Heading to Disney World in May? The summer crowds are just starting to roll in, so planning ahead is key! Whether you’re wondering what to pack, how busy the parks will be, or what’s new this month, we’ve got all the details you need. Keep reading for everything to expect during your May 2025 trip to Disney World!

Disney World Events in May

May is an event-packed month at Walt Disney World! The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is still in full swing, bringing topiaries, outdoor kitchens, and vibrant gardens through early June.

Throughout the month, Disney After Hours events take place at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, giving you the chance to enjoy the parks with lower crowds and shorter wait times if you purchase a ticket. Typhoon Lagoon also joins the lineup with H2O Glow After Hours, a nighttime water park party that is great for those looking for something special to do outside of the traditional theme parks.

May also includes fan-favorite celebrations like “May the Fourth” at Hollywood Studios, a variety of youth sports competitions, and of course, Memorial Day weekend, which brings a noticeable bump in crowds as families kick off their summer vacations.

Here’s a look at what you can look forward to during your visit in May 2025:

• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival: March 5th to June 2nd, 2025
• The Summit Championship: May 1st to May 4th, 2025
• “May The Fourth” Celebration at Hollywood Studios: May 4th, 2025
• Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom: May 5th, 12th, and 19th, 2025
• Disney After Hours at EPCOT: May 8th and 29th, 2025
• The D2 Summit: May 9th to May 11th, 2025
• Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios: May 14th and 28th, 2025
• Special Olympics Florida Summer Games: May 16th to May 17th, 2025
• Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: May 23 and 31
• Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament: May 24th to May 26th, 2025
• AAU Basketball Memorial Day Classic: May 24th to May 26th, 2025
• Memorial Day: May 26th, 2025

Be sure to check Disney’s theme park hours to see how/if any of these events will impact your park day plans.

May Disney World Crowds

May is often considered the calm before the summer storm when it comes to Disney World crowds—making it one of the least busy months of the summer season. However, that doesn’t mean it’s crowd-free. As schools across the U.S. begin to let out for summer break, attendance starts to pick up, especially in the second half of the month. Memorial Day Weekend is one of the busiest times to visit, and May the Fourth draws large crowds to Hollywood Studios, often making it one of the park’s most packed days of the year.

To beat the crowds, plan to arrive at the parks early and take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry if you’re staying at a Disney resort. You can also get more done by staying late, especially during extended evening hours or after-hours events. Midday is usually the busiest, so consider taking a break then and returning in the evening when crowds thin out.

Should You Purchase Lightning Lane Services?

If you’re visiting Disney World during busier times in May—like Memorial Day Weekend or May the Fourth at Hollywood Studios—purchasing Disney’s Lightning Lane services (Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Passes, and Premier Pass) can be a smart way to save time and avoid long waits.

Keep in mind that prices for these services are dynamic, so they tend to be higher when crowd levels rise—and they can sell out. If Lightning Lane access is a priority for you, be sure to set an alarm for your pre-booking window so you have the best chance of locking in the rides and times you want.

Disney World Weather in May

May marks the transition from spring to summer in Central Florida, and the weather definitely starts to heat up. Expect daily highs in the mid-80s to low 90s, with moderate humidity that increases as the month goes on. While early May tends to be more comfortable, late May often brings afternoon thunderstorms and more noticeable summer-like conditions. Rain usually comes in short bursts rather than all-day downpours, but it’s still smart to be prepared for changing weather throughout the day.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing to stay cool during the warm afternoons, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and quick-drying socks or sandals can be a bonus on rainy days. Don’t forget to bring a compact poncho or rain jacket, especially if you’re visiting in the second half of the month when storms are more likely. A small portable fan or cooling towel can also make a big difference during hotter days in the parks. And as always, having a refillable water bottle on hand will help you stay hydrated in the Florida heat.

Disney World Water Parks in May

May is one of the best times to visit Disney’s water parks, with warmer temperatures and rising humidity making a pool day feel extra refreshing. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are open throughout the month of May (for the first time since 2020!), letting you choose between the tropical storm-tossed vibe of Typhoon Lagoon or the snowy, ski-resort-turned-water-park theme of Blizzard Beach. Both are open daily from 10AM-6PM, unless otherwise noted.

If you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel, don’t forget that you get free water park admission on the day of your check-in! This is a great way to kick off your vacation without needing to pay extra for a theme park ticket. It’s especially convenient for guests arriving mid-morning or early afternoon, as it gives you a relaxing and fun start to your trip while still soaking in that Disney atmosphere.

May Disney World Prices

May tends to bring higher-than-average prices for both theme park tickets and Disney Resort hotels, especially as crowds increase throughout the month. While it’s not the most expensive time of year, it’s certainly not the cheapest either—particularly around Memorial Day Weekend, when demand spikes. Lightning Lane prices also tend to rise with crowd levels, so expect to pay more for these add-ons during busier dates.

