Everything you need to know about visiting Disney World in May

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May might just be one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World and let me tell you why. With low crowds through the majority of the month—aside from Memorial Day weekend—and warm weather giving you that summer vacation feeling, you really can’t go wrong with booking a trip to the most magical place on Earth in May. 

Like many other months of the year, May brings special events to Disney World that can alter your trip entirely. If you didn’t already know, from one month to the next, Disney introduces seasonal displays, exhibits, snacks, and attractions, meaning there is always something new to experience—even if you’ve visited the parks many times before.

So, if you’re trying to weigh up when the best time to visit the parks is, then it’s important to know about the weather, crowds, and events that take place to see if they would suit your family. My family have loved visiting Disney in May—I mean, it’s hard not to love visiting the parks in any month of the year.

With our past experiences, I’ve put together everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World in May to help make your decision easier. 

The average temperature in Orlando in May

The average temperature in Orlando in May ranges from highs of 31°C (87°F) to lows of 20°C (68°F).

Compared to the first few months of the year—and even the previous month, April—the temperature in Orlando in May really steps it up a notch. 

Understandably, for some families, 31°C is too hot to handle. Especially when you’re walking around the parks all day. However, I’ve found by taking breaks during the hottest part of the day, the temperatures in May can be manageable. 

One of the best parts about these warmer temperatures is the fact that in the early morning and evening, you likely won’t need a jacket or a jumper. Plus, the water parks—Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach—are far more enjoyable. Because let’s be honest, being wet when it’s cold isn’t really ideal, is it? 

With all that being said, toward the end of the month, May does experience some storms. So you will need to take an umbrella or a poncho. But, if there is any place on Earth that is fun in the rain, it’s Disney World. 

How busy is Disney World in May?

Disney World in May has relatively low crowds, apart from Memorial Day Weekend, which takes place on the last Monday of May.

If you’re looking to visit the parks when crowds are at their lowest, then May might just be the month for you. 

Aside from Memorial Day Weekend, the only other day in May which could bring larger crowds is May the 4th. And why is May the 4th significant? Well, because it’s Star Wars Day.

May the 4th won’t really affect EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, or Animal Kingdom. But Disney’s Hollywood Studios, thanks to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, will be busy with many Star Wars fans flocking to the park. To avoid this, simply save Hollywood Studios for another day!

Special events at Disney World in May

May is one of the best months for special events in Disney World as not only do you have the popular International Flower and Garden Festival over in EPCOT. But there are also two extra ticketed events in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

The International Flower and Garden Festival in EPCOT is one of the biggest festivals the park puts on. Running from the 1st of March all the way until July, the flower-themed festival completely transforms EPCOT with topiaries, exhibits, limited edition snacks, and special performances. 

I absolutely love the Flower and Garden Festival, and not just for the incredible menu additions. But because the park is at its most beautiful.

You could literally spend hours walking around taking in all the displays—trust me, I’ve done it—and it really makes the park an even happier place to be in. If that’s even possible. 

Early Entry for Disney Resort Guests

If you’re weighing up whether to stay on-site or in a hotel close to the parks, then early entry for Disney Resort guests may make that decision for you. Disney Resort guests can enter the parks 30 minutes before the standard park hours to ride one of the most popular rides, take photos, or simply stroll around when crowds are at their minimum. 

I’ve done both on-site and off-site accommodation. And I can honestly say these extra 30 minutes really make all the difference—especially if you have a long list of rides you want to experience. 

Extra Park Hours for Deluxe Resort Guests

For Disney Deluxe Resort guests—on top of the extra 30 minutes in the morning—on select nights, certain parks have extended evening hours. I highly recommend looking at the Walt Disney World website before booking to see which parks qualify for your dates. And double check with reception when you arrive so you can plan your park days accordingly. 

As I’m sure you can imagine, the two extra hours for Deluxe Resort guests sees ride wait times at their lowest, meaning you can easily hop on three to four of the biggest rides in the park almost immediately. 

And, of course, staying up until midnight isn’t ideal for little ones. But if they can’t stay up late in Disney, when can they? So what I would do is head back to the hotel for a nap in the afternoon and return to the parks in the early evening.

