Walt Disney World in May: Extra Magic, Exclusive Hours & Must-Know Updates ~

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If you’re visiting Walt Disney World this May—or thinking about planning a last-minute spring escape—there’s a lot of magic in bloom! From extended park hours to exciting after-hours events, seasonal celebrations, and a few key refurbishments, here’s everything you’ll want to know to make the most of your Disney days and nights.

Extra Hours = Extra Magic

Staying at a Deluxe Resort or Deluxe Villa? You’ll unlock Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, giving you access to the parks after they officially close—with far fewer crowds. It’s one of our favorite perks for creating unforgettable nighttime memories.

Here’s the May schedule:

May 5 – Animal Kingdom (8:00 PM–10:00 PM)
May 7, 14, 21, 28 – Magic Kingdom (10:00 PM–12:00 AM)
May 12, 19, 26 – EPCOT (9:00 PM–11:00 PM)

Want to take advantage of this perk? Let us help you choose the right resort to unlock it.

Disney After Hours: VIP Park Access

Looking for an even more exclusive experience? Disney After Hours events are separately ticketed experiences that give you access to top attractions with super low wait times, complimentary snacks, and a relaxed atmosphere. Think of it as a semi-private evening in the parks!

Magic Kingdom After Hours

May 5, 12, 19 | 10:00 PM–1:00 AM

EPCOT After Hours

May 8, 29 | 10:00 PM–1:00 AM

Hollywood Studios After Hours

May 14, 28 | 9:30 PM–12:30 AM

These tickets are limited, so reach out early if you’d like us to reserve them for your trip!

Seasonal Celebrations & Park Highlights

May 1 – Hollywood Studios’ Birthday

Celebrate the park that brought us Toy Story Land, Galaxy’s Edge, and more!

May 4 – May the Fourth Be With You

Star Wars fans, this is your day to visit Hollywood Studios! Expect themed treats, special photo ops, and extra galactic fun.

Now through June 2 – EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

This vibrant festival is in full bloom—featuring outdoor kitchens, stunning topiaries, and live music performances. Don’t miss it!

May 25 & 31 – H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon

These separately ticketed nighttime pool parties are perfect for families and teens. Enjoy DJ dance parties, glowing water fun, and tropical treats.

Closures to Plan Around

A few attractions and resorts are undergoing updates to bring even more magic in the future. Here’s what’s closed during May:

Magic Kingdom:

Astro Orbiter (reopening Summer 2025)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (reopens 2026)
Dumbo Playground (reopens Spring 2025)
Hall of Presidents (reopening later in 2025)

Animal Kingdom:

It’s Tough to Be a Bug (reopens Winter 2025 as Zootopia: Better Zoogether)

EPCOT:

Test Track (reopens Summer 2025)

Resorts with Refurbishments:

Yacht & Beach Club: Stormalong Bay closed through June
Grand Floridian: Lobby updates April–November
Port Orleans Riverside: Room updates in Magnolia Bay through Jan 2026
Pop Century: Room refurbishments through Feb 2026
Bay Lake Tower & Copper Creek Villas: Ongoing room updates

We’ll help you navigate around these closures and choose the perfect resort or experience for your trip.

Celebrate the Holidays at Disney

Mother’s Day – May 11: Want to plan something unforgettable for Mom? We have ideas!
Memorial Day – May 26: Kick off summer vacation with a magical long weekend.

Let’s Plan Your Perfect May Getaway

Whether you’re dreaming of flower festivals, thrilling nights in the parks, or relaxing days by the resort pool, our team is here to help you build a magical Disney vacation—from resort recommendations to snagging the best extras. Contact Rope Drop Travel today to book your Walt Disney World vacation.