Disney’s Busy Season: How Busy is Disney in May?
The Magic of May
May is a popular month for families and tourists alike, and for good reason. The weather is mild, the days are long, and the parks are bustling with activity. But how busy is Disney in May? Let’s take a look at the facts and figures to find out.
Park Attendance
- Attendance Numbers: According to the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Disney’s attendance numbers in May are typically around 3-4 million visitors per day.
- Peak Days: The busiest days of the month are usually Friday and Saturday, with Sunday being the slowest day.
Park Hours and Operations
- Park Hours: Disney World in Florida typically operates from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday.
- Special Events: May is a great time to catch special events like Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Disney’s Hollywood Studios‘ Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom‘s Animal Encounters.
Food and Beverage
- Dining Options: Disney World offers a wide range of dining options, from quick-service meals to table-service restaurants. Some popular options include Be Our Guest Restaurant, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
- Special Dietary Options: Disney World offers special dietary options for guests with dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Merchandise and Shopping
- Shopping: Disney World offers a wide range of merchandise options, from Disney-themed clothing and accessories to collectibles and souvenirs.
- Special Sales: May is a great time to catch special sales and discounts on merchandise, including Disney’s Special Offers and Disney Store‘s Buy One, Get One Free deals.
Special Events and Activities
- Parades and Shows: Disney World offers a wide range of parades and shows, including Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade, and Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
- Character Meet-and-Greets: May is a great time to catch character meet-and-greets, including Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party‘s Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and Disney’s Animal Kingdom‘s Animal Encounters.
Tips for Visiting Disney in May
- Plan Ahead: Make sure to plan your trip well in advance, as Disney World can get very busy during peak season.
- Book Accommodations: Book your hotel or resort well in advance to ensure availability.
- Pack Wisely: Pack light and bring essentials like sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing.
- Take Breaks: Don’t forget to take breaks and rest your feet, especially during long days of park-hopping.
Conclusion
Disney’s busy season in May is a great time to visit the parks, with plenty of activities, events, and attractions to enjoy. By planning ahead, booking accommodations, and packing wisely, you can make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the magic of Disney in May!
Disney World Attendance Breakdown (2020-2022)
| Month | Attendance (per day) | Peak Days |
|---|---|---|
| May | 3,000,000 | Friday, Saturday |
| June | 3,500,000 | Friday, Saturday |
| July | 4,000,000 | Friday, Saturday |
| August | 3,500,000 | Friday, Saturday |
| September | 3,000,000 | Friday, Saturday |
| October | 2,500,000 | Friday, Saturday |
| November | 2,000,000 | Friday, Saturday |
| December | 1,500,000 | Friday, Saturday |
Disney World Park Hours (2020-2022)
| Park | Peak Hours |
|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Epcot | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Hollywood Studios | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Animal Kingdom | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Disney World Dining Options (2020-2022)
| Restaurant | Menu |
|---|---|
| Be Our Guest Restaurant | French-inspired cuisine |
| Tony’s Town Square Restaurant | Italian cuisine |
| Cinderella’s Royal Table | Breakfast and lunch |
| Liberty Tree Tavern | American cuisine |
| Cinderella’s Royal Table | Dinner |
Disney World Shopping Options (2020-2022)
| Store | Products |
|---|---|
| Disney Store | Disney-themed clothing and accessories |
| Disney Parks Exclusive | Disney-themed merchandise |
| Disney Store | Collectibles and souvenirs |
| Disney Parks Exclusive | Disney-themed clothing and accessories |
Disney World Special Offers (2020-2022)
| Offer | Details |
|---|---|
| Disney’s Special Offers | Discounts on merchandise and dining |
| Disney Store’s Buy One, Get One Free | Buy one item, get one free |
| Disney Parks Exclusive | Discounts on merchandise and dining |
| Disney Store’s Special Offers | Discounts on merchandise and dining |
Disney World Character Meet-and-Greets (2020-2022)
| Character | Meet-and-Greet |
|---|---|
| Mickey Mouse | Meet Mickey at the Magic Kingdom |
| Minnie Mouse | Meet Minnie at the Magic Kingdom |
| Disney Princesses | Meet Disney Princesses at various parks |
| Disney Characters | Meet Disney characters at various parks |
Disney World Parades and Shows (2020-2022)
| Parade | Show |
|---|---|
| Mickey’s PhilharMagic | Festival of Fantasy Parade |
| Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade | Mickey’s PhilharMagic |
| Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party | Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade |
| Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party | Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade |
Disney World Tips for Visiting in May
- Plan Ahead: Make sure to plan your trip well in advance, as Disney World can get very busy during peak season.
- Book Accommodations: Book your hotel or resort well in advance to ensure availability.
- Pack Wisely: Pack light and bring essentials like sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing.
- Take Breaks: Don’t forget to take breaks and rest your feet, especially during long days of park-hopping.