That way, your kids may make it until midnight, so you can smash out some of your must-do Disney rides. 

Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The first ticketed event to come to Disney in May is Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The limited-capacity event takes place on select nights from January to June, allowing guests with after-hour tickets in the park from 9:30 PM to 12:30 PM. However, you can enter Hollywood Studios from 7:00 PM. 

Included in your ticket are snacks and refreshments, special meet and greets, and after-hour performances. And with the high possibility of low wait times, you can experience Hollywood Studios’ busiest rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Rock N’ Roller Coaster all in one night!

Tickets to these events sell out incredibly fast. And I mean minutes. So if you do want to get your hands on some, you need to be ready when Disney releases them for dates during your trip. 

Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

With the warmer weather comes the second-ticketed event in May at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Toward the end of the month, you can purchase tickets to Disney H2O Glow—a three-hour glow party from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. 

During the event, you’ll get to see Typhoon Lagoon illuminated at night, with lower wait times for the biggest water rides, thanks to the limited amount of tickets. And when you aren’t tackling the waves in the wave pool or shooting down slides in a raft, you can groove at the DJ dance party, meet some beloved Disney characters, and feast on snacks that are included in your ticket price. 

Luckily for Typhoon Lagoon lovers, tickets to Disney H2O Glow don’t seem to sell out as fast as other events. So you should still be able to get your hands on tickets for 2023. 

What to wear to Disney World in May

The warmer temperature in Orlando means that you can leave your jumpers, jackets, and long pants behind.

Unless you really feel the cold, that is. Highs of 31°C (87°F) call for shorts, T-shirts, and dresses. And even in the evenings when temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F), you still should be fine without additional layers. 

Of course, you know yourself and your little ones better than anyone else. So if you think you’ll get cold in the evening, take a jumper or a blanket with you just in case. 

And when it comes to footwear, comfortable shoes only! You’ll be walking thousands of steps every day, and if you don’t want your feet to absolutely hate you by day three, take your most comfortable shoes and thank me later. 

What should I pack for Disney in May?

Aside from your warm weather Disney-themed clothing, there are a few other essentials that I like to pack to ensure I’ve covered all bases.  Don’t forget these Disney Packing Essentials either!

And don’t worry if you do forget anything, there are plenty of shops on Disney property that stock everything from diapers and suncream to underwear and swimming costumes. Or better yet, take an Uber to Target or Walmart—it may just be a highlight of your trip.

Your ultimate Disney packing list should include: 

• Comfortable shoes
• A sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Socks and underwear
• Flip flops for days in the water parks or around the pool
• Swimwear
• A poncho, raincoat, or umbrella
• Towel
• Handheld fan
• Suncream and regular toiletries
• Blanket for tucking little ones into their strollers
• Backpack

Tips for visiting Disney World in May

Having visited Disney World for years, along the way, I’ve inevitably picked up some Disney World Tips and Tricks. And believe me, they can really make a huge difference to your day. 

Rent or Take a Stroller

One of the first tips that I’ll shout from the rooftops is to take or rent a stroller. All four of the Disney World parks are ginormous. And even for an adult, it gets extremely tiring being on your feet all day.

For this reason—and because strollers make excellent merchandise carriers—I like to take or rent a stroller. 

Strollers not only save little legs and possibly tantrums, but they also offer shade which, come May time, is definitely needed. If you do plan on taking your own stroller to Disney, it needs to be smaller than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length, otherwise, it won’t be allowed into the parks. 

Alternatively, if you don’t want the hassle of taking a stroller abroad, you can rent one from Disney. Disney single strollers are $18, and doubles are $36—plus tax. Or there is also a company called Kingdom Strollers that delivers strollers and other baby items to your Disney resort or off-site hotel or villa. 

For those on the market for the perfect Disney stroller, check out What is the Best Stroller for Disney World? 

Schedule Naps in the Middle of the Day

During those extremely hot hours of the day (12:00 PM to 3:00 PM), I like to take my kids back to the hotel for a swim in the pool and a nap. Walking around Disney when the sun is at its hottest isn’t fun for anyone.

