Things to Do in the Rain at Universal Orlando

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Headed to Universal Orlando, but noticing that the weather is calling for rain during your visit? No worries! Weather forecast aside, it is 100% possible to do Universal Orlando in the rain. From indoor rides to shows, restaurants, and countless shops, there are multiple ways to keep dry while the story passes.

However, if it is going to rain during your trip, it is best to be prepared. Rain gear is always recommended, even if it isn’t supposed to rain! Us Floridians know how temperamental our temperatures can be: summer storms are real! And no, there are no refunds whether your storm feels like a slight drizzle or a tropical depression.

We really want to stress that the weather doesn’t have to stop you. A rainy day at Universal Studios Orlando can be just as fun as a sunny day– if not more fun. Smaller crowds, anyone? In fact, there are tons to things to do in Orlando in the rain, so why not make theme parks one of them?

Universal Orlando in the rain can be fun, as show by two smiling faces hiding beneath hats and rain coats, but standing in front of Hogwarts.

Best Things to do in the Rain at Universal Orlando

Thankfully, there are plenty indoor attractions at Universal Orlando, and thus, there are plenty of things to do in the rain. If you are stuck consider leaping to those indoor rides! Some of the best things to do in Universal in the rain are:

Island of Adventure Indoor Rides:

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Cat in the Hat
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Hogwarts Express: From Hogsmeade to King’s Cross in London/Diagon Alley (only applicable you have a park to park ticket)

Universal Studios Florida Indoor Rides:

Men in Black Alien Attack
Transformers: The Ride 3-D
Revenge of the Mummy
E.T. Adventure
The Simpsons Ride (not for the weak stomached)
Race Through New York Jimmy Fallon
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Hogwarts Express: From King’s Cross in London to Hogsmeade (again, only applicable if you have a park to park ticket)
Fast & Furious- Supercharged (Don’t go on this. Even if it’s raining. tTrust me. It’s an awful ride!)

Universal Studios Attractions/Shows:

Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show
The Bourne Stuntacular
Animal Actors on Location (Lightning, Thunder and Rain Intensity may impact if this show still goes on)

Understanding Orlando’s Weather Patterns

Rain at Universal Orlando isn’t always a surprise. In fact, Florida’s– and Orlando’s– climate if fairly predictable. With hot, humid summers, we typically expect cool, mild winters.

Our “wet months” are June through October, which includes hurricane season. At the end of summer, you should expect a rainy day. Thankfully, these storms come later in the day and pass quickly. I’ve walked from one end of the park where it was raining to the other end where it was bright and sunny!

Rain isn’t the biggest factor, however. Lightning being 10 miles away will cause all outdoor attractions to shut down! Even if it’s not raining! And that pesky hurricane season is at its peak from late August to early October. Thankfully, Orlando is in the middle of the state, so a tropical storm or hurricane loses its power by the time it crosses the park.

If needed, Orlando will shut down in advance for severe weather. But, overall, we can’t control the craziness of Florida. So we suggest making plans, making the best of it, and being prepared! Universal studios in the rain can be fun!

The normally crowded area of Kings Cross Station is lacking people due to the summer storms: Universal Orlando in the rain allows for guests to spread out and for the park to be less crowded.

Advantages of Visiting Universal Studios in the Rain

There’s no denying that Universal Orlando has gained popularity over the years. And with the talk of the new park, Epic Universe, opening, it is only going to get more busy! When you are stuck with rain in Orlando, don’t be discouraged. First, this means less crowds.

Less crowds, mean shorter wait times! Especially if it is projected to rain all day. But if you don’t mind getting a little wet, spread out: most people will flock to the indoor attractions, but if rides like Hagrid are still running in the drizzle, wait that wait time out! It will decrease.

Florida is hot. There is no denying it. So a little rain is great to cool off the day! It helps combat the humidity, especially in summer. But best of all? All rides don’t shut down in the rain. Thus, you can still have fun with what is operating!

In the tight space of Hogsmeade, guests in ponchos, hats and rain jackets still walk in an open area, enduring the drizzle but knowing there is shelter in the snow capped buildings nearby.

Rainy Day Strategies at Universal

Start early! There is tons of tings to do in Orlando in the rain, so even if you want to leave the park at one point, start early to hit a few rides before you go. Plus, most storms in summer come in the afternoon!
Focus on indoor attractions and shows. Most rides and performances have indoor queues that allow relief from wind and rain. Factor in the time spent on the ride and in the show and you may exit the attraction to different weather! I personally love: the Horror Make-Up Show. It is funny and a nice break from rides. Transformers 3-D has a fun queue and is always entertaining! And Men-in-Black is perfect for all ages! But no matter what, all the things to do at inside at Universal Orlando are worth it to escape crazy weather.
Enjoy a dining experience. Universal has been stepping up their dining game lately, so take refuge an enjoy a good meal or snack while waiting out a storm! I personally love Mythos, and their drinks of the “Gods.” My partner loves Finnegans for Irish comfort food. But you can also go to The Burger Digs and explore the stores and Dino areas with kids!
Download the Universal Studios App. This is a lifesaver! See what rides are closed in real time, get active updates on reservations, keep an eye out on wait times and more. This helps plan effectively. And the app is free! So plan a character sighting, get informed on the timing for your next show, and more! The Universal Orlando rainy day attractions will put their times and info on the app.
Go shopping. Literally. Just go walk through the stores of Diagon Alley. Let your nerd brain and heart soar as you pick out a wand, get matching Quidditch jerseys, and try chocolate frogs. The rain will only add to the “London” feel anyway! Rainy day things to do in Orlando have never been better than spending some time in a fictional world.
Take a break. Never be afraid to call it quits. There are plenty of places you can sit back and relax if the storm gets too bad. Annual Passholders can relax in the AP lounges, guests with hotel rooms can travel back for an afternoon of relaxation, or guest can go explore the countless shops, restaurants, tattoo shops and more at CityWalk!

What to Wear in the Rain

Rain jackets. Let’s make one thing clear– rain jackets are better than ponchos. Not only do they keep you protected on all Universal Orlando rainy day attractions, but you’re allowed to wear them on said attractions! Most rides require you to take off a poncho, but not a jacket. Bringing your own ponchos or rain jackets will also help curb the price of purchasing these in the park
Water-resistant shoes will save your toes from getting wrinkly. Whether you prefer Crocs, rain boots, or even water shoes, save yourself from the wet socks. Considering what to wear at Universal in the rain can make or break your experience– trust us!
Quick Dry Clothing. Don’t try to be stylish– if you get caught in the rain you are already going to look like a wet dog. Thick clothing– denim jeans or cotton hoodies– take forever to dry. Instead go for nylon athleisure gear to dry quickly!
Use waterproof bags, or even Ziploc bags! Keeping your wallets and phones dry is really important. And while you can rent a locker, then you don’t have easy access at all times! Plus, if you are here when it isn’t raining, bringing baggies is great practice for those water rides. Waterproof backpacks also work!
Hats. Baseball, bucket, sun hat, it doesn’t really matter. Those hoods on your ponchos and jackets will only go so far. Plus the hat itself will keep heat centered and help you stay warm on a rainy day. Hats also help keep the hood up, and more protection is better than less.