Visiting Disneyland In May- Everything You Need To Know For 2024

Are you thinking about visiting Disneyland in May? I have all the information you need to make it a great trip! May is a great time to visit the Disneyland Resort because the Spring Break season is over, but the summer crowds have yet to arrive. Fewer crowds are always a good thing!

There are lots of fun things taking place in May! I discuss everything you need to know about Disneyland in May in this article. I’ll cover weather, crowd levels, special events, what to expect, and how to get a discount on your Disney park tickets. Make sure you read until the end to see my list of helpful tips and tricks for visiting Disneyland in May! 

Check out this video for lots of helpful tips and information about visiting Disneyland in May!

Disneyland In May Deals

If you’re visiting Disneyland in May, it’s a great time to find deals! Hotels are anxious to fill rooms, so they often offer lower prices, especially if you travel midweek.

Please be aware, that Disney theme parks all require park tickets and reservations. Make sure you have both! Please don’t pay full price for your Disney tickets or hotel. My partners at Get Away Today have the very best deals on tickets and hotels. Their customer service is top-notch and they even have layaway plans. Click the link below or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Melissa from Mix In Some Magic sent you for the best deal! If you book a package with park tickets and a hotel room you can use my code MIX10 to save an extra $10. That’s more churro money, friends!

I have a bunch of Disneyland hotel reviews that might be helpful for you if you’re still trying to decide where you’d like to stay. 

Not sure which type of park ticket is right for you? Check out this post on Disney park tickets to help you decide!

Make sure you check out my downloadable touring plans if you’d like a step-by-step guide to the parks! 

I have a planning phone call that’s super popular! In this phone call, I can answer all of your Disneyland vacation questions and give you lots of tips and info tailored just to you and your group!

Disneyland Crowd Calendar For May

Disneyland in May can be pretty crowded, but it’s better than Spring Break or Summer crowds. Please don’t let crowds scare you away. You can still have a fantastic time, even if it’s crowded. I’ve got lots of info for dealing with high crowd levels here. The end of May will be more crowded. For the lowest May crowds, visit in early May. The best days to visit are Tuesday – Friday, and avoid weekends. Memorial Day weekend and Grad Nite celebrations bring in large crowds, so avoid those days(if possible)—more info on Grad Nites is below. 

Disneyland In May- Weather

The weather in May in Southern California is usually incredible! I love planning a Disneyland vacation in May for this very reason! Crowds may be higher, but the fantastic weather makes up for it. You can expect lots of sunshine and pleasant temperatures! It’s much nicer than the hot summer months. 

The average high in May is 75 degrees F. The average low is 55 degrees F. I still like to bring a jacket with me for the evenings. 

I have a complete guide about what to wear to Disneyland in May. You can find it here. 

Disneyland In May- Events

A lot is going on at Disneyland in May! 

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is popular at Disneyland! Each Mother is given a complimentary carnation to pin to their shirt when they arrive. Dining reservations are popular on Mother’s Day, so book yours at least 60 days in advance. You might spot some famous Disney Mothers out and about around the parks! The wicked stepmother and her daughters from Cinderella often make appearances. 

Grad Nites At Disneyland In May

Disneyland host Grad Nites on select nights in May and June. Local graduating high school seniors come to the parks to celebrate their graduation. Grads need a special event ticket that school groups can purchase. Some Grad Nite tickets give kids access to just Disney California Adventure Park. Some provide them with access to both parks. California Adventure will close early on Grad Nites so that the teens can enjoy the parks. So, Disneyland will become extra crowded in the evening. I have a full guide to Disneyland Grad Nites including dates and what you can expect.

Season Of The Force:

Season of the force is a star wars celebration that stars April 5th and runs through June 2nd. There’s lots of fun things going on as part of the celebration! Check out my guide to Season of the Force with a free bucket list printable!

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite

Calling all Star Wars fans! Get ready for an otherworldly adventure like none other! These separately ticketed after-hours events will grant Guests of all ages special access to Disneyland Park—including Character experiences, fireworks, photo opportunities, dancing, event-themed menu selections, and entertainment—including March of the First Order featuring Captain Phasma, Star Wars-themed merchandise, attractions, commemorative keepsakes, décor and more. Star Wars Nites are May 2nd, 7th and 9th.

