Several changes are happening at Walt Disney World in May, including the reopening of a newly reimagined classic ride and updates on spring break crowds due to events happening across the resort. We cover all the latest changes from park policies to specific new offerings coming.

Let’s get into all the changes you need to be aware of for May at Walt Disney World, including all the major ride reopenings happening across all the theme parks. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including the ride closures and refurbishments for May and the newest method of saving money on a Disney trip. See the March changes and April changes.

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1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom Park will reopen on May 4 after being closed since January 6, 2025. This iconic ride was closed for an extensive refurbishment, which includes a new track, new ride vehicles, and a brand new Rainbow Caverns scene beside the initial lift hill.

2. V.I.PASSHOLDER Days Begins

V.I.PASSHOLDER Days kicks off to celebrate Disney World annual passholders on May 1 and will run through July 31.

This period will introduce many annual passholder perks, including new merchandise, dining and hotel discounts, magnets, popcorn buckets, and more.

3. Mother’s Day at Disney World

Mother’s Day is always a popular day for Disney World, as many locals and tourists decide to spend that day in the parks. Make sure you secure your dining reservations in advance, especially for popular brunch spots and character dining.

This year, Mother’s Day is on May 10, and Disney World often releases limited-time treats for the occasion.

4. Impressions de France and Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along Reopen

The Palais du Cinema in the France pavilion in EPCOT has been closed for refurbishment, with both rotating shows, Impressions de France and Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along, currently unavailable.

They will reopen on the same day the pavilion does on May 10.

5. Both Water Parks Operating at the Same Time

Both water parks at Disney World will begin operating at the same time once Typhoon Lagoon reopens on May 12. This is a great change for Disney World, as hotel guests can visit either water park for free on their check-in day.

Read more about the water park operating schedule for the summer.

6. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run New Ride Story

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will receive a major update at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, featuring a new mission centered on The Mandalorian and Grogu.

This new update debuts in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 22, the same day the new film hits theaters.

7. Memorial Day at Disney World

Memorial Day at Disney World takes place on May 25, and many visitors might take time this day to honor our veterans and active-duty service members during the Flag Retreat Ceremony.

The Flag Retreat Ceremony at Walt Disney World is a daily 15-minute patriotic tradition held in Town Square at Magic Kingdom Park. Crowds might be a bit higher than usual, especially since this is a three-day weekend for many guests. Read our Disney World crowd calendar for more crowd ratings.

8. Soarin’ Across the World Changes

Soarin’ Across the World will close on May 14 in EPCOT to switch to its new overlay as Soarin’ Across America. The attraction will reopen as Soarin’ Across America on May 26. This new attraction features stunning visuals from across America in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. 

9. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Reopens with The Muppets

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith in Disney’s Hollywood Studios closed on March 2 to become Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. The track layout and general storyline will remain the same, but the set design and theming will be centered around the Muppets and The Electric Mayhem. The new version of the roller coaster will open on May 26. 

10. Bluey Comes to Animal Kingdom

Bluey and her sister, Bingo, are set to arrive in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 26 in an all-new meet and greet experience. The stars of the hit Disney+ show will be around to meet, dance, and play games with guests, just a train ride away at the Conservation Station area. Disney has also announced an animal experience where guests will have the opportunity to see and learn about animals native to Bluey’s home, Australia.

11. Animation Courtyard Reopens as The Walt Disney Studios

The previous Animation Courtyard area in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been closed for its reimagining into The Walt Disney Studios. The new area will introduce Olaf Draws!, indoor experiences inside the Magic of Disney Animation, and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! The courtyard itself and the new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show will open on May 26. In late summer 2026 the rest of the experiences will open including Olaf Draws! and the rest of the indoor experiences at the Magic of Disney Animation. Read more about the timeline in our coverage of new Disney World experiences.

12. Cool Kids’ Summer Returns

Cool Kids’ Summer begins on May 26 and will introduce more character interactions and activities around Disney World, focused on younger families. Guests can meet Toy Story characters at Magic Kingdom, join dance parties at Disney Springs, interact with characters at GoofyCore at EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall, and see characters at specific resort hotels.

13. Descendants and Camp Rock 3 Dance Party

A dance party featuring songs from the new movies Camp Rock 3 and Descendants: Wicked Wonderland will debut at Disney Springs Marketplace on May 26, 2026. The dance party will take place on select nights from May 26 through September 8 as part of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.

14. Last Month for EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

This will be the last month for The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, which runs until June 1. This annual event brings a full selection of food marketplace booths, weekly concerts, amazing garden topiaries, and new merchandise.

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