Are you considering a trip to Disney World in May 2025? We created a comprehensive guide to simplify your planning process. It covers important dates, seasonal events, weather predictions, crowd expectations, and smart booking tips. We’ve also included a story from my family’s May Disney World vacation to give you an insider’s perspective. If you’re pondering whether May is the right month or you’ve settled on it already, this guide ensures a smoother planning process and a memorable Disney experience.
The May Advantage: Disney World 2025
May is an excellent time to visit Disney World. Notably, the first three weeks of the month see average to below-average crowds, providing a more comfortable and manageable park experience. It’s also a time when prices are some of the lowest in the first half of the year, making it a budget-friendly choice for families.
The magic doesn’t stop there. May is a prime time to witness the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, where you can enjoy Disney-themed topiaries, delectable food, and entertaining concerts.
However, remember that Memorial Day weekend traditionally ushers in the summer vacation season in the U.S., so expect larger crowds towards the end of the month. Also, May marks the beginning of the hot season, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Disney World Key Events and Dates, May 2025
Here are the key dates and events to consider for your Disney World trip in May 2025:
- Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival (through late May): Immerse yourself in a vibrant spectacle of lush gardens and blooming flowers. The festival runs typically runs throughout most of May — 2024’s dates were February 28 through May 27, but 2025’s dates have not yet been confirmed. The popular event features visual displays, exhibits, concerts, and international cuisine.
- The Summit Cheerleading Competition (May 1 – May 4, 2025): This event, usually held in early May, is an impressive cheerleading competition. Although it won’t drastically impact your Disney World experience, it does contribute to the liveliness of the All-Star Sports resort.
- Star Wars Day – May the 4th Be With You (May 4, 2025): Each year, this celebration draws Star Wars fans from across the galaxy. Come celebrate the iconic franchise with new flavors, merchandise, and experiences.
- Memorial Day Weekend (May 22 – May 27, 2025): Memorial Day, on Monday, May 26, marks the traditional start of summer vacation in the United States. Disney World can get crowded during this long weekend, with some folks making it an even longer Thursday-to-Tuesday affair. Keep this in mind if you’re planning a visit around these dates.
- ESPN Wide World of Sports Events (Throughout May): The ESPN sports complex hosts a few exciting events as the spring athletic season wraps up. While they don’t significantly affect overall crowd levels at Disney World theme parks, the events can bring increased crowds to the Value resorts, particularly All-Star Sports.
These events may impact crowd levels and resort availability during May 2025.
Plan Your Disney World Visit in May
May is a great time to visit Disney World, but careful planning is needed since prices and availability are constantly changing. To ensure a seamless and stress-free planning experience, we strongly recommend partnering with The Vacationeer, a highly-rated Disney travel agency.
As a prestigious Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency, The Vacationeer has a staff of devoted Disney fans renowned for their professionalism and excellence.
Your dedicated Vacationeer will handle all aspects of your trip – answering queries, offering personalized advice, and making reservations for park tickets, accommodations, dining reservations, and Disney Dining Plans for 2025. If you’re traveling with young children, they can coordinate stroller rentals and childcare services. Moreover, they will organize your transportation between Disney World and Orlando International Airport, taking the hassle out of your travel planning.
Additionally, The Vacationeer team excels in securing the most competitive prices. They can find the best Disney World discounts, apply promotions, and can even assist in setting up a payment plan for Disney vacations.
The best part is all these valuable services come at no additional cost. It’s like having a personal Disney World assistant, absolutely free!
Despite being seasoned Disney fans who can plan our own trips, my wife and I consistently rely on The Vacationeer to help us book your trip. They save us time, alleviate our stress, and reduce our costs.
Reach out to The Vacationeer for an instant, no-obligation quote. Their wealth of knowledge and experience will surely enhance your May Disney World visit.
Disney World Weather in May: What to Expect
May at Disney World offers a pleasant climate that is ideal for outdoor activities. Here’s a brief overview:
Temperatures
May typically sees average high temperatures around 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30.5 degrees Celsius) and lows around 66 degrees Fahrenheit (about 19 degrees Celsius).
Heat in Florida: May marks the beginning of Florida’s summer. It’s hot, but not as hot as June, July, August, or September. Be sure your Disney World packing list includes warm-weather clothing and sunscreen.
