If you wake up and it’s raining at Disneyland Paris, you’re probably wondering what to do and how to avoid wasting the day.
The good news is there’s far more undercover than most people expect.
We’ve visited in all seasons and have had everything from light showers to full-on downpours. And once you know where to go, a rainy day is absolutely manageable.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly what to do, including:
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Don’t leave and don’t change your plans. Instead:
There’s still more than enough to fill your day.
If you’re wondering how rain actually affects your trip overall, you can read our full guide here:
A lot of rides are either fully indoors or have covered queues, which makes them perfect when it rains.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Phantom Manor
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
It’s a Small World
Les Voyages de Pinocchio
Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain (indoor queue)
La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant (inside the castle)
La Tanière du Dragon (under the castle)
Le Passage Enchanté d’Aladdin
Ratatouille: The Adventure
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure
Cars Quatre Roues Rallye
Crush’s Coaster (indoor queue, part outdoor)
Frozen Ever After
These rides allow you to stay dry while still making the most of your time.
If the rain gets heavier, this is where you should focus.
These give you a proper break from the weather and don’t involve standing outside.
Mickey and the Magician
The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands
Together: A Pixar Musical Adventure
Frozen: A Musical Invitation (seasonal)
Stitch Live
Minnie’s Dream Factory
Don’t miss:
Animation Academy
This is one of the most underrated indoor experiences. It’s relaxed, fully covered, and great for all ages.
Shows are often quieter when it rains, so it’s a good time to see them.
This is where you get ahead of most visitors.
There are several areas where you can move around without being outside at all.
Discovery Arcade
Liberty Arcade
Main Street indoor shops are all connected.
You can walk across parts of the park without getting wet if you use these properly.
Shops are actually one of the easiest ways to stay dry.
Main Street shops are all connected. This means you can move between large parts of Main Street without going back outside.
Quick service restaurants (to dry off and reset)
Sit-down meals
Character dining in particular is useful because you stay indoors for longer and avoid queueing outside.
If rain is particularly heavy, characters may not be out in the parks.
Cafe Hyperion is a particularly good one to visit in the rain. It has a huge seating area with theatre seats too. You’ll often find live performances throughout the day. Check the Disneyland Paris app for the Disney Performing Arts Programme times.
One thing most people don’t realise is that rain can actually make some of the busiest rides much easier to get on.
A lot of rides at Disneyland Paris have queues that start outside but move under cover as you get closer to the ride.
Because of this, people often avoid them when it’s raining.
Which means wait times can drop really quickly.
If you’re happy to stand outside for a short time, you can often get on rides much faster than usual.
Some good examples include:
With these rides, the first part of the queue is usually outside, but once you’re further in, you’ll be under cover.
So if the queue drops to around 5–10 minutes, it can be well worth it, even if you get a bit wet at the start.
We’ve done this a few times and it’s one of the easiest ways to get on popular rides without long waits.
If the rain is very heavy or there’s thunder, some outdoor rides may pause temporarily, so it’s always worth checking the Disneyland Paris app before heading over.
If it turns into a full day of rain, don’t rely on rides alone.
Mix your day up.
Rotate between rides, shows and shops
Take proper breaks
Avoid peak food times
If you’re staying nearby, you’ve got a few good options.
Head back to your hotel (many have pools)
Visit Val d’Europe shopping centre
Go to Sea Life Centre
Val d’Europe is only one stop away and gives you a completely different pace if needed.
If you’re visiting during winter, we’ve also experienced Disneyland Paris during heavy snowfall, which brings a completely different atmosphere to the parks. You can read our full guide here: Disneyland Paris in the Snow: What It’s Really Like
When it’s raining, the best approach is to rotate between indoor rides, shows and covered areas rather than trying to follow a fixed plan. This keeps you flexible and avoids the busiest spots when everyone else heads inside at the same time.
You can find all of our tips, guides and itineraries in our main Disneyland Paris hub, including planning, budgeting and ride guides.
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