Disney World In May 2026 (Weather, Crowd Expectations, and Details)

May marks the start of the summer season at Walt Disney World.

This guide has been updated for 2026 pending news and announcements. We’ll provide those updates as they are announced.

The Weather In May

Things start to heat up in May, if they haven’t already. The brief springtime is usually behind us at this point, but you will likely still experience pleasant evenings. We have entered the tropical period, so you can expect random storms and plenty of rain showers. Often, these things tend to pass somewhat quickly, and you can continue with your day. The storms can, however, put a damper on things. Make sure to pack your poncho and/or a rain jacket wherever you go.

I usually keep a couple of cheap disposable ponchos in my backpack that I can throw away when I’m done with them. If I’m pretty sure it will rain, I always bring my rain jacket. I don’t love to carry it all day, but I prefer to have it if it will be rainy for a significant amount of the day. I also carry a couple of lightweight umbrellas with me when people are visiting. My friends and family will tell you that I am almost always prepared for these kinds of things and that they rely on that. Umbrellas are a nuisance because you’ll need to have them out and in front of you when you go through security. If you have a regular umbrella, it will also weigh you down. If it rains, you’ll be so glad you’re prepared. That said, if a monsoon is going outside, you’re probably best to stay put under shelter until it lets up. Nothing will help when the rain is blowing sideways. Be warned, Florida lightning is pretty extreme in the summer.

May Crowds

May is my number one favorite month to visit Walt Disney World. The first of the month will be one of the slower times of the year. Yes, there will be dance teams and cheerleader competitions this month, among other things that draw specific groups of guests. As schools start to let out and guests start to come in for Memorial Day weekend, things will pick up considerably for the end of the month.

May 2026 at Disney World

Here is our timeline for the month:

Major Holidays and Events

• May 1st is Disney’s Hollywood Studios Anniversary
• May 4th is Star Wars Day
• May 25th Memorial Day

Other Reminders

Extended Evening Hours are offered twice weekly for deluxe and deluxe villa resort guests. If you would like to learn more about this benefit, see our guide to Extended Evening Hours at Disney World.

Ride Closures:

Magic Kingdom Temporary Ride Closures: TBD

Epcot Ride Closures: TBD

Hollywood Studios: TBD

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: TBD

Significant park construction continues throughout 2026 at Magic Kingdom (Villains Land and new Cars area), Hollywood Studios (Monsters, Inc.-themed land), and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Tropical Americas-themed land).

Final Thoughts

We will update this calendar as more announcements are made. As always, we hope that these timelines will serve not only as a current reference but also as a future one. For a complete overview of what to expect throughout the year, see our guide: The Best and Worst Times to Visit Disney World. Check back with us soon at ResortsGal.com for more Disney World news, resort updates, and reviews!

For big-picture planning, see our 2026 Disney World Planning Guide and How Much a Disney World Vacation Costs. Once you’ve explored these guides, consider taking our free planning course to tie it all together.