Disney World in May 2024: Everything to Know
May is a great month to visit Walt Disney World. Crowds are manageable and the summer heat and humidity have yet to kick into full gear.
One of the highlights of visiting Disney World in May is the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. This festival runs from February 28 to May 27, 2024, and features beautiful gardens, exhibits, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
2023 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival topiary of Mickey, Minnie and Friends
Key Takeaways and Dates
May is a great time to visit Disney World with warm weather and manageable crowds.
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival runs from February 28 to May 27, 2024, and is a highlight of a May trip to Disney World.
May is a great time to visit before the busy summer season starts.
Star Wars Day (May 4)
Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Mother’s Day Weekend (May 12)
Memorial Day (May 27)
Overview of Disney World in May 2024
If you're planning a trip to Disney World in May 2024, you're in for a treat! May is a great time to visit as the weather is warm but not too hot yet, and the crowds are fairly manageable, particularly if you can avoid the holiday weekends. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Weather: May is a good time to visit as the weather is usually warm and sunny with temperatures ranging from the 70s to the 90s. However, it can also be rainy, so it's a good idea to bring a poncho.
Crowds: The crowds are generally manageable in May, but it can get crowded during holiday weekends, particularly Memorial Day weekend, which marks the traditional start of summer vacation in the United States. If you're planning a visit around these dates, keep in mind that the parks may be more crowded.
Events: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival finishes up
Refurbishments: Disney World is constantly updating and refurbishing its resorts and attractions, so it's a good idea to check the official website for any scheduled closures or refurbishments before your trip.
Weather Conditions
If you are planning a trip to Disney World in May 2024, it's important to know what kind of weather you can expect during your stay. The weather in May at Disney World sees comfortable temperatures at the beginning of the month. However, as the month progresses, temperatures can creep into the 90s, so be prepared for the heat. Here is a look at the temperatures in May 2023 for historical context:
May 2023 Weather in Orlando, Florida
It's also important to note that May marks the beginning of rainy and storm season at Disney World. It typically rains 2-4 days in May, but rained 8 days in May 2023. 6 of the 8 days record more than a half inch of rainfall.
Crowd Predictions
While it's impossible to predict the exact number of visitors that will be in the parks on any given day, there are a few things you can keep in mind to help you plan your trip.
Historically, May starts off with low crowds that pick up for the busy summer travel season, which unofficially kicks off Memorial Day weekend. However, keep in mind that crowds can vary based on a number of factors, such as holidays, special events, and even the weather.
One thing to keep in mind is that when schools are in session, the parks are generally less crowded. So if you're able to plan your trip for a time when schools are still in session, you may be able to avoid some of the larger crowds. However, this can be a double-edged sword, as you may have kids who are still in school.
Another factor to consider is holidays. While Memorial Day Weekend sees the largest crowds, Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo are also popular dates for Walt Disney World.
While not an official U.S. Holiday, Star Wars day is immensely popular for Walt Disney World fans and tends to draw significant crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so it’s worth keeping in mind. It’s a must if you are a Star Wars fan!
If you're looking to avoid the largest crowds, it's best to avoid weekends and holidays as much as possible. Additionally, it's a good idea to arrive at the parks early in the morning, as crowds tend to pick up later in the day.
Our favorite way to gauge expected crowds is by looking at single day, single park ticket pricing provided by Walt Disney World. Ticket pricing is variable, so Disney tends to raise the prices when they expect higher demand and crowds. We’ve included the pricing chart below.
Walt Disney World Single Day, Single Park ticket pricing for May 2024
Based on the pricing, we can see larger crowds are expected for Memorial Day Weekend.
Ticket Prices and Packages
If you're planning to visit Disney World in May 2024, it's important to know the ticket prices and packages available. Here's what you need to know:
Ticket Prices
For a one-day theme park ticket in May 2024, prices start at $139, but this is only for May 6-8. The more common low price point is $144, found on ten days of the month. Prices are highest at $159 over Memorial Day weekend. It's important to note that these prices do not include tax.
For longer stays, multi-day tickets are available at a discounted rate. A 2-day ticket starts at $220, a 3-day ticket starts at $320, and a 4-day ticket starts at $400. These prices are subject to change.
Vacation Packages
Vacation packages for May 2024 are available now and resorts are starting to fill. Prices vary depending on the hotel and package you choose. We provide free concierge vacation planning services and can provide you with a no obligation quote right now.
Comparisons with Other Months
January and February: a good month to visit if you want to avoid crowds, but it can be chilly and rainy. Some rides may also be closed for refurbishment.
March: a popular month to visit Disney World because of spring break, but it can be crowded and expensive. The weather is usually mild, but it can be rainy.
April: another popular month to visit because of spring break, but it can be crowded. The weather is usually mild.
June, July, August: Summer is the busiest time to visit Disney World, with crowds and high temperatures. However, this is also when the parks typically have extended hours and great deals.
September: a good month to visit if you want to avoid crowds, but it can be hot and humid. Some rides may also be closed for refurbishment.
October: Warm days, cooler evenings, and festive events like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
November: the parks start to shimmer with holiday lights, cooler temperatures, and special festive decorations, parades and parties, making it a magical time to visit.
December: a traditionally crowded month with great Christmas and Holiday festivities, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Closing Thoughts
We love May vacations to Walt Disney World. They tend to be more affordable and provide great weather with average crowd expectations. As a family, we like to avoid traveling Memorial Day Weekend, but that’s not to say it can’t be done!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times to visit Disney in May 2024?
May is a great time to visit Disney World as the weather is warm but not too hot or humid yet, and the crowds are manageable. The first three weeks of May are particularly good for lower crowds. However, keep in mind that Memorial Day Weekend (May 27th) can be a bit crazy.
Which Disney park is best for teenagers in May 2024?
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a great park for teenagers as it features thrill rides like the Rise of the Resistance, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, as well as popular themed lands like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land.
What are the top Disney resorts to stay at in May 2024?
There are many great Disney resorts to choose from, but some of the top options for each resort type include Disney’s Polynesian Village, Coronado Springs, and Pop Century. Every Disney resort has benefits and will suit your needs, but these are some of our favorites for their price point and category.
Will Disney World be crowded in May 2024?
Memorial Day Weekend at Walt Disney World is busy, but the first 3 weeks of the month tend to have average or below average crowds.
Can I book a Disney World trip for May 2024?
Yes, you can book a Disney World trip for May 2024 now. It's recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred accommodations and park tickets. You can book directly through the Disney World website or through a travel agent, like us!
