Are you headed to Walt Disney World in May? You are in the right place! In this article you will find everything from what the weather is like in May and what to pack, to where you can get a great deal on tickets to Disney World. I have tips and tricks that will make your Disney vacation amazing in May!
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*This post has been updated to reflect changes at Disney World since reopening in July 2020.
I love going to Disney World in May! It happens to be one of my favorite times to visit. Kids are still in school so the crowds are lower than during the Spring Break months of March and April. And is less busy than the upcoming summer months.
In May, the weather is great and there is so much to see and do. Below, you will find important things you’ll want to think about to make your Disney World vacation in May totally awesome!
Also, check out my Disney World Planning Tips!
Disney World Crowds in May
Things are definitely different in 2021 from previous years, as far as crowd goes. The amount of people visiting Disney World is definitely increasing over time, and will most likely continue to do so as we head into summer.
Generally, the days surrounding a holiday will be busy, so be aware of that if you plan to travel to Disney World the weeks before and after Memorial Day.
A good way to check how busy Disney World will be in May is to check Disney World’s Availability Calendar here. Disney is currently using a reservation system in order to keep crowds at 35% capacity.
Green = All Parks Available Yellow = Some Parks Available
This calendar will let you know what theme parks have availability for reservations. Green means that all parks are available, and yellow means that at least one park has reached capacity.
The calendar above shows what is available as of the beginning of April. To get up to date availability, check Disney World’s website here.
Disney World Special Events in May
In 2021, there are fewer special events happening at Disney World in May due to limited capacity and social distancing restrictions.
But one of Disney World’s most popular events, the Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, will be happening in May!
This event is held every spring at Epcot and will run through July 5, 2021. It features topiary displays, outdoor kitchens, and more!
Weather at Walt Disney World in May
The weather at Walt Disney World in May is very mild. The temperatures are warm and the weather forecast shows mostly sunny days with a some scattered clouds and a few days with afternoon thunderstorms.
The nice thing about the afternoon thunderstorms is that they seem to dissipate quickly. The high temperatures are in the upper 80s and low 90s.
The average lows are in the upper 60s and low 70s. Perfect, if you ask me!
As everyone knows, the weather can be unpredictable. For up to date weather information, check out a daily weather forecast for the Orlando area HERE.
Safety Precautions at Disney World in May
Disney is taking many precautions to keep their Cast Members and guests safe when they visit Disney World. From the moment you step on Disney property Disney makes your safety a top priority.
Required Face Masks
Disney is requiring all of it’s guests to wear a face mask that covers the mouth and nose, unless you are seated and actively eating or drinking.
Previously, guests were required to wear masks while taking pictures, but this has changed recently. Now you are able to remove your mask for pictures as long as you are socially distanced.
Social Distancing
Speaking of social distancing, there are markers almost everywhere letting you know where to stand in ride queues, while waiting to get into the parks, and while waiting in line for food.
Temperature Checks
Guests temperatures will be checked before entering a Disney park and Disney Springs. Disney also asks that if you are feeling sick to not enter the parks.
You can read more about what it looks like to visit Disney World in 2021 here or you can watch my video about Hollywood Studios since reopening here.
What to Pack for Walt Disney World in May
Knowing what to pack for a trip to Walt Disney World in May is important. You don’t want to be unprepared and end up having to use your vacation budget on things that could easily have been brought from home with a little planning.
Get this cute Mickey Mouse suitcase on Amazon.
Want to know how you can pack everything you need yet save money and room in your suitcase? Make sure you check out my post on How Amazon Can Save You Money at Disney and Disney Park Bag Essentials!
Here are a few things you might want to consider packing if you’ll be traveling to Walt Disney World in May.
Pack Rain Gear
The weather at Walt Disney World can be unpredictable. Rain storms can form and dissipate quickly.
I found this adorable Star Wars umbrella HERE on Amazon!
Be prepared with a small travel umbrella or a disposable rain poncho. A poncho can also come in handy to wear on rides like Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids to keep your clothes dry.
If you are taking a stroller with you to Disney World, I recommend bringing along a universal stroller cover, like the one pictured below.
Find this Universal Stroller Cover HERE.
Another option is to purchase a plastic shower curtain liner from the dollar store to cover your stroller while on rides and clothes pins to secure it.
I did this on our last vacation and it was a life saver!
Pack Sun Protection
Florida is definitely called The Sunshine State for a reason. That’s why everyone likes to go there so much! But, with sunshine comes sunburns.
When you go to Disney World in May, you should always bring along sun protection. Sun screen is something you will definitely want to pack.
Check out sun block deals on Amazon here.
I would also bring along a cute hat and some sunglasses. You can check out all of the cute Disney-themed hats on Amazon here.
