Fun activities to keep your family smiling!

Although this may seem like bad news to those who have planned their vacations during this time, Walt Disney World, the land of magic, has provided visitors with an abundance of activities to keep them busy and smiling, even during a cloudburst.

At the Park...
First and foremost, Walt Disney World recommends visitors stay at the park during a rainfall. Florida rainshowers tend to be short-lived and visitors can purchase ponchos bearing the face of Mickey Mouse at various locations throughout the park. Depending on the severity of the rainfall, most of Disney's rides and attractions remain open.
As soon as it starts to drizzle, many guests tend to leave the park, allowing those staying behind a much shorter wait time for rides and attractions.
In the event that your decision is to stay at Disney on a rainy day, make sure to include the fireworks show at Magic Kingdom or Epcot, in your plans. These shows are rarely cancelled due to rain and finding a good spot to watch them will be easy, as a lot of people will have left the park by nightfall.
The indoor venues are ideal to visit if the rain doesn't let up. At the Magic Kingdom, visitors can take in the Pirates of the Caribbean show or at Disney's MGM-Studios, the Animation Tour, Little Mermaid Show or Tower of Terror.
For a unique animal show, Disney's Animal Kingdom is the ideal location to see The Lion King and Dinosaur shows.
Why not treat yourself to something cheerful on a cloudy day? Walt Disney World offers a treasure trove of more than 300 shopping venues that make the 47-square-mile resort a merchandise Mecca. Browse the specialty merchandise found at World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace - a store which carries the largest Disney character showplace found anywhere. While at Downtown Disney Marketplace, plan on stopping for lunch at the Rainforest Cafe where a downpour of fun is guaranteed. This lush eatery, perfect for lunch or dinner, is decorated with banyan trees, tropical fish and waterfalls, plus special effects that recreate tropical storms with lightning and thunder - but not to worry, visitors stay nice and dry during this storm!
Or, since you're already wet, enjoy the fun at one of two Disney waterparks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
The kids will have no problem being indoors as they design and "ride" their own gravity-defying roller coasters at DisneyQuest, an indoor (and weatherproof) interactive theme park found at Disney's West Side. This family entertainment complex features high-tech rides, simulators, games and virtual-reality attractions. While on the West Side, consider taking in a movie at the AMC 24-movie theater, where there's something on the silver screen to suit all ages.
If your family enjoyed the virtual reality activities found on the West Side, Disney's ESPN Club offers virtual activities, including car racing, golf and skiing.

Visit a Resort...
There's no need to have a little rain dampen your spirit. Take the time and explore Disney's on-site resorts and what they have to offer! Hop aboard the monorail (ask to go in the driver's cabin) and explore the Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian Resorts. (Ask for a free tour at the front desk).
During your excursion to Disney's Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club, indulge yourself and get soaked in a Secret Garden bath at the spa, which features pampering possibilities such as manicures, pedicures, massages, facials and more. If it's still drizzling after your spa treatment, what better way to relax and enjoy a vacation day than with some hot imported tea and a warm scone, offered at the Grand Floridian? High tea is served daily from 3-6 p.m. with fruit tartlets, tea sandwiches and freshly baked pastries.
Check out the action in the Milk House fieldhouse at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosts every sporting event from basketball and cheer competitions to volleyball and wrestling.
Work off the delicious food served at the resorts by hiring a personal trainer at nearly a dozen Disney resort health clubs which feature state-of-the-art equipment.
Further information on Walt Disney World and on-site resorts can be found by calling (407) W-Disney or visit www.disneyworld.com.