Rainfall
May is relatively dry in Central Florida, with an average of seven rainy days totaling a little over 4 inches of rain on average. Sunshine is plentiful, and hurricanes are rare.
Rain Preparedness: Pack ponchos and waterproof shoes for surprise showers. Don’t let rain forecasts disrupt your plans. Our ‘Disney Attractions to Escape the Rain‘ page lists excellent indoor options.
When preparing for your Disney vacation in May, it’s crucial to pack for various weather conditions. With sunny days, potential rainfall, and slightly cooler evenings, the weather at Disney World can be quite diverse. Despite this, the overall warm and pleasant weather at Disney World positions May as an excellent time to visit.
Will Disney World be Crowded in May?
During May, Disney World sees a balance in crowd levels similar to quieter periods such as September. This equilibrium is primarily because spring break is over, and most schools are in session. However, there are two specific events that draw increased attention: the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival and the unofficial Star Wars Day on May 4th.
On “May the 4th Be With You,” a significant number of Star Wars fans gravitate to Hollywood Studios. Despite this influx, the rest of the park maintains its usual crowd levels. Concurrently, the Flower and Garden Festival, spanning from late February through most of May, attracts a consistent number of visitors to Epcot. The long duration of this event helps prevent any sudden surges in crowd size, maintaining a manageable flow of guests.
As Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial start of the U.S. summer vacation, expect a surge in visitors from May 22 to May 27, 2025. Memorial Day (May 26) is particularly busy, so planning around these dates to avoid peak crowd periods is advisable.
While May ushers in the summer heat, temperatures are usually milder than in June – September. The combination of moderate crowd levels and manageable heat makes May an attractive time for a visit.
Remember, crowd trends can fluctuate yearly, even daily. Remaining flexible and planning ahead can greatly contribute to a pleasant Disney World experience in May. For more insights, consult our Disney World Crowd Calendar and our guide on how to avoid lines at Disney World.
Disney World Prices in May
Disney World’s prices fluctuate throughout the year. However, May is known for its average to slightly lower rates due to its moderate crowds (demand).
Tickets
If you’re trying to pinpoint the cheapest time to visit Disney World during the first half of the year, May is a reasonable answer. January-April is typically more expensive (with a few January weekday exceptions).
The cheapest starting price for a one-day theme park ticket in May 2025 is $144, but that’s only for May 7-8. $144 is a more common low price point, found on 17 days of the month. May 2025 prices peak at $159 over Memorial Day week — but that’s still shy of the highest costs typically found around the biggest holidays such as Christmas.
Remember that these are starting rates for a ticket, and prices can increase depending on the theme park chosen. Adding options such as park hopping will also increase the price.
Hotels
Throughout May, prices remain generally steady until Memorial Day weekend, just before the early summer rates come into effect.
As with most months, there’s a significant increase in hotel room costs for Friday and Saturday nights versus the rest of the week. Thursdays and Sundays are “shoulder” rates, a bit higher than Mondays through Wednesdays.
The graphs shown here represent starting prices, and will increase based on the hotel chosen, the type of room chosen, and how long you wait to book (as prices generally increase over time).
You might be able to find better discounts at Disney Moderate Resorts and Disney Deluxe Resorts if you wait until June. However, prices at Disney Value Resorts are usually more affordable in May than in June.
Overall Cost
The average cost of a Disney World vacation in 2025 for a family of four is $6,785. This figure includes accommodations at a Value resort, six-day park tickets, Lightning Lane service, and quick-service meals. May 2025 seasonal pricing should be slightly below the year-round average, at least earlier in the month.
Furthermore, Disney often rolls out modest spring discounts for travel in May. These deals, typically announced at the beginning of the year, can reduce room rates by 10% to 25%. The Vacationeer can provide additional information.
Overall, Disney World prices in May are moderate, with lower rates in the weeks leading up to Memorial Day. Therefore, May is a good choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want a “summer” vacation. Early booking can make your vacation more affordable. We recommend using our Disney World Cost Calculator to better understand pricing trends.
Ride Maintenance, Closures, Refurbishments, and Openings in May
Disney World’s May refurbishment schedule is generally quiet. There are usually not many ride closures at Disney World in May, though they can still happen. It’s also a popular time for new rides to open, getting in a bit of “practice” in advance of the summer rush. Here’s what you can anticipate:
Theme Parks and Attractions
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom): Closed starting January 6, 2025 for a refurbishment lasting at least one year. Reopens sometime in 2026 (exact date not yet known).
