Walt Disney World has quietly put collectively a formidable slate for summer season, and all of it begins in Might 2026. This contains AP appreciation, aggressive reductions, attraction openings, and additional hours. This provides a rundown of the most important updates, additions, modifications to on-site perks, crowds, and extra beginning this month.
We’re not going to fake that is some monster lineup that makes Walt Disney World a must-do vacation spot for the most popular months of the yr in Central Florida. However for what was imagined to be an ‘off-year’ earlier than blockbuster new land & attraction additions, Summer time 2026 is shaping as much as be massive for Walt Disney World.
Out of the 15 entries under, at the very least a half-dozen of them are attraction or leisure opening dates. That makes Might 2026 the most important month of the yr for substantive additions. No different month has practically as many new or reimagined sights debuting. The one different month of the yr that is likely to be as “massive” for Walt Disney World is August, however that’ll be largely due to bulletins at D23 about issues to return years down the street.
Within the right here and now, Walt Disney World has cobbled collectively a robust summer season lineup that’ll debut in Might. Now admittedly, I’m an old-fashioned fan who makes common visits to the parks and is a guardian to a toddler and has an affinity for the Muppets and issues which are distinctly patriotic. It’s actually as if Walt Disney World has tailor-made the entire summer season slate to my distinctive pursuits.
By specializing in smaller scale stuff that falls wanting the ‘marketable addition’ bar, Walt Disney World has hit this ‘goldilocks zone’ the place there’s loads to enchantment to followers, however not sufficient to entice most of the people to plan a visit.
Consequently, there’s nonetheless a robust incentive to low cost (and that’s even earlier than gasoline costs began climbing). Even with these offers, the sensible actuality is that they’re possible going to battle to attract folks to the parks to the identical extent that they are going to with Tropical Americas, Monstropolis, and so forth.
The opposite sensible actuality is that lots of people will keep away from visiting Central Florida for the subsequent a number of months–that’s the clear trendline for the final a number of years. Summer time has develop into much less crowded, and for good motive. I’m not going to argue in any other case and attempt to persuade you that mid-June to July is definitely a good time to go. Not everyone seems to be constructed for the warmth and humidity.
Might is probably a unique story. It’s doable this month will see lows within the low 70s and highs within the excessive 80s, versus 90-plus diploma warmth and triple-digit looks like temperatures. Going earlier this month is interesting for quite a few causes, but additionally means playing on delicate openings for the foremost reimagined rides, new leisure, and so forth.
Anyway, listed here are the highlights of all the pieces that’s taking place in Might 2026 at Walt Disney World…
Shoulder Season Slowdown (Decrease Crowds)
Crowds have fallen off a cliff for the reason that week after Easter, as Shoulder Season has already arrived. The downturn began April twelfth, and though there have been slight spikes right here and there, crowds have been low to average throughout the board.
Count on that to proceed all through a lot of Might. Weekends can be worse as a result of Florida resident ticket deal, which ends on Might 16, 2026. Wait occasions information from the final 3 years reveals that “use it or lose it” resident ticket reductions have precipitated crowds to spike of their closing 2-3 weeks. It’s particularly dangerous on Saturdays and, to a lesser extent, Fridays via Sundays. Weekdays aren’t impacted practically as a lot. Which means that the subsequent couple weekends will see spikes, and progressively bigger ones.
Except for this, Walt Disney World’s attendance patterns are largely dictated by faculty breaks. Because of this, far fewer friends in Disney’s core demo go to shortly after or earlier than a significant break. The Memorial Day lengthy weekend may additionally see a slight spike, particularly since there’s extra of a jam-packed lineup for Cool Children’ Summer time.
Nevertheless, the subsequent few months shouldn’t be terribly busy. That is one thing we’ve coated in numerous posts, together with the characteristic: Summer time Is NOT Peak Season at Walt Disney World Anymore. Opposite to the traditional (however outdated) knowledge, Memorial Day via Labor Day isn’t the busiest stretch of the yr. The underside line is that we don’t anticipate Might 2026 to be busy. We anticipate extra 1/10 to three/10 days, and fewer 4/10 and 5/10 days.
Prolonged Night Hours All over the place!
Prolonged Night Hours is a free on-site visitor perk for Walt Disney World friends staying at a Deluxe Resorts, DVC Villas, and choose different inns. We love Prolonged Night Hours (ExEH) and discover it to be an excellent, no-cost different to After Hours. A lot better than the defunct Night Additional Magic Hours.
