’s trip to Universal Orlando or need a little help figuring it all out, contact me today!

We have lots more Universal Orlando and Epic Universe tips on the blog. Check them out!

• The Ultimate Guide to Epic Universe
• 10 things to know before going to Epic Universe
• A Guide to Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World
• 15 Genius Universal Studios Hacks
• Special Events at Universal Orlando
• 10 Cheap Souvenirs in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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