The Best Places to Escape the Rain in EPCOT

Does it look like rain? If you have a little warning, these are the best places to be when it rains in EPCOT.

Rainy Days in Disney

Since Walt Disney World is in Central Florida, rain can crop up at any time. It might be a brief sprinkle or a thorough drenching. Fortunately, much of the time it dissipates almost as quickly as it begins. From time to time there is rain that lingers, and there might even be a storm.

It is always best to be prepared with ponchos or rain gear, stroller covers, and a flexible plan during the wetter seasons. This is especially true during the summer and hurricane season when the weather can turn on a dime.

Of course, the news isn’t always all bad when it rains. Yes, it is true that there are a number of attractions that close during heavy rain or stormy conditions, primarily those that are partially or completely outdoors. For example, in EPCOT, if conditions are stormy Test Track will close. So will outdoor entertainment and character meets.

However, a number of attractions carry on rain or shine, provided there is no power failure. And, since many Guests vanish during the rain, those who stick it out are often rewarded with lower crowd levels for at least a little while after the torrent. Rain doesn’t have to put a damper on your day.

If it is possible to get any warning of a swiftly approaching rain storm, there are several excellent places you can be that allow you to enjoy attractions while you wait for bluer skies. Here is a list of the BEST places to be in EPCOT when it rains. If the skies start to open up, and you suspect being outside will be unenjoyable for a while, head to one of these places. And, since EPCOT is so spread out, it may be best to wait there a spell.

1. The Land Pavillion

One of the very best places in all of EPCOT to be when it rains is the Land Pavillion. This is because there are numerous attractions, restrooms, and places to eat all completely indoors! Truly the Land Pavillion has a variety to offer if Guests need to be sheltered for a stretch of time.

The primary draw in the Land Pavillion is ‘Soarin Around the World. And, what better time to wait for a popular attraction than when it is too wet to do anything else?

But, people also tend to forget that there are other attractions in the Land Pavillion. For one, you can usually embark on a journey on Living with the Land with a relatively short wait! It is a rather lengthy ride and a good way to spend time during the rain.

Also, the Land Pavillion has a show called Awesome Planet. It is 10 full minutes of spectacular imagery from across the globe! In a partnership with the Disney Conservation Fund, Awesome Planet uses in-theater effects (including wind, scents, and water) to tell the story of life on our planet and why it’s vitally important to care for it.

Next, you have some dining options. If you already have a reservation for Garden Grill, and you are eating when the downpour begins, you are in luck! If you do not, you might be able to grab one on the walk-up list.

Even better, you can head to Sunshine Seasons with no reservation required. Though options are pretty slim prior to lunch, the lunch and dinner menus have a well-rounded group of meal and snack offerings to enjoy.

Between Sunshine Seasons and the waiting area outside of Saorin’, there is also plenty of comfortable seating should you find yourself with no more activities to enjoy. You might even be able to recharge your devices if needed in some of the built-in ports in the seating area.

2. The Seas With Nemo & Friends Pavilion

Second to the Land is The Seas. If you head there, you have a number of options to enjoy as well. Many people do not realize that the Pavillion is more than just The Seas with Nemo & Friends ride featuring everyone’s favorite clown fish. There are amazing delights that await all under one roof.

For example, after you disembark from the ride, you will notice that if you don’t immediately exit through the gift shop, there is an ocean of possibilities. For one thing, there is a two-story aquarium to explore. SeaBase is filled with marine life including fish of all sorts, turtles, and sharks. Upstairs you will find dolphins and manatees as well! It is a beautiful place to enjoy being a captive audience.

If you head back downstairs, you will also find Turtle Talk with Crush, a delightful attraction where Crush the sea turtle magically interacts with the audience to answer questions about the sea. What’s more, if the weather persists, this is an attraction you can easily enjoy twice because the antics and jokes Crush delivers are different every time. Click here to learn more.

While you are there, you can typically pick up a complimentary scavenger hunt booklet near the Seas with Nemo & Friends ride exit. Guests can help Dory find her friends during a self-guided scavenger hunt through the aquarium.

There is also a fun play area for children to explore. Bruce’s Shark World is an interactive walkthrough exhibit. Here children can learn about the ocean and pose for a photo op in Bruce’s mouth!

3. Advanced Training Lab

While World Nature is by far the best place to be stuck for a rain storm, if you happen to be in World Discovery, not all is lost. If you don’t have a Boarding Group time to redeem for Guardians of the Galaxy, rush over to Advanced Training Lab. This is a fantastic option if you have little kids.

This is the discovery zone at the exit of Mission Space. So, if Mission: Space is something your party enjoys, you can take a spin before you head to the Training Lab. If you do not feel up to riding Mission: Space, no worries, you can enter this fun area directly through the gift shop and skip the ride.

Once you are inside you will discover video games, interactive missions, and a nice playground made of tubes and slides. Your little ones may never want to leave the playground even after the rain subsides. Even better, grown-ups who do not wish to participate in the activities will be pleased to find that there is a little bit of seating as well.

It might also work out for you to send a member of your travel party over to Space 220 to see about getting a table in the lounge. It is not a completely dry walk, but it is pretty close by.

4. The Mexico Pavilion

If your journey has led you to World Showcase, and you happen to be near Mexico, run for the Pyramid. This is an okay way to stay entertained during a storm with several options all under one dry roof, including a restroom.

For one thing, you can hop in line for Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. Enjoy this boat ride and the antics of 3 feathered amigos including Donald Duck!

When the ride is finished, you can enjoy a little shopping in the Pyramid. There is also a Kidcot Station, so little ones can do some coloring. In fact, it might be a great time to introduce them to the activity crawl.

A lot of people also do not realize that there is some digital fun to be had, too. In the lobby, you can design a skeleton character like the ones in Coco!

The Pyramid is also the home of San Angel Inn Restaurante. While ADR is strongly recommended, it is occasionally possible to get on the list for a table if they are not solidly booked.

5. The American Adventure

Another place with plenty of indoor space is The American Adventure. If the weather gets treacherous, duck inside! There is usually an exhibit in The American Heritage Gallery to look at while you visit.

If you time it right, you can catch performances from the Voices of Liberty in the rotunda. They are worth waiting around for if they are scheduled to perform.

You can also catch The American Adventure Show! This patriotic show begins every 45 min from around 11:45 am-7:30 pm, though times are subject to change. This dramatic production featuring 35 Audio-Animatronics figures delves into the stories that propelled America to greatness in an inspiring retelling of our nation’s history. Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain act as your guides on this trip through time.

It’s a great show. Even if you manage to escape the rain outside, your eyes might rain a few tears, especially during the musical sequence towards the end of the show.

When All Else Fails

If all else fails, hopefully, you will be near enough to an actual building, whether it be a quick service eatery, a show theater, or a gift shop to duck inside and wait for a spell. With any luck the weather will subside and you can enjoy your day, even if you are a bit soggy.

Do You know someone who is planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to pass this along so they are prepared for rough weather! Where do you like to be stuck when it rains in EPCOT? Let us know in the comments!