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (Hollywood Studios): Closed permanently starting October 7, 2024. To be replaced by a Disney villains show which opens in Summer 2025.
- Test Track (EPCOT): Closed starting June 17, 2024 for a major refresh. Opening date not yet announced, but a similar refresh in 2012 took almost 8 months; if this refurbishment follows the same pattern, it would reopen around January/February 2025, well in advance of May 2025 vacations.
- TriceraTop Spin (Animal Kingdom): Closed permanently starting January 13, 2025 as part of the transformation of Dinoland U.S.A into Tropical Americas / Pueblo Esperanza.
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Hollywood Studios): This stage show never reopened following the COVID-19 pandemic closure, and is now being re-imagined into a new show. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is now expected to debut in summer 2025.
Resort Hotels and Amenities
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Significant refurbishment work to Guest rooms is scheduled from September 2024 to September 2025. While the resort will remain open, Guests will likely see and hear construction work throughout the Bay Lake Tower building. Guests are advised to allow extra travel time when walking in the area, as alternate paths may be used.
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Bay Cove Pool, the nearby water play area, and the whirlpool spa will all be closed from late January 26, 2026 through early May 2026. Pools at the primary “A-frame” tower of Disney’s Contemporary Resort will remain open for Guests to use during the Bay Lake Tower pool closure.
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Construction continues on multiple projects around the resort, with work underway through 2026.
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter: Some Guest rooms will be under refurbishment from May 2024 through Spring 2025. Most resort amenities will remain available, but construction may be seen/heard.
- Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts — Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool: Closed from January 2025 through June 2025 for major work.
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Some Guest rooms will be under refurbishment from January 2025 through May 2025. Most resort amenities will remain available, but Guests may see or hear construction during daytime hours.
- Resort Pools: Pools at Disney resorts often undergo winter maintenance through April. They typically return to operation by the month of May unless a major project is underway.
Transportation, Water Parks, Golf Courses, and More
- Disney Water Parks: Only one of the two parks (Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon) typically operates at a time, with the other being closed. See Water Parks section below for further info.
Refurbishment schedules can change without notice. For the most current and accurate information on ride and hotel closures during your visit, it’s best to contact Disney World directly or your trusted travel planner – we recommend The Vacationeer.
Disney World Water Parks in May 2025: What to Expect
Disney World’s water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, offer seasonal fun, but their alternating operations can be confusing. Here’s our prediction for May 2025:
- Water Park Operations: Disney usually runs one water park at a time, alternating between Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Here’s a recent operating schedule history:
- November 13, 2022: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
- March 19, 2023: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
- November 6, 2023: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
- March 17, 2024: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
- November 4, 2024: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
- Annual Themes: In recent years, Blizzard Beach adopted a holiday theme, which we anticipate will continue.
- Predicted Schedule: If each park operates according to recent history, we expect Typhoon Lagoon to open from early spring through late fall and Blizzard Beach from late fall to early spring.
- May 2025 Expectation: If the current pattern persists, Typhoon Lagoon would likely be the only open water park in May 2025.
While these are educated predictions based on recent trends, schedules can shift. It’s worth noting that the parks may close due to unexpected chilly weather, even in May. Always plan for alternatives – there are plenty of fun things to do at Disney World!
Memorial Day Weekend at Disney World in 2025: How to Prepare
Disney World’s Memorial Day weekend, which falls on May 26, 2025, marks the unofficial start of summer. Here’s how to prepare:
- Advance Booking: With increased visitors and limited availability, securing accommodations, dining, and ride selections in advance is crucial. Consider booking through a specialized travel agency like The Vacationeer for a stress-free planning process.
- Pricing: Be aware that prices may rise slightly around Memorial Day. Early booking can help secure more competitive rates.
- Park Strategy: Start early to enjoy the parks before the crowds pour in. Utilize the My Disney Experience app and Lightning Lane passes to manage your reservations and bypass long lines. Consider a break during peak afternoon hours, returning later when it’s cooler and less crowded.
- Protect Against Heat: Florida’s late-May sun can be intense. Ensure you pack ample sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and hats. Staying hydrated is a must.
- Memorial Day Festivities: Disney World often hosts patriotic ceremonies for Memorial Day, especially during the evening flag retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom. Keep an eye on the daily schedule for timings and locations.