May 2025 Park Ticket Prices

Park ticket prices in May 2025 are on the higher end due to the incoming summer crowds. So, if you’re visiting during the month (especially around Memorial Day Weekend), expect to pay more per day.

Here’s how much you can expect to pay for a park ticket in May:

• Magic Kingdom: $169-$184
• EPCOT: $154-$179
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $164-$179
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $144-$159
• Park Hopper: $233-$251
• Park Hopper Plus: $253-$271

May 2025 Disney World Resort Hotel Prices

In May, Walt Disney World Resort hotel prices generally reflect the increasing demand as the summer season approaches. While not the highest of the year, both theme park tickets and hotel accommodations tend to be on the higher end during this month.

Here’s an overview of the average price ranges for Disney World hotels in May 2025:

• Value Resorts: Starting around $260+ per night
• Moderate Resorts: Starting around $285+ per night
• Deluxe Resorts: Starting around $500-$600+ per night

Be sure to check Disney’s website for exact pricing and availability for your travel dates.

May Deals and Discounts

While prices may be higher due to increasing summer crowds, you don’t have to pay full price for your theme park tickets and Disney Resort hotel stay if you visit Disney World in May! Disney is offering special discounts for Florida Residents, Annual Passholders, Military Members, and…well…everyone else! Here’s a look at all the ways to save:

All Guests:

• Save up to 30% on your Disney Resort hotel 5 nights or longer from May 1st to July 31st, 2025. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.
• Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass: Enjoy unlimited visits to Disney’s water parks through May 23rd, 2025 for only $79 per pass. Learn more here.
• Get a specially priced 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket that’s valid for admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom April 6th through September 22nd, 2025. Learn more about how to save here.
• Save 50% on kids (ages 3 to 9) 3-day or longer standard Walt Disney World theme park tickets—for ticket start dates from May 27th through September 20th, 2025. Learn more here and buy tickets here.

Florida Residents:

• Purchase special 3-day and 4-day tickets valid through May 23rd, 2025. Click here to learn more and buy.
• Save up to 30% on hotel stays at select Disney Resorts most nights from May 1st to July 31st, 2025. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.
• Pay only 50% of the down payment on a Walt Disney World Annual Pass. Learn more here.

Annual Passholders:

• Save up to 40% on hotel stays at select Disney Resorts most nights from May 1st to July 31st, 2025. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.

Military Members:

• Save on park tickets: Specially priced 4-day, 5-day, and 6-day Disney Military Salute Tickets can be purchased throughout 2025. Learn more here.
• Save on rooms at select Disney Resorts from January 1st through December 19th, 2025. Learn more here.

May Refurbishments and Closures

As Disney gears up for some major future additions and enhancements, several attractions across the theme parks remain permanently closed to make way for what’s next. In addition to these long-term changes, there are also a few ongoing refurbishments at select Disney Resort hotels, which could impact your stay depending on where you’re booked. If you’re visiting in May, it’s always a good idea to check Disney’s official website or the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date closure information so you can plan accordingly.

Knowing about the closures and planning ahead can help you make the most of your vacation despite these temporary changes. Here’s the full list of closures to plan for in May 2025:

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Closed all month, opening in 2026
• Astro Orbiter: Closed all month, opening summer 2025
• Hall of Presidents: Closed all month, opening TBA

EPCOT

• Test Track: Closed all month for reimagining, opening late summer 2025

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy: Permanently Closed
• Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano: Permanently closing May 11th, 2025

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• It’s Tough to Be a Bug: Permanently Closed
• TriceraTop Spin: Permanently closed
• Fossil Fun Games: Permanently closed
• Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures: Permanently closed

Disney Resorts

• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Fantasia Pool: Closed all month, opening May 2025
• Beach Club Resort & Villas Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool: Closed all month, opening June 2025
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Ongoing Refurbishments: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the lobby and rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9AM)
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas Ongoing Refurbishments: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the lobby and rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9AM)
• Bay Lake Tower Room Refurbishments at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Ongoing all month

What’s New at Disney World In May

May in Disney World brings some exciting updates, especially if you’re visiting at the end of the month! Two brand-new stage shows debut on May 27th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, a fresh take on the classic story with new effects and songs, and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, a theatrical production that puts Disney’s most iconic villains center stage.

There are also some new perks and conveniences for resort guests including a new luggage transfer service that is now available at select Disney Resort hotels, allowing anyone flying with Southwest to check bags at their hotel for direct delivery to the airport. Plus, starting around May 27th, anyone using Early Theme Park Entry may also spot characters greeting guests in the parks before official opening time. Disney hasn’t announced exactly who will be meeting where, so check the My Disney Experience app or ask a Cast Member during your visit.

And for the first time since 2020, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open for the summer season, giving water park fans double the ways to cool off starting in late May.

To learn more about what else is in store for 2025, click here!

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