Prolonged Night Theme Park Hours is often provided after common park closing on Monday nights at EPCOT and Wednesday nights at Magic Kingdom. That schedule does change infrequently, however is correct a lot of the time. That each one modifications quickly, and right here’s the schedule beginning subsequent week:
- Monday, Might 4, 2026 — Animal Kingdom, 7PM – 9PM
- Wednesday, Might 6, 2026 — Magic Kingdom, 10PM – 12AM
- Monday, Might 11, 2026 — Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 9PM – 11PM
- Wednesday, Might 13, 2026 — Animal Kingdom, 6PM – 8PM
- Monday, Might 18, 2026 — EPCOT, 9PM – 11PM
From that time on, the ExEH schedule returns to its regular cadence for the rest of the month. See Walt Disney World’s official calendar for particular occasions for every occasion night time. Be aware that if common hours are added inflicting park closing to happen later, which occurs regularly, Prolonged Night Hours shifts to after that.
V.I.Passholder Summer time Days is Again!
V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer time Days (or VIP Passholder Summer time Days, if you wish to sound it out and take away the yelling) is a limited-time providing only for Annual Passholders at Walt Disney World Resort. It’s the corporate’s manner of claiming ‘thanks’ for being an AP. And likewise, ‘please go to through the hottest months of the yr, we want you for as soon as!’
V.I.Passholder Days will happen now via July 31, 2026. The in-park focus of the ‘occasion’ is EPCOT, owing to there being no summer season competition as soon as once more. APs will be capable of reap the benefits of unique perks and reductions all through the parks and resorts through the month-long appreciation occasion, with one spotlight being a particular character meet & greet, free Toy Story magnet, and 40% off restaurant reductions.
Might would be the busiest month of the subsequent a number of at EPCOT as a result of overlap of V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer time Days and the ultimate month of the EPCOT Flower & Backyard Pageant. Beginning in June, Weight loss program EPCOT returns and the park can be delightfully useless many days via late August. Particularly this one. Plan accordingly in case you’re an area or frequent flier.
Large Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens Might 3, 2026
After 16 months of refurbishment, the wildest experience within the wilderness returns this Sunday. Though the development partitions at the moment are down and changed by cellular cloaking units, don’t anticipate any delicate openings or previews. It’s our understanding that there’s excellent final minute work to complete up.
Large Thunder Mountain Railroad is present process a “a crevasse-deep to mountain-top” refurbishment, which additionally entails some “new magic” being added. There’s additionally a extremely tall wall round its perimeter, which is both a blogger deterrent or protecting barrier. (Why not each?!)
The refreshed BTMRR will characteristic all-new trains, refreshed units and figures, new results and lighting. Essentially the most highly-touted change to this point is an enhanced Rainbow Caverns scene; an important change is the entire re-tracking, thereby extending the coaster’s life.
I’m much less bullish on Large Thunder Mountain Railroad than most, and suppose some followers are setting themselves up for disappointment with unrealistic expectations. It’ll be nice to have BTMRR again after over a yr, however I’m not notably excited concerning the ‘newness’ angle of this challenge past that.
Earnings Name Revelations
The Walt Disney Firm will host a stay webcast with executives to debate the monetary outcomes for the fiscal second quarter of 2026 on the Disney Buyers web site on Might 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET / 5:30 a.m. PT. Outcomes can be posted on the identical web site earlier than the opening of standard buying and selling that day.
This isn’t uniquely WDW information, however we anticipate it to be vastly consequential. It’s the primary earnings name for the reason that battle within the Center East started, and as beforehand coated in Why the Iran Struggle May Lower Crowds at Walt Disney World & Negatively Influence Your 2026 Journey Plans, there’s the potential of extra aggressive reductions if ahead bookings are delicate.
If the nationwide common is over $4 per gallon for an prolonged stretch (it’s at the moment $4.39 per AAA), that can trigger folks to rethink Disney journeys, commerce down on journey, and keep nearer to dwelling. Already, the price of airfare is up 15-20%, and is forecast to proceed rising.
Might sixth will provide our first glimpse into the precise impression of this on Walt Disney World to this point, and that might change the trajectory for not simply this month (that’s really much less possible provided that journey is locked in months prematurely), however the the rest of summer season and nicely past.
Between this earnings name and the truth that Free Eating simply ended bookings, we’re additionally anticipating extra new offers are on the horizon throughout the subsequent month or so. When new Walt Disney World particular provides are launched or rumored, we’ll ship you an alert in case you join our free publication.
Greatest Ticket Offers Start
Talking of financial savings, shoulder season will see the winter and spring Florida resident ticket deal wind down, and it’s a near-certainty that one other locals’ admission low cost replaces it inside a few weeks. Nothing has been introduced but, however we anticipate one thing earlier than the top of the month; presumably beginning as quickly as Might seventeenth.
