Does Universal Close on a Rainy Day? Visiting Universal Orlando on a Rainy Day

Does Universal Close on a Rainy Day? Visiting Universal Orlando on a Rainy Day

Does Universal Close on a Rainy Day? Visiting Universal Orlando on a Rainy Day

This article is your guide to visiting Universal Orlando on a rainy day. From a Floridian who is very used to rainy days, there are many things to do at Universal Orlando in the rain, like indoor activities and rides, hotel breaks, and ways to dry off! Unfortunately, there is no getting around the Florida rain, so it’s important to have these tips in your back pocket to have a great day. If you want to learn more about having the perfect Universal Studios on a rainy day, keep reading!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Universal Crowd calendar!

 Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

Does Universal Studios Close on a Rainy Day?

Universal Orlando Resort generally does not close when it rains. The parks remain open during most rain showers, and many indoor attractions, including rides, shows, and dining experiences, continue to operate. However, in cases of severe weather, such as thunderstorms with lightning or heavy downpours, some outdoor attractions and rides may temporarily close for safety reasons. These closures are typically short-lived and resume once the weather improves.

If you’re visiting on a rainy day, it’s a good idea to come prepared with ponchos, umbrellas, and waterproof bags to keep your belongings dry, as Florida’s weather can be unpredictable. Universal also offers covered or indoor areas where guests can wait out the rain and still enjoy the parks.

Universal Studios Rain Policy

Universal Orlando Resort’s normal rain policy allows the parks to remain open during rain, with most indoor rides and attractions continuing to operate. However, for guest safety, some outdoor rides and shows may be temporarily closed during heavy rain or lightning. These attractions usually reopen once the weather clears.

Universal does not offer rain checks or refunds due to bad weather unless severe conditions like a hurricane are involved, in which case the resort’s Severe Weather Policy may apply. If the weather forecast calls for rain, it’s best to plan for a wet day with ponchos and waterproof gear to ensure a fun experience despite the weather.

Universal Studios Severe Weather Policy

If a warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for Orlando or your place of residence within seven days of your trip, you can reschedule or cancel your vacation package, hotel accommodations, and theme park tickets without any fees. This policy ensures flexibility for guests booking directly with Universal, although third-party bookings and certain special events may have different rules. Universal’s goal is to accommodate guests and keep travel plans stress-free despite unpredictable weather.

What rides close first at Universal if it rains?

Typically outdoor thrill rides will be the first to close if there is anything more than a light rain. If there is any lightning within the area, all outdoor rides will close. Here are the rides that you will want to prioritize as early as possible if rain is scheduled in the forecast.

Universal Studios Florida

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Islands of Adventure 

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Velocicoaster
• Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Dr. Doom’s FearFall

Epic Universe

• Stardust Racers
• Dragon Racer’s Rally
• Fyre Drill
• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
• Yoshi’s Adventure
• Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness

One of our tips is to use Early Park Admission, but we highly recommend using it in Islands of Adventure or Epic Universe if any of these thrill rides are on your must-do list.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Shows

What to Do on a Rainy Day at Universal Orlando?

Typically, the Orlando weather includes a daily rainstorm but sometimes, it’s a bit more than that. If you happen to visit on a stormy rainy day, take advantage of the Universal indoor rides and shows! At times, we love rainy days because it means less crowds! Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Florida have indoor ride and show options for guests looking to escape the rain. Here are indoor options for a rainy day at Universal Orlando:

Universal Studios Florida

• Race Through New York ft. Jimmy Fallon
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Men in Black Alien Attack
• Simpsons Ride
• E.T. Adventure
• Transformers: The Ride-3D
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged
• Bourne Stuntacular
• The Horror Make-Up Show
• Hogwarts Express (if you have a Park-to-Park ticket)
• Ollivander’s Wand Experience

Islands of Adventure

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong
• The Cat in the Hat
• Hogwarts Express (if you have a Park-to-Park ticket)
• Ollivander’s Wand Experience

Epic Universe

• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
• Mario Kart: Bowsers Challenge
• Harry Potter – Battle at the Ministry
• The Untrainable Dragon
• Le Cirque Arcanus
• Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience
• Constellation Carousel

Ride Water Rides

Although water rides aren’t our favorite here at The Park Prodigy, we say, “When in Rome.” If you’re already wet walking around Universal Orlando in the rain, you can ride water rides and not know the difference. On hot sunny days, it can be miserable riding water rides. But, if you’re already soaked from a downpour, then why not try Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges? – Which will drench you!!!

Related post: Epic Universe Rides

Tips and Tricks for Universal on a Rainy Day

Take it from a Floridian, getting used to the rain is part of visiting the Orlando area, especially when it comes to theme parks. Most people remember ponchos and waterproof shoes, but there are many things you can do to make sure your rainy Universal Day is the most epic it can be. That’s why I’ve gathered some of my best tips for surviving Universal Studios in the rain.

The most important tip I can start with is to always expect summer showers. Florida’s wet season is from June to October. Summer storms are quick, so don’t let rain deter your plans.  There were summers where it rained every single day, but only for a few hours, and made for perfect Universal rain days. Unprepared tourists tend to clear out of the parks when it starts to rain, but with this guide, you’ll be like a local ready for a full day.

