What Will Disney Be Like in May 2026?

The Walt Disney Company just confirmed several exciting new experiences that are coming soon.

As part of this announcement, one thing became crystal clear. You WILL want to visit the parks next year.

So, what will Disney be like in May 2026? Here are several reasons you’ll want to go.

About Disney World in May

Since the 1990s, Disney World has hosted a signature event in May.

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the granddaddy of them all.

The 2026 version of the event runs through June 1^st, giving you the entirety of May to enjoy it!

While you’re there, you’ll find so much more to do, including some unprecedented offerings.

For instance, Banana Ball is coming to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Technically, this isn’t the first time, but what’s new is the matchup.

The Savannah Bananas aren’t coming this time. No, thanks to league expansion, you’ll watch some new teams!

On May 29^th and 30^th, baseball fans and Banana Ball fans – they’re not the same thing! – can go to a game.

You’ll be watching the Loco Beach Coconuts and Party Animals play, and the games WILL sell out.

So, that’s already two great reasons to visit, and I’ll mention a few others.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will return for the first time in more than a year.

It will be up in running by the summer, which Disney typically quantifies as Memorial Day.

Thus, you can expect to experience Rainbow Caverns for the first time. It’s a new scene on the ride!

Similarly, the modernized version of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin should be open by then.

Disney has redesigned the laser pistols and added an entirely new scene to this one, too.

Oh, and Frozen Ever After will have gotten an Audio-Animatronic facelift in February!

In other words, several Disney World staples will be improved by this coming May. 

Let’s Talk about the Weather

You should always consider the weather when planning any vacation these days.

That goes double for a trip to the south, especially as summer approaches.

Thankfully, Central Florida doesn’t tend to experience the blistering heat of the coastline.

Orlando’s daily high temperature averages 88 degrees in May, which is a bit of an increase from April.

Still, we’re only talking about four degrees more, and it’s mostly a very comfortable climate.

The highs in May rarely go over 93 degrees, and they’re sometimes as low as 78 degrees.

Trust me when I say that you WANT the 78-degree highs, but they’re fairly rare.

As the average indicates, closer to 90 is the norm these days. Remember that’s the high, though!

The average low temperature ranges from 59 to 76 degrees, typically hovering at 66 degrees.

So, that’s what you should expect during a May visit. The high should be 88 and the low 66.

Obviously, Orlando usually grows warmer as June approaches, and that matters in this discussion.

Should you visit during Memorial Day, you should expect it to be hotter than the first week of May.

As for the rain, it also depends on the time of the month when you visit.

This time, it works in your favor, though, as Orlando isn’t as rainy in early May.

When you visit at this time of the year, you’ll experience rain 22 percent of the time.

Basically, during a five-day visit, you should expect significant rain on one of those days.

By the end of May, that average has nearly doubled to 43 percent, which is actually good news.

During a five-day visit, you’re likely to experience heavy rain twice, which means cooler weather.

So, the rain cancels out some of the hot weather later in May.

Long story short, May is a really lovely time to visit Disney, and I personally prefer it to June and July.

What Can You Do at Disney World in May?

I’ve already mentioned several offerings, including the Flower & Garden Festival.

During this event, you can admire all the artistry on display throughout the park.

Cast Members carve topiaries into stunning statues of your favorite Disney characters and scenes.

Also, you can eat limited-time food, chug tasty beverages, and buy the exclusive merch.

That’s plenty enough reason to visit, and I say that as someone who has spent MANY May vacations at Disney.

Still, 2026 promises to be dramatically better than usual due to its new offerings.

Disney will introduce a patriotic version of Soarin’ just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

Soarin’ Across America will highlight the majestic sights of our nation, as well as several landmarks.

Before you worry that you’re arriving too soon to see it, I’ll remind you of some good news!

Disney typically does sneak previews of all its new attractions, typically several weeks before opening.

As long as Soarin’ doesn’t experience any delays – and this one better not – you’ll have a chance in May.

Annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members are in especially good shape.

We (I’m both of them) typically get sneak previews before anybody else.

Even if you’re not either one, I still like your chances to experience the new Soarin’ in May, though.

Disney really cannot allow this version of the ride to run late since it’s connected to America’s 250^th anniversary.

What Can You Do in Central Florida in May?

The biggest draw outside Disney in Central Florida right now is Universal Epic Universe.

This new theme park will turn one year old in May, which means it will offer anniversary events.

Since it’s the most Disney-like theme park in the world that’s not Disney, you’ll probably love it.

In terms of other stuff, the Orlando Magic may still be in the playoffs at that point.

Even if they’re not, Orlando City SC will host a few soccer games at that time of year.

Central Florida is also a hot concert destination these days, although the big shows tend to sell out.

You should check the schedule early to see whether anything appeals to you.

Before you do, remember that as part of Flower & Garden, you can watch Garden Rocks! Concerts.

Those shows are included with your standard theme park admission, and they’re just as good, if not better.

Finally, Broadway fans can watch The Notebook, which is playing from May 12^th through May 17^th.

This show didn’t last long on Broadway in 2024, but the touring version sells VERY well.

Final Thoughts

My family goes to Disney in May quite regularly, and we’re always thrilled to do it.

For my money, the Flower & Garden Festival offers the best experience because it’s more laid back.

Disney designs the topiaries to encourage methodical exploration, and the merch is spectacular.

Even allowing for that fact, May 2026 looks to be better than any other May in recent memory.

Disney fans will have soooo many new offerings to try, and I’m not even including things like Test Track 3.0.

Just the new stuff in 2026 is so significant that you may forget how much Disney World added in 2025.

Folks, you’ll get your money’s worth and then some by visiting Disney World in May.

Most importantly, you and your family will have a magical vacation you’ll never forget.

If that sounds like something you want, speak to a MickeyTravels agent to find the best deal.

Remember that MickeyTravels offers its services for free, and they’ll keep looking for discounts even after you book.

So, these Diamond Earmarked experts take all the stress out of booking a Disney vacation.

They’ll get you set up with the May Disney visit of your dreams.

Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below, and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!

Feature Photo: Disney