Event Highlights

• Early Admission
• Enjoy Disneyland Park admission beginning at 6:00 PM; no theme park reservation is required.
• Star Wars Fireworks Spectacular
• Fan of the dark side or the light side? Watch a fantastic pyrotechnical spectacle illuminate the skies!
• Character Experiences
• Enjoy sightings of beloved Star Wars Characters throughout the evening.
• Galactic Dance Party
• Bust a move at an epic event sure to make Star Wars history!
• Strike a Pose
• Let Disney PhotoPass photographers capture shots—and incredible memories—against event-themed backdrops.
• After-Hours Access to Attractions
• Ride some of the park’s most unforgettable Star Wars-themed attractions—including Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (subject to availability, which may vary and is not guaranteed) throughout the event, usually with shorter wait times.
• Themed Eats
• Gobble goodies that are out of this galaxy—purchase unique dining experiences with sweet and savory menu options at select Disneyland Park locations.
• Themed Merchandise
• Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase Star Wars-themed items while supplies last.
• Commemorative Keepsakes
• Receive a souvenir credential, event guide, and unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos taken during the party.
• Inspired Attire
• Dust off those lightsabers! Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character. 

Pixar Fest

Pixar Fest will be happening at Disneyland April 26th – August 4th! This amazing celebration just adds to the fun of Disneyland in May! You can enjoy a new night time fireworks show: Together Forever- A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular! There’s a new daytime parade in DCA called Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!

You can check out Club Pixar in Hollywood land where you’ll find music and dancing inspired by stories from Pixar. Make sure you join the party, as Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park is transformed into a fun zone for the entire family!

Of course they’ll also be lots Pixar character greetings, specialty food items, merchandise.

What To Expect At Disneyland In May

May in Disneyland has lots to offer! Realize that crowds will be higher but manageable. Arriving early to “rope drop” the day will make a huge difference. Those first two hours after the park opens to have the lowest crowds! Take advantage of longer park hours to experience as much as you can!

What to Pack For Disneyland In May

I’ve got a free printable packing list so you don’t forget anything! Make sure you print it out before your vacation.

A well-packed bag is beneficial anytime you’re on a Disney trip. Don’t get stuck paying a small fortune for something you quickly could have brought from home or purchased at a much lower price at home. Check out my list of Disney park bag essentials I like to have while I’m inside the parks. I also save a ton of money by buying things on Amazon before my trip. Here’s my Disney trip Amazon list. 

Tips For Visiting Disneyland In May

A trip to Disneyland is a magical experience, but it can also be overwhelming with the crowds and long lines. Here are some insider tips and tricks for making the most out of your visit to the happiest place on earth:

1. Get there early: Arriving at the park before it opens can save you a lot of time waiting in line for popular rides. Plus, you can take advantage of the shorter lines for some of the more popular attractions before the crowds arrive. Check out this post for info on rope-dropping Disneyland. 
2.  Use Genie Plus: The Genie Plus system allows you to reserve a spot in line for popular rides, so you don’t have to wait in the regular line. Read this post for more information on Disney Genie Plus at Disneyland. 
3.  Take advantage of single-rider lines: If you are okay with riding alone or being separated from your group, single-rider lines can be a great way to save time waiting in line. Check out this attractions guide for more info. 
4.  Pack snacks and water: Bringing your own snacks and water can save money and keep you hydrated and energized throughout the day. Here’s info on what food you can bring into the park.
5.  Take advantage of the parades and shows: The parades and shows at Disneyland and California Adventure are not to be missed! Check the schedule for times and plan your day accordingly.
6.  Visit during off-peak times: Visit the park during off-peak times, such as weekdays or off-season. This can help you avoid crowds and save money on tickets and accommodations. Find my guide on when to visit Disneyland to help you pick a time to visit.
7.  Download the Disneyland app: The Disneyland app is an excellent tool for checking wait times, finding your way around the park, and even making dining reservations.
8. Make sure you have a well-packed park bag! You want to avoid paying extra for something at the Disney theme parks that you could easily bring from home! Here’s my guide to what to pack in your park bag. 
9. Don’t miss my top 10 Disneyland tips!
10. Bring a good attitude and go with the flow. Your attitude is part of having a great vacation at the Happiest place on earth! Make sure you’re family has a positive outlook, and you’ll have a great time.
11. Check out my downloadable touring plans if you’d like a step-by-step guide to the parks! have a planning phone call that’s super popular! In this phone call, I can answer your Disneyland vacation questions and give you lots of tips and info tailored to you and your group!

I hope this guide to visiting Disneyland in May was helpful to you! A lot is going on at Disneyland in May. It’s a great time to visit, especially if you’re trying to get in a trip before the higher crowds that come with summer vacation. The weather is excellent, and you’ll visit before the year’s hottest months. If you’re looking to avoid the largest crowds, make sure you steer clear of holiday weekends. 

I know you’ll have a good time on your vacation to Disneyland! Hopefully, you’ll have great weather and lower crowds. I’ve got my fingers crossed for you! 

Make sure to check out my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram for lots of Disney tips and fun!