A successful Memorial Day weekend at Disney World involves early planning, the wise use of Disney’s resources, and sun safety. Despite the crowds, a magical experience awaits if you plan ahead!
Experiencing Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in May
May is an excellent time to visit Disney World, thanks in part to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. While we don’t yet know the 2025 dates, 2024’s festival ran from February 28 to May 27.
Epcot becomes a lush wonderland during this event. Gardens are carefully maintained, and topiaries – shaped like Disney characters – dot the landscape. There are themed gardens that represent different cultures, and the stunning floral displays become the center of attention. These displays, often featuring Disney characters, are perfect for sharing on social media.
But the festival isn’t just about the visual spectacle. There’s also a gastronomic side to it. Visitors can taste food and drinks made from garden-fresh ingredients at the Outdoor Kitchens. My wife and I, as Disney World foodies, relish this part of the festival. Each food stand feels like a stop on a global culinary tour.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. The Garden Rocks Concert Series keeps the festival’s energy high. Held at The America Gardens Theatre, these musical performances will have you tapping your feet. The 30-minute shows typically run at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM.
In conclusion, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is a must-see for anyone visiting Disney World in May. It brings together the charm of Disney and the beauty of nature for a truly unforgettable experience.
How “May the 4th Be With You” is Celebrated at Disney World
Star Wars Day, known as “May the 4th Be With You,” is a notable event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where fans celebrate the legendary Star Wars saga. During this time, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe at the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area, which includes the bustling village of Black Spire Outpost on Batuu.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers immersive experiences throughout the year, but on May 4th, the atmosphere becomes even more electric. From Star Wars-themed attractions to unique dining experiences like Docking Bay 7 and exclusive franchise merchandise, there’s something for every Star Wars enthusiast.
It’s worth noting that May 4th isn’t officially recognized on Batuu, as it’s primarily an Earth-based holiday — but you will find special merchandise and even cleverly-themed tasty treats (such as Wookiee Cookies or Lightsaber Churros) elsewhere in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Regardless of any official observances, it’s common to see fans dressed in Star Wars-inspired outfits (i.e., Star Wars Disneybounding) and initiating their own (unofficial) celebrations.
In summary, Star Wars Day at Hollywood Studios is an ideal destination for Star Wars fans to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite movie franchise. Despite the lack of official Disney events scheduled for May 4th, 2025, Star Wars Day creates an engaging environment for fans to come together and celebrate a universe that has mesmerized audiences for decades.
Is May the Best Month to Visit Disney World?
Choosing the best month for a Disney World visit depends on personal preferences and specific needs. Here’s why May can be an excellent choice:
- Weather and Events: May experiences warming temperatures, perfect for outdoor exploration, though if you’re particularly sensitive to heat and humidity, be aware. Nevertheless, it’s milder than the peak summer months. Plus, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full swing, offering an additional layer of Disney magic.
- Memorial Day and Pricing: While prices and crowd levels slightly increase near the Memorial Day weekend, the rest of May offers some of the year’s best conditions in terms of pricing and crowd levels. If possible, try to schedule your visit outside of Memorial Day weekend.
- Crowds: In May, crowd sizes are manageable and much lower than during peak holiday seasons. With the exception of Memorial Day, May has some of the lowest crowd levels of the year.
Overall, May is among the best months to visit Disney World for many travelers. The combination of moderate pricing, smaller crowds, and fun events make it an attractive option. If you need help determining when to go or need tailored advice, reach out to The Vacationeer for expert planning assistance.
Comparing Disney World in May (2025) to Neighboring Months
A comparison between May and April and June can provide valuable insight into the best time to visit Disney World.
- April or May?: April and May both enjoy the delightful ambiance of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, albeit in slightly different climates. While April might offer marginally cooler temperatures, May is generally the steadier month in terms of visitor patterns. The unpredictability of April’s crowd flows — due to varying spring break schedules and Easter vacationers (depending on the year) — can add a level of uncertainty to your trip planning. Much like the comparison between October and November, choosing the more stable month, in this case, May, often makes trip planning more straightforward. Prices also tend to be slightly lower in May, especially before Memorial Day.