Plus, taking a break at the mid-point of your day sets you up perfectly for a late night watching the fireworks. 

If your kids are above napping age, then another tip is to wait in line for an attraction with an indoor queue, like Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, or Pirates of the Caribbean. That way, you’re undercover and riding one of the park’s busiest rides. So it really is a win-win.

Pack Your Own Snacks

The best way to save money in Disney World is to pack your own water and snacks. It’s a common misconception that you can’t take your own drinks and food into the parks, but you can. And you should.

Food and drink in Disney—like any theme park anywhere in the world—is expensive. And if you don’t want to pay $3.50 every time you want a bottle of water, it’s best to pack your own. 

I personally like to take refillable water bottles to the parks and fill them up at refill stations as we go. Or alternatively, you can head to a nearby supermarket like Walmart or Target and pick up a pack of water for the same price as a single bottle in Disney. 

And if you’re ever in EPCOT and you feel like you need something sugary to drink, head over to Club Cool in the World Celebration area, where you can try free samples of sodas from all over the world. Just don’t try Beverly. It’s disgusting. 

I’ve put together an entire article on the Best Snacks to Bring to Disney World if you’re ever stuck for ideas. 

Bring Along a Poncho or an Umbrella

Towards the end of May especially, there may be a few showers here and there. But not to worry, Disney is still fun in the rain (again, make use of the rides with indoor queueing areas tip). 

Due to the unpredictable showers, it’s always wise to bring a poncho or an umbrella to Disney World throughout the entire year. Because in Florida, it doesn’t just rain, it pours. But only for an hour or so, so it isn’t too bad. 

Disney Multi and Single Pass and Lightning Lanes

The new Multi Pass replaces Genie + and you can no longer “stack” multiple rides like before.

It lets you prebook up to 3 attractions in a single park per day and choose times, subject to availability and also gives you photo perks.

The price varies per park and fluctuates depending on demand and is usually from $15+tax per person, per day. Magic Kingdom tends to be from $20 + tax per day. You can see what rides /times are available before you decide to purchase it – although these can and do change as people modify.

You can use the MultiPass (LLMP) on its own or with the Lightning Lane Single Pass (LLSP) The LLSP is for the MOST popular one or two rides at each park and comes at an additional cost. More on that below.

With MultiPass, you have the option of Tier One rides (the most popular) and Tier Two, like the old Fast Pass system. See more detailed information about how the Passes work and you can print below too.

Download the Disney World App

The Disney World app has all the information you could possibly need on all four of the Disney World parks. From ride wait times and interactive directions to dining reservations and mobile orders, the app is a useful tool that at least one person in your party should download.

I highly recommend downloading the app before your trip so you can get a feel for how it works. You will need to make a free account, but once it’s set up, you can get to planning your Disney day with all the in-app features. 

Book Dining Reservations 60 Days in Advance

Dining reservations become available 60 days before your trip. And if you want to score a table at the park’s busiest sit-down restaurants—especially character dining—you need to be ready at 6:00 AM (EDT) because tables book out fast. 

If you don’t manage to get a table, then there is still the possibility of landing a reservation on the day if there are any cancellations. Keep checking the Disney World app by clicking “check dining availability.”

Disney World in May FAQs 

How busy is Orlando in May? 

Aside from Memorial Day weekend on the last Monday of the month, May is a relatively quiet month for Orlando. With no other major holidays, crowds will be at their lowest—especially for the first few weeks of May.

What to wear to Disney in May? 

As temperatures reach highs of 31°C (87°F), T-shirts, shorts, and dresses are the perfect May Disney World attire. You may need a jacket come the evenings—if you feel the cold—but for the most part, the weather should be warm enough for summer clothing. 

Are Disney parks busy in May? 

The first few weeks in May sees low crowds in Disney. However, toward the end of the month, especially over Memorial Day weekend, crowds in the park pick up as American schools break up for summer. 

Is Disney World worth it in May?

Yes, Disney World is worth it in May, as during the first few weeks of the month, crowds are low, and the weather is warm. Thanks to the higher temperatures, you can make use of Disney’s two water parks and your resort pool while also experiencing the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival and extra ticketed events.