What to Do at Animal Kingdom When It Rains
Florida rain is fast and frequent — here's how to make the most of a wet park day.
Animal Kingdom is the park most affected by rain — many of the best experiences (Kilimanjaro Safaris, Wildlife Trails, Gorilla Falls) are outdoors. Have a Plan B of Pandora indoor rides ready for every Animal Kingdom day.
Indoor rides — stay open in any weather
These attractions are fully enclosed and operate through rain and lightning. Queue times often get shorter as outdoor rides close.
Indoor shows & entertainment
Rain is the perfect time to catch a show you might otherwise skip.
- ★It's Tough to Be a Bug!
- ★Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
- ★Festival of the Lion King
Covered dining spots
Extend a meal and wait out the storm with good food.
- →Tiffins Restaurant (upscale, air-conditioned)
- →Yak & Yeti Restaurant (fully indoors, Asian cuisine)
- →Restaurantosaurus
- →Flame Tree Barbecue (partially covered pavilion seating)
Rainy-day tips for Animal Kingdom
Kilimanjaro Safaris operates in rain — animals often become more active in cooler, rainy weather.
Avatar Flight of Passage is fully indoor and is the best use of a rainy period here.
It's Tough to Be a Bug! is in the indoor Tree of Life theater — a perfect 9-minute rain shelter.
The Discovery Island Trails (outdoor animal habitats) can close during lightning — plan around it.
Animal Kingdom closes earlier than other parks — if afternoon storms hit, you have less recovery time.
Festival of the Lion King runs in a covered theater — shows are excellent and queues thin during rain.
Plan around the rainy season
June–September bring daily afternoon storms. Know what to expect:
Rainy day guides for other parks
Best rides for your group at Animal Kingdom
Caught in a storm at Animal Kingdom?
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