Guess what guys? It’s May!
Just another beautiful day in Disney!
We’re almost halfway through the year, and what an eventful year it has been so far! We’ve had a TON of Disney news to report in the past few months, and so many things have changed since 2020 — but there are still more changes to come. Today, we’re sharing our list of the top things you need to know about Disney World in May 2021, so you can be prepared for an awesome vacation!
Jungle Cruise is Changing
If you decide to hop on Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom, then you’ll probably notice things looking a little different than they did before! The ride is currently getting a cohesive storyline throughout, which includes the addition of a few new scenes.
©Disney | One of the new scenes coming soon!
You may notice some older parts of the ride have been changed, but don’t worry, it’s still going to be just as funny (if not funnier) as it was before! Your skippers will still make those same painfully corny jokes. 
Click Here to Learn About the Changes!
The Mask Policy is a Little Different
Back at the beginning of April, Disney World updated its mask policy regarding outdoor photos. Now, guests who are outdoors, stationary, and physically distanced from others may remove their face covering to take pictures.
You Can See the Guest Holding Their Mask in Their Hand
This new policy doesn’t apply to indoor photos or ride photos, but you may notice PhotoPass photographers following these new rules at popular outdoor picture spots.
Want more details on the mask policy change? Click here!
Cinderella Castle is Getting a New Look
Ahead of Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary, Cinderella Castle is getting a fancy makeover. The decorations are already going up all over the turrets and walls, and they are beautiful!
Look at that fancy decor!
The other park icons will be getting celebratory updates as well, and we’ll be looking out for those changes in the next few months. For now, we’re content with taking pictures of Cinderella Castle all decked out in gold and iridescent accents!
Learn More About the 50th Anniversary Festivities Here!
It’s STILL Festival Season
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has been going on since March, but it’s not even close to ending yet! The festival doesn’t wrap up until July, so we have yet another month full of festival fun.
Frushi: Strawberry, Pineapple, and Cantaloupe wrapped in Sweet Rice and Pink Soy Wrap served with Whipped Cream, Drizzled Berry Sauce, and Toasted Coconut
If you’re stopping by the park soon, make sure to check out our list of festival favorites, or take a look at our reviews for each food booth. There are LOTS of delicious dishes to try, so you’ll probably want to take a look at the list before you arrive.
Click Here to See Our Best of the Fest List!
Some Restaurants Are Still Closed
Sadly, many of our favorite restaurants around Walt Disney World are still closed. For example, we haven’t yet been able to dine at Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom.
This sign makes us sad.
If you’re planning your dining for your upcoming trip, make sure to check our list of what’s open/closed in the parks to stay up-to-date. You’d hate to plan for eating at your favorite place, only to show up and be disappointed that it’s closed.
Click Here for a List of What’s Still Closed!
Some Resorts Are Still Closed
And besides the restaurants that are still closed, there are several resorts in that boat as well! Both All-Star Music and All-Star Sports are unavailable at this time, along with Port Orleans — Riverside and Port Orleans — French Quarter.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
Several other resorts on Disney property are partially opened, with Disney Vacation Club rooms available, but the main part of the hotel still unavailable. This is the case currently at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, BoardWalk Inn, and Beach Club Resort. Beach Club will reopen on May 30th and the Poly will reopen this summer.
Click Here to Learn More About the Closed Resorts!
Festival of the Lion King is Coming Back!
Ever since the parks reopened, there has been one BIG thing missing — the entertainment! Now, one of Disney World’s most popular shows is returning this month.
Festival of the Lion King
Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is coming back in mid-May, although an exact opening date hasn’t been shared yet. You know that we’ll be there on reopening day, singing “Circle of Life” at the top of our lungs and crying happy tears!
Click Here to Learn More About the Show’s Return!
It’s Going to Get a Lot Hotter
Yes, friends, we’re getting into Florida’s summer months, where it’s threatening to reach triple digits daily. The sun is scorching and there’s a high likelihood of rain, so you’ll want to be prepared with sunscreen and ponchos.
That sun is brutal!
Just looking at the weather for the first week of May, we’re already at a low temp in the 70s and a high in the 90s, so we expect that it will continue to climb from there. Couple that with the humidity, and you’ll need to make sure that you stay hydrated and take plenty of breaks throughout the day!
What Do the Next 6 Months Look Like in Disney World? — Click Here
Three Restaurants are Reopening
Things at Disney World are getting busy again, and we’re starting to see even more restaurants reopening. In May, you can expect Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to reopen soon with a modified character dining experience. And although Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has been open for breakfast for some time (with characters), it will now also be open for dinner as of May 16th.
Chef Mickey
At Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Cape May Cafe will reopen on May 18th.
Temperature Checks Are Being Phased Out
After a statement from a local official suggesting that temperature checks are not recommended in Florida’s Orange County, there is a BIG change coming to temperature checks at Disney World. Disney World’s website was recently updated to note that they will be phasing out temperature screenings for both Cast Members and guests.
Temperature Check at Blizzard Beach
Onsite temperature screenings will be getting phased out as of May 8th for Cast Members and as of May 16th for Guests.
That’s everything you need to know going into May at Walt Disney World! Stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news and updates straight from the parks.
Disney World Will Be Crowded This Summer — Click Here for the Proof.
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Have you ever been to Disney World in May?
The post 10 Big Things You Need to Know About Disney World in May 2021 first appeared on the disney food blog.