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!

Looking for some late-night fun in the parks? Click here to check out our ultimate guide to the Villains After Hours events in Magic Kingdom!

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!

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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!

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Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival runs during the whole month of May — so if your trip falls this month, you’ll 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!

While there are some fan-favorite menu items that we keep our fingers crossed will make their return every year, we also look forward to tasting the new additions too! A few highlights from previous years include the Crispy Citrus Chicken, Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake, and Grilled Street Corn on the Cob!

And if you’re feeling even more inspired, you can check out one of the extra-cost special events or tours that are offered during the festival! In the past, we’ve seen options like the Royal Tea Garden Tour, Gardens of the World 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 2020 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!

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Are you planning a trip to Disney World this May? Let us know what you’re looking forward to the most in the comments!