Are you visiting Walt Disney World in May 2012? If you are then it is very helpful to be able to plan your days knowing what special events are scheduled and which rides and attractions are closed during this time.
Is May a Good Time To Visit Walt Disney World?
May is a great month to visit Walt Disney World. The temperatures are warm but not too war, the chances of rain is still pretty low, and the crowds are generally light throughout the month of May.
The best times in May are the first 3 weeks. May 28th 2012 is Memorial Day and you will see larger crowds, particularly over the weekend starting 26th May. So if you can avoid that weekend then you will likely see much shorter lines.
Disney World Rides Closed For Refurbishment in May
In Magic Kingdom Big Thunder Mountain is closed until May 27th. This will most likely make a difference to the length of the lines at Splash Mountain which is located next to Big Thunder. Make sure that if you do want to ride Splash Mountain prior to 27th May that you ride it early or get a Fast Pass if you want to cut down on time spent waiting in line.
Test Track in Epcot’s Future World is closed from April until September 2012. This will likely have an effect on the wait times for Soarin’ which is the other major thrill ride in Epcot. If you want to ride Soarin’ then either get in line early in the day or get a Fast Pass. Be aware though that the Fast Passes often run out, even at times where other areas of the park don’t seem that busy. It is best to get your Fast Pass before noon or you may be out of luck!
The House of Innoventions in Epcot Future World is closed in May. This is not a major attraction so will not have any effect on wait times for other Epcot attractions.
Lights Motors Action the cars stunt show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also closed until 2nd May.
Events Scheduled for Walt Disney World in May 2012
The very popular Star Wars weekends are held in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in May 2012. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 18th to 20th, May 25th to May 27, June 1st to June 3rd and June 8th to 10th there are special scheduled events for the Star Wars Weekends. Events include celebrity attendances, limited edition merchandise and other special attractions.
If you are not a Star Wars fan then be aware that you may want to schedule a visit outside of the weekends, as park attendance at Hollywood Studios does increase during these times.
The Expedition Everest Challenge takes place in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park on May 5th 2012. This is a very fun 5K race around the park which includes obstacles. In theory this shouldn’t impact too much on crowd levels as it does take place at 9.30pm when the park is closed. But if you can then avoid the park on this day as a park ticket is included in the entry fee some some participants may also visit the park during the day.
You can get more details of the event at Expedition Everest Challenge
The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival runs until 20th May. This very popular annual event does affect crowd levels, particularly on weekends. For full details of events go to my guide to events in at Walt Disney World April 2012.
May is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World. Whenever you go have a magical vacation!
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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.