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How to Make the Most of a Rainy Day at Universal Orlando Resort

Maria Smith
The Universal Studios Florida globe reflected in a puddle at sunset

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written before the opening of Universal Epic Universe and is not inclusive of the theme park’s offerings. For details on Epic Universe, click here.

Florida may be called the Sunshine State, but don’t let that delightful moniker fool you. Spoiler alert: sometimes, the sky will open up and release a torrential downpour. However, storms don’t have to damper your enjoyment at Universal Orlando Resort. There are plenty of ways to dive into the excitement, rain or shine.

Orlando’s subtropical climate means the weather is typically hot and humid in the summer and mild and dryer in the winter. The months with the most rainfall are June through October, which are also the most active months during Hurricane Season. Storms often blow out as quickly as they blow in, though; in Florida, rain rarely lasts a whole day.

Before heading to the theme parks, be prepared for any weather Florida could throw at you. Check your weather apps on your phone and make sure your location is updated. Bring a poncho or umbrella for extreme rain or sun protection. Also, wearing quick-drying clothes is going to be helpful if you get wet or the heat makes you sweaty, so plan to pack some for your trip.

Check out some tips to make the most out of a rainy day at Universal Orlando Resort.

Head to Indoor Attractions

When the sky darkens and you see telltale signs of an impending storm, speed walk your way to an indoor ride. You will find more of them in Universal Studios Florida than in Universal Islands of Adventure. Here’s a complete list of the indoor rides at each of the theme parks, which should be open even in the rain (though everything is weather-permitting):

Universal Studios Florida

Islands of Adventure

PRO TIP: If you have a Park-to-Park ticket, you can also ride the Hogwarts Express to travel between Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. The queue is mostly indoors!

Use the Universal Orlando Resort App

The Universal Orlando Resort App is helpful for many reasons, but it becomes essential during inclement weather. With the app on your phone, you can see current wait times, know if an attraction is temporarily delayed due to weather, easily navigate the theme park, get the latest show times, and even order and pay for food (when you add a credit card to your Universal Orlando “wallet”). Use the app to plan for rainy weather based on wait times and attraction availability. If the rain is sporadic, the app will let you know immediately when the outdoor rides open again.

PRO TIP: When it is rainy, take the time to download the Universal Orlando mobile app for enhanced gameplay at attractions like Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast and throughout Minion Land.

Take a Plunge on a Water Ride

If you are already wet, why not just go all the way and get soaked? The wait times for water rides during cloudy or rainy weather are typically super short. Jump in line and have some fun in the rain! There are three water rides to choose from in Islands of Adventure: Jurassic Park River Adventure, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges.

PRO TRIP: Remove your socks before it rains and put them in a waterproof bag. When everything is dry again, put them back on. Your feet will thank you!

Use the Rental Lockers

A little rain doesn’t mean you need to head home. Break out the ponchos and umbrellas you brought “just in case,” and keep the party going! For those who don’t want to carry a bag of items they may or may not use, you can stash your towels, ponchos, dry socks, and more in the lockers near the front entrances of each theme park.

PRO TIP: Try the “People Dryers” in Toon Lagoon after the rain stops. You can dry off and warm up for a small fee.

Hunker Down for a Cozy Meal

Use the rain as a reason to relax and indulge in a flavorful feast at a Universal Orlando restaurant. My family and I often run from attraction to attraction and don’t bother to sit down to eat during the day. When the weather causes a delay, you can use that time to reset and unwind, too. Some great places to wait out the rain with a delicious meal include:

PRO TIP: When deciding where to eat, choose a place near a ride closed for bad weather that you want to ride. When you see it open on the app, run to the entrance and jump in line. You may be able to walk right on!

Go Hotel Hopping

If the rain is forecast to stay awhile, this could be a great opportunity to check out some of Universal’s excellent hotels…even if you aren’t currently staying at one. Spend time exploring, shopping, or eating at the hotel restaurants. You may be inspired to find your next place to stay or let yourself dream about the possibilities. The resort features 11 hotels, all accessible by Universal Orlando Resort transportation. If you are staying on-site, weather the storms by taking a break in your hotel room.

PRO TIP: Rainy weather provides an excellent chance to tour Universal’s Signature Collection, which features the hotels with top-tier perks, including Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Go Shopping

If you choose to ride out stormy weather in the parks, you can shop for souvenirs and play interactive games in covered indoor areas. Check out the following shops and activity destinations:

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Islands of Adventure

Catch a Show

When the sun is baking you or the rain is pouring down, checking out one of the fantastic shows at Universal Orlando Resort is the perfect option. The non-ride activities are a great way to relax, get out of the elements, and immerse yourself in the world of creativity and imagination. Shows to check out include:

PRO TIP: One of the many benefits of having a Universal Express Pass is that it allows you to skip the regular line at some shows at Universal Studios and enter the theater before the general public (getting you out of the rain quicker). The Express Pass also gives you priority access to better seating.

Go Bowling

While there is no shortage of rain-proof activities inside the theme parks, taking a break for an entertaining alternative like bowling could be the perfect antidote for sketchy weather. Take Universal’s transportation to Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and check out Galaxy Bowl. The engaging music and upbeat, retro vibe will put a smile on anyone’s face. Plus, they offer a full menu of drinks and family-friendly food to enjoy while you bowl.

PRO TIP: Snag a sundae, smoothie, or grown-up milkshake (for the 21+ crowd) from Shakes Malt Shoppe before or after your bowling adventure.

Explore Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk is filled with stores, restaurants, and activities that can keep you engaged and out of the rain. You can test your skills at Universal’s Great Movie Escape, check out the latest movie at Universal Cinemark, or ogle over the bakery case at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.

PRO TIP: Look for a movie on the XD screen at Universal Cinemark for a mesmerizing movie-watching experience that rivals IMAX films in terms of color, sound and clarity. 

The weather in the Sunshine State doesn’t have to be picture-perfect for your entire vacation to be perfect. If rain is in the forecast, be prepared to get wet and try to enjoy it. Jump in a puddle. Twirl in the middle of an empty New York street. Make some memories your family will never forget.

What’s your favorite way to make the most of a rainy day at Universal Orlando Resort? Comment below and let us know!

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