We’re here to help you plan for a magical May vacation to Disney World!
We know from experience that there are LOTS of questions that come up when planning a Disney World vacation! And the time of year you choose to travel can have a big impact on what to expect on your trip! Here’s the important info you need to know to make the most out of your May Disney World vacation.
Crowds at Disney World in May
For most of the month, the crowds in Disney World will be fairly moderate. But that will all change towards the end of May! Memorial Day weekend usually brings heavy crowds to the parks — and since this is the unofficial kickoff of summer, attendance will typically stay pretty high for the next several months.
So, if you have some flexibility in your travel dates, you’ll probably find shorter lines and more personal space if you visit in early or mid-May!
Have no choice but to visit Disney World during the busy season? Check out our ultimate guide to surviving the busiest days in Disney World!
Park Hours at Disney World in May
On most days in May, the parks will open at 9AM. The parks also typically close at 9PM, with the exception of Magic Kingdom, which will frequently stay open until 10PM or 11PM, especially on the weekends.
While there can be some variations in the park schedules, guests can expect fairly consistent hours during the month of May!
You can see ALL of the Disney World Park Hours for May HERE!
Weather at Disney World in May
You’ll probably be greeted with some pretty warm weather if you visit Disney World this month! In May, the average high temperature is 88 degrees and the average low temperature is 69 degrees.
May tends to be a relatively dry month, as far as Florida weather is concerned! There are an average of 6 rainy days in the month.
Note that weather will likely become noticeably warmer toward the end of the month, which is another great reason to try to visit at the beginning of the month versus the end!
Here are five hidden gems we bet you didn’t know you could do in Disney World — but you totally should!
How to Pack for Disney World in May
It usually starts to get pretty hot around this time of year, so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit if you plan to take advantage of the hotel pools! You might also want to bring some things to help you keep cool, like a personal fan, a cooling towel, or a shady hat! And it’s helpful to pack extra “basics” like t-shirts, underwear, and socks in case you sweat through them during the day.
And if you prefer to wear sandals in the parks, opt for a quick-drying pair with a back strap. Trust us, it’s no fun trying to navigate the parks in a pair of wet, slippery flip-flops!
Here are a few things you SHOULDN’T bring on your trip to Disney World!
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival runs nearly the whole month of May (the last day this year is May 27th, 2024) — so if your trip falls this month, you’ll likely have the chance to take it all in!
Since the festival itself is named after the flowers, let’s start there! Guests will find over twenty topiary displays throughout the park, including some of their favorite characters all dressed up for the occasion (that is, in greenery!)
But that’s not all! There are gorgeous displays around the park including a bamboo garden, butterfly garden, floating gardens, and more!
And one of our favorite festival activities is eating and drinking our way around the Outdoor Kitchens, which are set up around the Promenade and World Showcase!
And if you’re feeling even more inspired, you can check out one of the special events or tours that are offered during the festival like the Tea Garden Tour, Egg-Stravaganza Scavenger Hunt, and more!
Or, if you’d prefer not to spend any extra cash on events, you can check out the Garden Rocks Concert Series! Hit musical acts from the 60s to today appear on stage in the America Adventure Pavilion. There are three nightly performances which are included in the cost of admission — just be sure to get there early because the concerts often fill up fast!
On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a meal and a show, you can opt for the Garden Rocks Dining Package, which includes dinner and guaranteed seating at the concert!
So, whether you really want to work on your green thumb, prefer to just take in the gorgeous decor, or just really like to eat, there’s plenty to love about the Flower and Garden Festival. If you’re visiting Disney World in May, we’d say this festival is a must-do!
Looking for more of our favorite festival foods? Click here to check out our “Best of the Fest” list from the 2024 Flower and Garden Festival!
Between the typically comfortable weather, manageable crowds, and the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, May can be a great time to visit Disney World! Be sure to plan your trip accordingly and you’ll set yourself up for a magical vacation!
Planning a Disney World vacation? Here are seven things you’re probably forgetting!
Are you still undecided about when you want to vacation in Disney World? Check out our Month By Month Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation.
Will your vacation extend into June? Check out our June Disney World Trip Planning Guide!
MAKE THE MOST
OF YOUR FESTIVAL DAYS
DFB's Guide to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival details everything you need to know to maximize your time, budget, and stomach space! Know what's worth it and what to skip with our full-photo menus of each booth, complete with DFB's Best of the Fest.
It includes all the must-have information for navigating this one of the most BEAUTIFUL festivals at Disney World, including:
- 🌸 Booth & food photos, maps, and crawls with DFB's exclusive recommendations!
- 🐝 The COMPLETE schedule of events (so you don't have to go hunting for all the dates!)
- 🌳 All the details on special events, topiaries, festival exclusive merchandise, and more!
Are you planning a trip to Disney World this May? Let us know what you’re looking forward to the most in the comments!
J M says
I have a split stay reservation May 2nd to May 12th! Other than Star Wars Day (May 4th), it shouldn’t be too busy. Of course, the weekends at EPCOT will probably be busier with the Flower and Garden Festival going on.