Okay time, this isn’t funny. HOW are we already talking about May in Disney World?!
We’re still not sure how we got here, but we’re here and there’s a lot to talk about! This summer will be pretty big for Disney World with the debut of CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, new character meet and greets, and more. If you booked a May trip and you’re now regretting that choice, you don’t have to! There are plenty of exciting things happening at the Disney World parks in May, so let’s check it out!
If you’re heading to Disney World soon, be sure to check out our planning worksheets. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing!
Here’s a peek at what you can look forward to in May at Disney World!
V.I.Passholder Days
Calling all Annual Passholders! May is a great month to visit because there will be exclusive deals and experiences for you through the V.I.Passholder Days.
From May 1st to June 18th, 2024, Passholders can head to an exclusive lounge at Restaurant Marrakesh! This restaurant in the Morocco pavilion at EPCOT has been closed since 2020 as a restaurant, however, it has been used as a lounge from time to time. May is one of those times!
At the lounge, you’ll enjoy some much-needed air conditioning, complimentary snacks and water, a place to charge your phone, and a free Passholder button. Disney also said that some special friends might stop by to say hello! You will need to show your Annual Pass to enter the lounge.
Passholders can also score a discount on the Disney Store online from May 5th to 24th. It will save you 20% — all you have to do is log in with the same email you use for the Disney World website that’s linked to your Annual Pass and enter the promo code WDW20.
The FREE Disney World Annual Passholder Souvenir PROBLEM You’re NOT Expecting
May the 4th
It’s almost time for the day EVERY Star Wars fan waits for every year…May 4th! Disney celebrates big on May the 4th each year with special food and entertainment and
Disney shared a sneak peek at the food available this year, and although some are returning (we’re looking at you, Lightsaber Churros), there are some new treats to try! You know we’ll be getting them, so stay tuned for a review.
So if you’re headed to Hollywood Studios on the 4th, be prepared for crowds and higher wait times, specifically in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! Hollywood Studios Park Passes are currently sold out for Annual Passholders, but keep refreshing if you need to book one.
9 Loungefly Bags You’ll LOVE if Your Favorite Disney Ride Is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Firework Time Changes
The highlight of many people’s day in Magic Kingdom is getting to watch the fireworks. Currently, the fan-favorite Happily Ever After fireworks show is playing nightly, but there is a change coming soon you should be aware of!
Starting on May 12th, Happily Ever After will push its start time back to 9:20PM. Until then, it’ll be at 9PM! If you want a good spot, it’s a good idea to line up early…but we wanted to warn you it’ll start 20 minutes later so you won’t waste precious park time.
Disney Debuts NEW Fireworks Show!
Updates to Disney’s Disability Access Service
Earlier in April, Disney announced that they would be making some changes to the Disability Access Service (DAS) in order to manage line-skipping in the parks. These new changes will begin on May 20th in Disney World, and will hit Disneyland in June.
There are a few changes, but firstly, Disney will partner with Inspire Health Alliance (the group that handled the COVID-19 vaccination information for Disney Cruise Line back when people had to show proof of vaccination in order to sail).
Also, the party size for DAS will shift from six people to just the “immediate family,” or limit of four people. For example, if you have a DAS pass and are visiting with six of your family members, all of them would be able to join a line with you. However, if you are visiting with six of your friends, only four of them would be able to join lines with you.
Once the new system is put in place, pre-entitlements and DAS will not be grouped together and will be used as separate options depending on guest needs. As far as those “pre-entitlements” go, we think that those are referring to the ability to skip two lines per day using a DAS pass, or the ability to book these two “skips” in advance.
The last change is that DAS enrollment will be extended. Once you’re registered within the DAS system, you won’t have to register again for another 120 days (previously 60 days). Learn more about these changes at the link below.
4 Changes Coming to Disney’s DAS Program Next Month
A Popular After Hours Event Returns
Finally, a popular After Hours event is back at Disney World for the summer. It’s H2O Glow After Hours over at Typhoon Lagoon! During the event, you will have access to shorter wait times, a DJ dance party, exclusive treats, and more.
This takes place after the water park closes, however, you’ll be able to enter early at 6PM to get a head start on everything there is to do at the park. It’s not for everyone, but if you want to do a special After Hours event on your trip for under $100 a person, this is a solid option!
Tickets Are ON SALE NOW for an Exclusive Disney World After Hours Event (And They’re Under $100!)
Want to book a trip to Disney World? We’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it!
DON'T DO IT ALONE!
Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.
Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!)
So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you 🙂
Those are some of the major changes coming to Disney World in May! Disney World will continue to change and update and DFB will be here to keep you in the loop!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Are you visiting Disney World in May? What are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments!
David says
We are going in May, 8 through 20th, was hoping the crowds won’t be to bad. It’s nice to see a lounge in Epcot, it hope Disney will put lounges in each of the other parks as well..
Trying Topolino for the first time, looking forward to the view and food.