Relating to common public reductions, we already know that the marquee 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket is again, beginning at $99/day for visits Might 26, 2026 via October 3, 2026. One park per day, one admission per park. For friends who match squarely throughout the parameters of this ticket, it’s an unimaginable deal.
See Walt Disney World’s Largest Ticket Deal for Everyone seems to be Again & Higher, Together with Magic Kingdom in 2026 for full particulars, in addition to recommendation on hacking this deal, professionals & cons, and so forth. (Within the meantime, there’s a Disney+ subscriber 3-Park, 3-Day Ticket Deal, in addition to different particular provides. None are nearly as good because the 4-Park/Day model for summer season, although.)
Each Water Parks Are Open & Free!
Each Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside can be open beginning Might 12, 2026. Shortly thereafter, friends staying at an on-site Walt Disney World resort lodge beginning Might 26, 2026 can get pleasure from free admission to one of many two water parks on their check-in day.
Only for the summer season, friends can meet Goofy in his laid-back seashore type at Blizzard Seaside or catch Sew spreading playful chaos at Hurricane Lagoon. In case you do plan to go to one of many water parks, splendid dates are Might 12-25 (whereas each parks are working however earlier than the freebie begins), or going early within the day beginning Might twenty sixth. It was a madhouse final summer season.
If you wish to keep away from the crowds and beat the warmth, Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns to Hurricane Lagoon on choose nights from June 2 via September 5 as a individually ticketed occasion, including characters like Powerline Max and the Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers.
Millennium Falcon Mandalorian Mission Debuts Might 22, 2026
Beginning Might 22—timed to coincide with the theatrical launch of the brand new Mandalorian and Grogu movie—Smugglers Run will get a brand new mission that appears like a real enchancment over the present experience.
The brand new premise is that Hondo Ohnaka has gotten wind of a deal taking place on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and a band of pirates. There’s a beneficiant bounty for his or her seize, so that you’ll borrow the enduring ship and crew up with Mando and Grogu to trace them down and discover the galaxy.
Which means that the mission will depart Batuu sure for Tatooine, and the crew will select from certainly one of three locations–Bespin, Endor, or Coruscant–from there. The much-reviled engineer position additionally will get a brand new duty–babysitting Child Yoda! Whether or not that’s a token interplay to make the least common place extra enticing or one thing extra substantive, stays to be seen.
There’s a reasonably excessive probability of this being a significant improve over the outdated Smugglers Run mission. If they will enhance the gameplay loop, and make it at the very least nearly as good as the present asteroid subject delay scene, it’ll be an enormous win. The general attraction bundle is nice, it’s the experience factor that’s weak.
Unique Journey Preview(s)
Walt Disney World has already introduced that Annual Passholder and Disney Trip Membership members will be capable of preview Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios earlier than its official opening. That is prone to happen in mid-to-late Might.
Except for RnRC, no different attraction previews have been formally introduced for APs or DVC. Nevertheless, Walt Disney World has revealed that Forged Members will be capable of preview not simply the Muppets takeover of RnRC, but additionally Soarin’ Throughout America at EPCOT!
Beginning Might 6, eligible Forged Members and Staff have a chance to register for previews happening throughout choose days in Might to be “among the many first” to expertise these new sights.
In our estimation, that leaves the door open for AP and DVC previews of Soarin Throughout America across the identical time, too. We additionally imagine there’s the potential of delicate openings for just about all the pieces that formally debuts on Might twenty sixth beginning round Might twenty second. Nothing is confirmed, however quietly launching these new additions forward of the Memorial Day weekend is smart.
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets Takes Stage Might twenty sixth
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets will formally take the stage beginning Might 26, 2026, similar to the remainder of the Cool Children’ Summer time choices. As famous above, previews are assured for Forged Members in addition to APs and DVC, which makes delicate openings much less possible.
The reimagined experience options Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and extra of their pals. At Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring The Muppets, we’ll rock and roll throughout Hollywood on a wild experience with the Electrical Mayhem, full with backstage chaos, high-speed thrills, signature Muppets music & humor, and all-new Audio-Animatronics figures.
We’re actually optimistic about this experience reimagining, particularly after seeing the Music Listing for Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets. It appears like Imagineering is utilizing the blueprint from Cosmic Rewind, which is nice. Right here’s hoping the pre-show, Audio Animatronics, Easter Eggs, and all the pieces else are finished nicely.
Soarin’ Throughout America Takes Flight Might twenty sixth
Soarin’ can be receiving an all-new airborne journey as a part of the US Semiquincentennial by Might 26, with the potential of previews or delicate openings within the week prior. The brand new bi-coastal providing will showcase the US—from sea to shining sea—highlighting a number of the nation’s pure magnificence and iconic cityscapes, together with the Grand Canyon.
