May 2019 Disney World Crowd Calendar

May at Disney World is when it starts to really warm up in terms of temperatures, and summer crowds start to appear at the end of the month.

I think the beginning of May is 1 of the best times of the year to visit Disney World. Ride closures are uncommon, it's warm enough to swim at your resort and/or visit the water parks, but crowds are lower than during the peak summer months.

Some tips for traveling in May at Disney World:

Traveling to Disney World during a busier time (like the last part of May) means you have to be extra diligent about having a good touring plan. As long as you're zigging while other people zag, you'll do fine.
Weather in May at Disney World is usually pretty warm. Summer attire is appropriate.

(Example alerts: "park hours just released," "event tickets just went on sale")

Explanation of park recommendations and abbreviations below In general, I recommend avoiding parks with Extra Magic Hours because they tend to be the busiest parks that day. Animal Kingdom is an exception because it's usually not too bad, even on EMH days.Magic Kingdom usually sees a surge on Saturdays, so other parks are usually a better choice.MK = Magic Kingdom, EP = Epcot, HS = Hollywood Studios, AK = Animal Kingdom, TL = Typhoon Lagoon, BB = Blizzard Beach, EMH = Extra Magic Hour
What the dates in each day of the calendar mean (click the + sign beside each date to add it to your calendar): When guests can start making Advanced Dining Reservations When onsite guests can start making FastPass+ reservations When offsite guests can start making FastPass+ reservations	Park colors: Suggested park Moderately suggested park Park not suggested
Park hours for people visiting in May at Disney World usually come out in mid-October.

Trip planning checklist

☑ October or earlier: book your hotel, make your daily plans and choose dining options ☑ November or early December: 180 days before your trip begins, make dining reservations (website is available at 6 a.m. eastern, phone lines are open at 7 a.m. Eastern). Use the dates on the calendar to show you when to do that. ☑ January - March: book flights (tips on finding best flights) ☑ March: if you're staying onsite, you can start making FastPass+ reservations 60 days before your trip begins. Use dates on the calendar to see when you can start making FP+ reservations online beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time. You can also check in online for your resort room if you'd like. ☑ April or earlier: set up Magical Express, purchase Memory Maker and order groceries ☑ May: pack (packing list to help you) and go to Disney World! ☑ June: finalize PhotoPass pics and order within 45 days after your trip

Refurbishment Details

January 31, 2017 - June 30, 2019 - Coronado Springs - construction, Major construction and a reconfiguration of the resort currently under way. (Resort)

August 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019 - Art of Animation - Disney Skyliner construction, Construction of the new Disney gondola system known as the "Disney Skyliner" has begun at Art of Animation. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am. (Resort)

November 2, 2017 - July 31, 2019 - NBA Experience (opening summer 2019), (Attraction)

January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2019 - Flights of Wonder closing permanently January 1, 2018 , (Attraction)

May 14, 2018 - May 13, 2019 - New Signature dining location (opening date TBD), (Dining)

July 1, 2018 - May 31, 2019 - Villa del Lago - Coming Soon!, Opening in 2019 (Dining)

October 21, 2018 - May 1, 2019 - Rafiki Planet Watch Refurbishment, (Attraction)

October 30, 2018 - November 30, 2019 - Riviera Resort (Opening Fall 2019), (Resort)

December 1, 2018 - October 31, 2019 - WDW Railroad Closure, WDW Railroad will not circle the park during this time in order to allow for construction of the TRON rollercoaster. The train will be stationary at the Main Street Station for guests to visit. (Attraction)

January 2, 2019 - July 31, 2019 - Refurbishment - Tron Construction, Tomorrowland Speedway will close to allow for construction of TRON rollercoaster. (Attraction)

March 2, 2019 - October 31, 2019 - Plaza Restaurant Breakfast - Closed, Breakfast service discontinued 1/5/19 (Dining)