- May or June?: While the end of May may experience a surge in crowds due to Memorial Day weekend, the rest of the month is generally quieter than June, as most kids are still in school. Unlike recent years, June 2024 did not host the popular EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival — so be sure to factor that wildcard into your decision should it be important to you. Also, May offers slightly cooler weather conditions and cheaper pricing. For these reasons, consider a trip in the early weeks of May, where you can enjoy milder temperatures, shorter lines, and possibly lower hotel rates before the summer peak season kicks off in June.
If you can avoid Memorial Day weekend, May is an ideal time to visit since it offers fewer crowds, moderate pricing, and still enjoyable weather. Still unsure? Consult with The Vacationeer for more information.
Personal Experiences: Disney World in May
In May 2022, my wife Jaimie and I spent eight days at Disney World and Universal. The Florida weather was pleasantly warm, with a few showers thrown in for good measure. On particularly hot days, we stayed cool by sipping water and hopping into air-conditioned attractions.
Choosing early May for our visit turned out to be perfect. The parks weren’t overly crowded, which made our park hopping enjoyable. The wait times were bearable, and we never felt overwhelmed by the crowd.
The planning of our trip was streamlined with The Vacationeer, who helped us secure good deals and simplified our booking process. This allowed us to focus on the excitement of our journey.
One of the highlights of our May visit was the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. We were amazed by the vibrant landscapes and the tantalizing food options. Jaimie fondly recalls, “The festival was like stepping into a living, breathing work of art.”
Also, we got to experience Star Wars Day on May 4th. I convinced Jaimie to join the festivities, and to her surprise, she absolutely loved it. She reflects, “The enthusiasm of the fans was infectious. It was like being part of a big, joyful family.”
In Jaimie’s words, “Our Disney trip in May was a beautiful adventure. The excitement, the relaxation, and the magical moments – it was all just perfect.” The blend of moderate crowd levels, enjoyable weather, and exciting events makes May a wonderful time to experience Disney World.
Final Thoughts for May
May is an ideal time for Disney World trips. The early part of the month provides manageable crowd levels and budget-friendly rates, making it an appealing choice. Additionally, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival offers extra enchantment to your visit. However, remember that Memorial Day weekend signifies the start of the U.S. summer vacation season, which can bring larger crowds, especially towards month-end.
Key May 2025 events include the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Star Wars Day, and ESPN Wide World of Sports events. These add excitement but can also increase visitor numbers, especially on Star Wars Day at Hollywood Studios.
In terms of weather, May ushers in the summer season, with temperatures averaging between 69°F (20.5°C) and 87°F (30.5°C). While the heat is on the rise, it’s not as intense as in the peak summer months.
May offers a balance of crowd levels and reasonable costs, making it an attractive month for your Disney World adventure. However, flexibility and planning are key to ensuring a pleasant experience.
Overall, we at Magic Guides rank May as one of the top months for Disney World visits. However, personal preferences and individual needs play a significant role in determining the best time to travel. We recommend consulting with an experienced Disney travel agent if you need more clarification about whether May aligns with your travel objectives.
Planning Your May Disney World Trip with The Vacationeer
Planning a Disney World vacation for May 2025 is challenging due to the numerous factors to consider. But fear not, The Vacationeer, a leading Disney Travel Agency, is here to simplify the process. Their expert team of vacation specialists provides expert advice, organizes detailed itineraries, streamlines bookings, and hunts down the best Disney World discounts for you.
They handle everything, from answering questions and sharing tips and tricks to making timely reservations for accommodations, dining, and park tickets. You’ll be paired with one dedicated vacation planner who will guide you from the beginning to the end, ensuring a familiar voice who understands your unique vacation preferences and works tirelessly to make them a reality. It’s like having a personal assistant for Disney World to rely on.
Furthermore, these exceptional services come entirely free! So, don’t delay. Reach out to The Vacationeer today for an instant, no-obligation quote, and start organizing your dream Disney World adventure for May 2025.
Our month-by-month Disney World guides are useful resources for planning your vacation. They’re designed to provide you with detailed information on events, pricing trends, crowd sizes, weather, and new attractions for each month.
Discover the best month for your Disney vacation with our comprehensive guides to the other months of the year:
- Disney World in January
- Disney World in February
- Disney World in March
- Disney World in April
- Disney World in June
- Disney World in July
- Disney World in August
- Disney World in September
- Disney World in October
- Disney World in November
- Disney World in December
Whether you’re a Disney first-timer or a seasoned enthusiast, our guides will help you plan a Disney vacation that’s tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
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