MNCruzn
An island of testosterone in a sea of estrogen...
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2011
Last time we were in the parks was in August 2010, and we had one day at EPCOT where the rains were torrential. We bought the ponchos at the park, and while better than nothing, they are not the best quality. My youngest daughter's ripped down the front (under her chin) almost immediately upon putting it on. Unfortunately, she likes the rain, and didn't see it as a problem. We did not know about the ripping, so her shirt was almost immediately wet and stayed that way for most the day.
The other thing I don't like about the park ponchos is that we find them to be fairly short. My youngest daughter had no problems (becasue the poncho came below her knees). My oldest daughter's poncho barely covered her knees. Add a bit of wind to the rain, and her shorts were wet in no time. And she HATES being wet. Much complaining ensued...
You also need to concider what you carry with you in the parks. I am usually carrying at the very least my DSLR, which doesn't take kindly to water. My camera bag is not waterproof, and I'm sure most people's fanny packs or backpacks are also not. You're going to want to keep them under your poncho if you are venturing out in the rain, and that will add bulk to the poncho, and likely make them even shorter. Just something to keep in mind...
What we do now, and what I would suggest if you are at all concerned about being wet, is go to a sporting goods store (REI, Gander Mountain, Cabela's, Dick's, etc.) and find something that is better suited for the individual (size / height, etc.). You may pay a couple of bucks more than you would at the parks, but if you plan on being in the parks regardless of the weather, you should be able to use these ponchos more than one time (which you may not with the Parks ponchos). Plus you will have a better fit, which will keep everyone dryer and happier.
The other thing I don't like about the park ponchos is that we find them to be fairly short. My youngest daughter had no problems (becasue the poncho came below her knees). My oldest daughter's poncho barely covered her knees. Add a bit of wind to the rain, and her shorts were wet in no time. And she HATES being wet. Much complaining ensued...
You also need to concider what you carry with you in the parks. I am usually carrying at the very least my DSLR, which doesn't take kindly to water. My camera bag is not waterproof, and I'm sure most people's fanny packs or backpacks are also not. You're going to want to keep them under your poncho if you are venturing out in the rain, and that will add bulk to the poncho, and likely make them even shorter. Just something to keep in mind...
What we do now, and what I would suggest if you are at all concerned about being wet, is go to a sporting goods store (REI, Gander Mountain, Cabela's, Dick's, etc.) and find something that is better suited for the individual (size / height, etc.). You may pay a couple of bucks more than you would at the parks, but if you plan on being in the parks regardless of the weather, you should be able to use these ponchos more than one time (which you may not with the Parks ponchos). Plus you will have a better fit, which will keep everyone dryer and happier.
Welcome to the DIS and the CBR FAQ Thread! 
We just fill a small travel bottle with some dishwashing detergent and wash the mugs in our room. The first year we got mugs we didn't think of that and they got pretty yucky by the end of the trip.