Tips for Universal Orlando in the rain

1. Ponchos Over Umbrellas: Bring ponchos for more effective coverage and to keep belongings dry.
2. Quick-Dry Clothing: Opt for nylon or other fast-drying fabrics and water-resistant shoes to stay comfortable.
3. Protect Your Valuables: Use Ziploc bags to keep phones and wallets dry. Use a rain cover to keep your stroller and its contents dry.
4. Early Park Admission: Take advantage of early access to beat crowds and rain. If you have Islands of Adventure, use it there! This park has more outdoor rides. Start here to avoid afternoon rains.
5. Take a break inside: Use rainy afternoons for a rest back at your hotel or explore indoor rides, shows, and shopping during showers. Storms usually pass quickly. Waiting can lead to shorter lines.
6. Weather Radar App: Use a weather app to track storms and plan accordingly.
7. Alternative Plans: Consider indoor options at Universal CityWalk or nearby attractions on rainy days.
8. Best Indoor Rides & Shows: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure both offer a range of indoor attractions perfect for rainy days. Don’t miss The Bourne Stuntacular and The Horror Make-Up Show for indoor fun.
9. Prepare for Water Rides: If you’re already wet, enjoy water rides at Islands of Adventure.
10. Dry Off on Coasters: Post-rain, head to the fastest coasters to dry off with a thrill.

Pick Ponchos Over Umbrellas

A poncho will be your best friend when it comes to Universal Studios in the rain. Umbrellas add a lot more bulk to your park bag and don’t work as effectively as a poncho. You can get family packs of ponchos for cheap, and they can be easily dried off and folded into a compact area. Try to buy one before you get down to Florida because the theme parks will sell them for much more than a department store or online.

Quick-dry clothing

Quick-dry clothing is not only a life-saver in the rain but also in the heat. Whether you’re wet from water or sweat, quick-dry clothing will keep you comfortable throughout the day. Water-resistant shoes are a must in theme parks because there is nothing more sure for a miserable day than soggy, heavy shoes. It’s hot in Florida year-round, and the weather can be unpredictable, so plan your clothing.

Protect Your Valuables

There are very cheap fixes to making sure that your electronics and valuables stay dry. Unfortunately, when it downpours, strollers, bags, and backpacks tend to get soaked. Bring a handful of Ziploc bags for phones and cameras, and purchase a plastic stroller cover for strollers. If you have a stroller, store your contents inside of it with a quality rain cover. It’ll save you from the headache of drying everything out in your hotel.

Use Early Park Admission at Islands of Adventure

Early Park Admission can be used for all guests staying at Universal hotels, or guests who purchase multi-day tickets or vacation packages from The Park Prodigy. That allows guests in an hour early before the park opens at the selected park for the day. Since more rides will shut down at Islands of Adventure, especially the top rides like Hagrids and Velocicoaster, we recommend getting those out of the way first. Afternoon rain is the most common type when dealing with Universal Studios in the rain, so take advantage of the morning.

Take Breaks Inside & Wait it Out

If you are a Universal hotel guest, take advantage of how close the hotel is! Florida storms are typically quick and clear up fast, which means short lines if you can get back into the park quickly. If it is a quick afternoon storm, it’s ideal to avoid it completely and keep your family dry at the hotel, especially since all Universal hotels have restaurants, shops, or cafes to explore.

Be Flexible

This tip is lower down the list, but it is the most important. Being flexible and moving around the rain will ensure you have a great day. Universal Orlando is full of amazing experiences, especially if you have a park-to-park ticket, it will give you more wiggle room with indoor experiences. Especially if this is your first visit to Universal, we could recommend having the park-to-park ticket, just so you can experience the most if all outdoor rides are down one of the days.

Dry-off Plan

Always have a dry-off plan. Whether it be a fresh change of clothes or taking a break, you will need it. Our favorite dry-off plan is going back to the hotel for a warm, dry pair of clothes. From time to time, we even like to ride Velocicoaster or Hagrid’s to dry off. Once the clouds break and the rain stops, rides are the most fun way to dry off from an afternoon of storms.

Related post: How to Make Dining Reservations at Universal Orlando

Universal in the Rain FAQ

Q: Does Universal reimburse tickets for the rain?

A: No, Universal Orlando tickets are rain or shine. That means if a rainy day is scheduled for your Universal trip, there isn’t a way to get a refund for your tickets if you don’t go!

Q: Does Hagrids operate in the rain?

A: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is one of the rides that will close in anything more than a light rain. Due to it being outside and highly technical, rain makes it hard to operate Hagrids, therefore, plan for it to be closed.

Q: Is Universal open in the rain?

A: Yes, Universal Orlando is open in the rain which means your ticket is rain or shine, nonrefundable for weather. That’s mainly because Florida weather can be unpredictable at any time of the year, and rain is VERY common. So, if it’s in the forecast, Universal Studios’ rain days might be your only option.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando, check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals, which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

And to stay up to date on everything inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!