- Most likely at this point, the forecast says, "chance of rain" each day. I wouldn't put much stock in it.
- If it does rain, odds are high it will rain for a short period of time. Ten minutes of rain is nothing, and will have almost zero impact on your day.
- A good strategy is to buy some of those $1 plastic ponchos they sell at big box stores. Check the weather report each morning, and if it looks like 30-50% chance of rain, bring the plastic ponchos. They typically fit fine in a pocket. Also be mindful of the type of shoes you are wearing.
- If it looks over 50% chance of rain or more solid rain...then bring a jacket or perhaps a more solid rain poncho. You can get these in some big box stores or online. Look for heavy vinyl, and expect to pay more like $5-10 online.
Another option is just to buy them at WDW or any theme park if/when you need them. This costs a few $ more per poncho, but saves you hassle of carrying them (both in your luggage on the way to WDW, and in the parks before you need them.) Plus, if you buy at WDW, WDW will replace any damaged ones for free, if you keep the receipt.
5. Often your best bet is simply to duck into a gift shop/show/attraction for about 10-15 minutes. The small hassle of plastic ponchos is that before you open them, they are very compact, but once you unfold them, well, it is like folding a trash bag. Make that a wet trash bag, that gets musty.
6. We prefer to bring both cheap ponchos and rain jackets to WDW. On days where rain odds are over 50%, we wear the jackets. Mine are the kind that fold into a pocket, so they are quite compact when folded. In a pinch, we also tie them around our waist.
7. Two more things we pretty much always bring are Ziploc bags in all sizes (2.5gallon, gallon, quart, snack) and comfortable, water-tolerant walking sandals. Many folks also like moisture wicking socks.
8. Now is a good time to shop for sandals, jackets, ponchos. In a pinch, you can also find them in FL. Three's an outlet mall near WDW, and also Disney Springs has an inexpensive store called Uniqlo that sells all kinds of jackets and Disney themed shirts.
9. Odds are high you will get at least one nice beach day per week, but this time of year, you might not get more than one good beach day. This time of year, it may well be too cold the rest of the week. Even as late as April we've had whole weeks that were pretty chilly! but also sometimes great weather in February.
10. If you want to be near the beach, but maybe not quite the beach, options include Cape Canaveral (NASA), St Augustine (amazing historic fort + shops , though both are partially outdoors) and Daytona (check for events?). Even closer, there are a number of indoors activities in Orlando. Tampa/Clearwater also has tons of things to do. Even driving the causeways is kind of interesting. Among options in Tampa is an indoor aquarium, museums, and ferries that offer a tour of the bay. Dolphins are often seen in the bay!
If you are willing to brave a 3.5 hour trip (each way), you can tour the Everglades/Big Cypress. You can tour parts of it by car, and they have the Junior Ranger program that is free, and is a pretty unique activity for kids. (most National parks charge a nominal fee to enter, some charge a nominal fee for the JR booklet, but most offer the activity booklet for free.) After kids compete the booklet, they turn it in, take an oath to protect the park, and get a special badge. though it is a bit of a haul to do all in one day.