This is such a cute Minnie Mouse hat! Check it out here!
I also like these cute red and white polka-dot sunglasses, because they remind me of Minnie Mouse!
Red & White Polka-Dot Sunglasses
Pack for Hot & Humid Weather
Disney World in May is hot and very humid. It’s important to pack accordingly. I like to be comfortable at Disney, but that doesn’t mean giving up style!
These are my favorite capri leggings for Disney!
I love wearing capri leggings or bike shorts when I go to the parks, especially the ones above because they are so comfortable and they have pockets!
These are my favorite shorts for Disney! Check them out here.
Whatever time of year I go to Disney World, I always bring a light jacket or sweatshirt and a pair of leggings. just in case of a full rainy day. Even in warmer months, these days can be pretty cool. So a sweatshirt and leggings are helpful to keep you warm and comfortable.
Pack Face Masks
As mentioned earlier, face masks are required at all Disney Parks and resorts for the time being. I have found two different types of masks that I prefer to wear to Disney.
Cloth Face Masks
My absolute favorite masks happen to be the cloth masks sold on ShopDisney.com and at the parks. They are so nice, they are the masks that I wear on a daily basis.
Photo Credit: ShopDisney
If you order ahead of time on through ShopDisney.com you will definitely save money over buying them at the Parks. Just make sure you get the newer, softer fabric!
Disposable Masks
The other masks that I liked wearing to Disney World were these disposable masks I found on Amazon.
These masks were were great in the heat. I like to keep a couple in my Disney backpack just in case I need to switch out my other mask.
Bring Hand Sanitizer
Disney does a great job providing guests with hand sanitizing stations located all throughout the parks and resorts.
Get this Disney-themed hand sanitizer I found on Amazon here!
But there were a few instances when we were about to eat or waiting in line, when having my own bottle of hand sanitizer came in handy.
Bring Cute Disney Shirts
Find this and other cute Disney-themed shirts on Amazon HERE!
Wear a cute short-sleeved top and shorts during the day and bring a lightweight jacket or sweater that can be kept in a backpack or worn around your waist during the day for the cooler evenings.
Before any Disney vacation, I like to check out Jane.com for adorable and affordable Disney vacation t-shirts!
Photo Credit: Jane.com
I have found so many cute shirts for the whole family for around $14.99 plus shipping! Jane’s deals change daily though, so make sure to check back often or follow me on Instagram to keep up on all of the amazing Disney-themed merchandise!
Disney World Park Hours in May
Here are the hours of the parks of Disney World for May. As always, hours are subject to change, so check Disney World’s website for current information.
Magic Kingdom Park
- Open from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Park Hopper Hours 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Epcot
- Open from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Park Hopper Hours 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Open from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (May 1-22) and 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (May 23-31)
- Park Hopper Hours 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Open Daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Park Hopper Hours 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Ride Closures at Walt Disney World in May
Disney is great at keeping their rides and attractions in top notch form. That is one of the reasons that I will spend more money to visit their theme parks.
For an updated list of what rides will be closed in May, visit Disney World’s website.
How to Save Money on Disney World Tickets & Hotels
If you would like to save money on your next trip to Walt Disney World, my friends at Get Away Today will be able to help you plan an awesome vacation!
Find out about the Layaway Plan HERE!
My family has been booking our Disney vacations through with them since I was in junior high. Find out why I recommend booking your Disney World Vacation through a travel agent here.
Their customer service is THE BEST and they offer deals like: discounts on rooms, free dining and more! Visit getawaytoday.com or give them a call at 855-GET-AWAY for current deals!
Get Discount Disney World Tickets Here
More Disney World Tips:
- Month by Month Guides to Disney World
- Best Character Meals at Disney World
- Disney World Planning Tips
Perri
Wednesday 5th of February 2020
Hi, Thank you for the useful information in your posts! I read your crowd calendar and it was very useful, but I figured I could get some more of your thoughts. I am a Disney vet - have been many times throughout my childhood and even in the recent years (I am 27) - I still love to go! I will be visiting Disney for 5 days (May 16th-May 20th of 2020) staying at the Disney All-Star Resort. We are doing 4 days at Disney Parks at 1 day at Universal. I have never to been to Disney this time of year before. What do you anticipate the crowds will be like during this Saturday May 16th-Wednesday May 20th visit? It is right before Memorial Day Weekend, but I am wondering if the MDW weekend crowds will impact that week, or if we will get lucky and it won't get busy until around that Friday of MDW, when we will have left on Wednesday? We were supposed to be there this week (Feb 1st-Feb 5th), but I came down with the flu. Can you compare the two times in terms of crowds? Let me know your thoughts! Thanks for your help! Perri