10 big things to watch for at Disney World in May 2022
The big event taking place at Walt Disney World in May 2022 is the opening of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and everyone will be hearing a lot about it as press, Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club previews begin in early May.
The remainder of the month will bring some changing menus, special after hours events and change in fireworks time.
Here’s a closer look:
1. Changing menus: There are a number of changes taking place throughout May, including some Mother’s Day treats coming around the resort and a change in one of the EPCOT food kiosks.
The EPCOT Farmer’s Feast – Near Test Track will have a new Summer Solstice Menu from May 22 through July 4, 2022:
- Tomato and Cornbread Panzanella with Burrata Cheese and Fresh Basil
- Barbecue Seared Pork Tenderloin with Summer Succotash, Herb Butter and Grapefruit Vinaigrette (gluten/wheat-friendly)
- A Whole Lotta Melon: Feta Cheesecake with Watermelon Curd, Pickled Watermelon Rind, Watermelon Caramel and Compressed Watermelon (gluten/wheat-friendly)
2. Garden Rocks Schedule: The May schedule for the 2022 Garden Rocks Concert series includes eigh traditional “oldie” bands that perform Friday-Monday at the America Gardens Theater stage. Here’s the lineup:
- May 1-2 – TobyMac
- May 6-7 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
- May 8-9 – The Commodores
- May 13-14 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett
- May 20-21 – A Flock Of Seagulls
- May 22-23 – Collin Raye
- May 27-28 – Thelma Houston
- May 29-30 – Little River Band
3. Magic Kingdom closing early. On May 3 and May 15 Magic Kingdom is closing at 4:30 p.m. to the public for delayed cast member service celebrations. The dates were originally scheduled in January but were delayed due to weather. The parties are for cast members celebrating major milestone for the past three years.
4. May the 4th Be With You: Star Wars Day is coming and while Disney has not yet announced anything special in the parks, we can probably make a good educated guess that there will be a surprise or two at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, after all there is a large land devoted to the franchise.
5. VR Experience coming to Disney Springs: Star Wars fans will be able to experience a special Meta Quest preview of ILMxLAB’s Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge at Disney Springs from May 2 through July 21. In this preview, players will get to step into Seezelslak’s cantina, where you encounter Mubo and Seezelslak himself. There you can test your skills with Repulsor Darts and play the chromarimba. For a limited time, this complimentary preview experience will be offered daily from noon to 10 p.m. at Disney Springs in Disney World at the former NBA Experience.
6. Magnolia Golf Course: under referbishment Through May 8, only Holes 1-9 will be available for play and starting on May 9, Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course will be closed indefinitely for a major renovation project. The newly re-imagined Magnolia Golf Course will reopen later this year.
7. Fireworks time change: The Disney Enchantment nighttime fireworks show at Magic Kingdom will be moving to a new time starting May 16. Disney Enchantment will be shown at 9:20 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. The move comes as Magic Kingdom extends its baseline hours from a 9 p.m. close to a 10 p.m. close.
8. Moonlight Magic: Disney Vacation Club’s Moonlight Magic returns to Hollywood Studios on May 24. This special after-hour access is exclusively for DVC members. The nights have shorter-than-usual wait times for select park attractions, Disney Character sightings, entertainment and complimentary treats and drinks. Other nights for Hollywood Studios will take place June 16 and July 14.
9. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens: The large anticipated attraction opens in EPCOT on May 27. This attraction will be the first coaster attraction at EPCOT, will be the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster and will be one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world. The ride vehicles will rotate 360 degrees and will position guests toward the action inside the ride. Disney has chosen six songs for the Cosmic Rewind Playlist.
The premise of the ride is that the people from the planet Xandar are coming to Earth and creating the first “other-world” showcase at EPCOT – the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. At the pavilion, guests will learn about their culture and discover more how the two worlds are similar in many ways.
Then Eson, a Celestial, who has been watching Eath for eons is looking ‘to right a wrong in a big way,’ and the Guardians of the Galaxy — Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot — step in to help save the day.
10. H20 Glow After Hours return: H2O Glow After Hours events return to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. The after-hours party offers high-energy DJ dance parties, exclusive glow-themed menu offerings and shorter wait times for attractions that will be glowing under the stars. You’ll even receive a glowing wristband and tasty snacks like popcorn and select ice-cream treats to enjoy throughout the evening. Disney H2O Glow After Hours takes place between 8-11 p.m. every Saturday night from May 28 to Aug. 27. Guests with tickets for the exclusive party can even enter Typhoon Lagoon as early as 6 p.m.