Those little April showers and July monsoons at Fort Wilderness don’t have to put a damper on your Disney glamping days. Even with little ones in tow, there are plenty of creative ways to turn a wet day into one of the most blissful of adventures.

Y’all just be sure to pack your Mickey ponchos and rain boots.

One. visit the horses at the New tri-circle-D barn

While visiting the legendary horses is something we do on every trip, I actually wait until it rains because it’s such a fabulous indoor activity. It’s honestly a no-brainer for a gray day.

After oogling over the Clydesdales, Appaloosas, Cinderella ponies, and Poncherons, check out the Dragon Calliope and the little horse museum.

TWO. play checkers on the settlement trading post porch

Checkers have been on the front porch of the Settlement Trading Post since the earliest days of Fort Wilderness. It’s often one piece of our “family olympics” at Fort Wilderness (which also typically includes tennis, trivia or charades, and archery).  But the best part of all may be watching the people waddle and run from the marina as the Gods of Thunder crack down.

THREE. have a diy scavenger hunt on A fort wilderness bus

If you’ve got kids under 12 or so, this is a great way to have some adventure and see the Fort. Make a list of about 20 things to spot, hop on the nearest bus, and stay on it riding ’round and ’round the Fort.

A few ideas for your list: deer, red car, turkey, squirrel, dog, white pick-up truck, Mickey Mouse inflatable, American flag, person walking with an umbrella, Airstream, Coke machine, yellow flowers, trash can, Pluto, rocking chair, bicycle, eagle or hawk, traffic sign, crane, rainbow, kayak/canoe, ferns.

Prize idea: Get pressed pennies made at either of the Fort Wilderness Trading Posts.

four. take a cruise to the magic kingdom

As long as it’s not lightning, a boat ride across Bay Lake is a relaxing way to take a “free” cruise. Look for highlights along the way, such as old Discovery Island, the shoe tree, the former site of River Country.  You might even hop off at the Magic Kingdom and do a monorail loop, stopping at the Polynesian for a Dole Whip snack.

five. hit up the arcades (and have a drink, too)

It just so happens that both of the arcades at Fort Wilderness are located adjacent to places that serve adult beverages. The door to the older arcade is at the back of Crockett’s Tavern and the other arcade is at the Meadows Pool next to the alcohol-serving snack bar. These arcades have a nice mix of both new and retro games.

six. check out the little-known train room at neighboring wilderness lodge

Among the best-kept secrets in all of WDW is the existence of The Carolwood Pacific Railway Room. Located behind Sturdy Branches fitness center at the Wilderness Lodge DVC building, this quiet space contains rare trains belonging to Walt Disney and other related displays. After spending 30 minutes or so here, we like to head down to ultra-hip  Geyser Point (on the lake) for a drink and/or snack.

To get to Fort Wilderness’ glamorous sister property (Wilderness Lodge), take a quick bus ride from the Outpost.

seven. go fishing

My grandfather always told me that fish bite better in the rain. Throw your pole in behind the Meadows Trading Post for some old-fashioned fun.

eight. take a puddle-icious nature walk

Drip, drip drop
Little April shower
I’m getting wet
And I don’t care at all. (from April Showers – Bambi)

Somewhere along the way we learned that walking in the rain and playing in the mud is a bad thing.  Fort Wilderness is a Florida paradise and a kiss of rain simply adds another magical dimension. Explore trails and less-travel paths of Fort Wilderness to see native fauna and critters.  Listen to how the sounds of nature are enchantingly different than when the sun is shining. Don’t worry a bit about getting wet and dirty – a washing machine is almost always available in a nearby comfort station.

Nine. Bake some Disneyland Banana Bread or Cookies and take them to your camping neighbors

I know it’s mighty tempting just to take a nap or sit under the awning with a cold one. But the ease of getting to know a neighbor or two is what sets Fort Wilderness magically apart from every other WDW resort.

Get your kids to help you bake some treats (banana bread recipe) and pick a couple of nearby families to share them with. Your kids will likely make new friends and you won’t have to drink alone in the rain anymore.

Related: Seven Smokin’ Hot Ways to Explore Fort Wilderness with Your Sweetheart