Soarin’ Throughout America can be dropped at life with the enduring components that make Soarin’ unforgettable: the flight, the sights and rating, even the scents. There can be greater than a dozen breathtaking areas for the brand new itinerary.
As somebody with a deep love of America’s Best Thought, our Nationwide Parks, I’m extremely excited for Soarin’ Throughout America. It ought to characteristic much less distortion and extra pure magnificence than the present model, no CGI, and beautiful landscapes. If Imagineering sticks the touchdown, Soarin’ Throughout America will make Sam Eagle shed a single tear.
Cool Children’ Summer time Returns Might twenty sixth
Walt Disney World is bringing again (and increasing) the Cool Children’ Summer time particular occasion for its sophomore season from Might 26 via September 8, 2026. Listed below are some smaller scale additions that aren’t coated as standalone entries:
Magic Kingdom: Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom will provide younger friends a rootin’ tootin’ good time throughout Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue. Be a part of Jessie, Woody, Bullseye, and extra Toy Story buddies for an energized roundup with songs, dance, video games, and different playful actions.
EPCOT: Dance and play together with the Goof Troop, DJ Dance Pants, and Goofy throughout wacky actions and kid-approved video games at CommuniCore Corridor. Final yr’s GoofyCore was the all time use of the venue, which isn’t a excessive bar however continues to be notable.
Disney Springs: On choose nights on the Market, a dance celebration celebrates the brand new Descendants: Depraved Wonderland and Camp Rock 3 movies coming to Disney+ this summer season. I don’t know what these items are, however I’m instructed they’re common.
Child-Pleasant Resorts: Visitors staying at Pop Century, Artwork of Animation, Caribbean Seaside, and Port Orleans Riverside may have much more experiences and facilities designed for households with younger youngsters, together with scheduled visits from favourite characters. There may also be further accessible facilities and libraries for kids.
Bluey’s Wild World Arrives Might twenty sixth
Bluey and Bingo are lastly on their option to Animal Kingdom! Beginning Might 26, 2026 and staying past summer season, friends can play video games and dance with Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station.
As soon as friends hop off the Wildlife Categorical Practice, it’s time for enjoyable. Play particular video games straight from “Bluey” episodes, seize a photograph with Bluey and Bingo themselves, and even uncover animals native to Bluey’s dwelling nation, Australia, at “Leaping Junction.”
Conservation Station has traditionally been an underutilized nook of Animal Kingdom as a result of practice experience out that provides a bit an excessive amount of friction for a lot of friends. The most well-liked youngsters’s present on the planet might change the calculus for households with younger children.
Though after seeing the recognition of Bluey at Disneyland, we’re now barely frightened that demand for Bluey’s Wild World will overwhelm the infrastructure and this can be a (figurative) practice wreck. Maybe Walt Disney World brings again the digital queue system?!
Walt Disney Studios Lot Takes Shade Might twenty sixth
Whereas The Magic of Disney Animation arrives later, the storytelling begins open air. Formally opening Might 26, the courtyard surrounding the attraction transforms into “The Walt Disney Studios,” an outside house impressed by the enduring Burbank studio lot.
Drawing from the structure and ambiance of the legendary campus, the world options acquainted studio particulars, together with the Studio Theater and a close-by soundstage, all set inside a relaxed, park‑like setting designed for households to discover.
We’ve already noticed bushes in aerial development pictures which were planted. Not simply any bushes, although, mature bushes. Give me bench or two and what was an area oozing in useless mall vibes will really be pleasurable. The Big Sorcerer Hat is up and partitions are already beginning to come down; we anticipate this space to be open earlier than its official debut date.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Dwell! Takes Stage Might twenty sixth
When you’ve gotten your fill of shade, head inside to “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Dwell!” This dance celebration options Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse embarking on a street journey to search out a few of their finest buddies – Goofy, Daisy and Pluto – for the celebration.
That is at the moment proven at DCA, and shortly friends will be capable of be a part of the enjoyable within the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios space at Walt Disney World. As somebody who has skilled “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Dwell!” dozens of occasions, I can say with authority that it’s shockingly good. Higher than it has any proper to be, fairly truthfully.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
How do you are feeling about Walt Disney World’s additions and modifications in Might 2026? In case you’re a vacationer, does this make you wish to go to Walt Disney World–or wait? Is that this a surprisingly robust summer season slate, or a bunch of overhyped duds? Will you be making the most of the particular leisure throughout this seasonal providing? Agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions about your experiences is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas or questions under within the feedback!
