What’s open, closed, happening at Disney World in May 2024

May kicked off with the 35th-anniversary celebration of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the remainder of the month at Disney World includes a major Star Wars holiday, a new drone show, and the start of a summertime nighttime event at a water park, plus a few more fun anniversaries.

So, let’s take a quick look at what we expect at Disney World in May 2024 and the start of summer:

Magic Kingdom

• Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade is closed for refurbishment- Re-opening in summer 2024
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – Closed. Opening Summer 2024- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film “The Princess and the Frog.” Guests will be goin’ down the bayou with Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans.
• Country Bear Musical Jamboree: Closed for refurbishment. Opening Summer 2024 – The Country Bears are gearing up for a whole new show with a nod to Opry-style performances in Nashville. The Country Bear Musical Jamboree will feature renditions of classic Disney tunes, reimagined across country music genres like bluegrass, pop-country, Americana, rockabilly and more. The show will also include Easter eggs from beginning to end, including one particular tune Disney fans may remember.

Hollywood Studios

• Rockn’Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Closed for refurbishment, reopening in for summer 2024
• Vacation Fun – An Original Animate Short with Mickey and Minnie – Closed for refurbishment, reopening on May 25
• The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure – Closed for refurbishment. Opening in the Fall. The reimagined theatrical production is inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid” and will be presented in the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theater. Guests will experience a sea of sensations through the magic of breathtaking set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold design that brings Ariel’s world to life. They will also be able to join in the fin-flipping fun with musical numbers like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and other music from the beloved Disney animated classic.
• Joy Debuts at Pixar Plaza – On June 10, Joy, the popular character from Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2” debuts at her new character greeting location in Pixar Plaza where she joins other Pixar stars.

Animal Kingdom

• Celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of “The Lion King” – From June 10 through Sept. 6, The Disney animated classic “The Lion King” celebrates 30 years of being part of the circle of life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In addition to special menu items and merchandise to mark the occasion, guests can meet Timon and Rafiki at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. While there, they can also learn to draw beloved character from the film at Animation Experience.

EPCOT

• Test Track – This is open all May but will close on June 17 for an extended refurbishment.
• EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival – The festival ends on May 27, 2024.
• American Adventure – American Heritage Gallery as closed from May 28 through June 6 2024 for installation of a new exhibit by former President George W. Bush. The exhibit will open to the public on June 9.
• CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza – Capping off a multiyear transformation of EPCOT, CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will open on June 10, 2024. Located in the new World Celebration neighborhood in the heart of the park, the locations will usher in a new era of festivals, exhibits and entertainment. Also opening June 10, 2024, is Mickey & Friends, a new location adjacent to CommuniCore Hall where guests can meet some of their favorite Disney pals.  
• “¡Celebración Encanto!” – From June 10-Sept. 6, guests can enjoy a summer sing-along featuring the beloved songs and story of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” on the CommuniCore Plaza stage. The new show will run several times throughout the day and will invite families to sing along with some of their favorite songs. Guests may even see Mirabel and Bruno join in the fun.

Disney Springs

• Dreams That Soar – Taking place from May 24 through Sept. 2 drones will take to the skies above Lake Buena Vista at West Side with “Disney Dreams That Soar,” a summertime experience that will be a late-night perk for guests. State-of-the-art drones, choreographed to create designs in the sky, are paired with a “soaring” musical score and memorable movie quotes to showcase Disney stories that celebrate the joy of flight.

Typhoon Lagoon

• H2O Glow Nights – This specially ticketed after hours event at the water park kicks off on select nights from May 25 through Aug. 31. The after-hours party will offer 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.

Blizzard Beach

• Closed for refurbishment.

Disney Resorts

• BoardWalk Inn and Villas – Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s BoardWalk Villas are being refurbished with new offerings; plus, updates to Guest rooms, lobby and more. While most Resort hotel amenities will remain available, you may be able to see and hear construction during daytime hours. Additionally, please allow for additional travel time.
• Disney All-Star Movies – From July 1 through July 31, 2024, the World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will undergo a refurbishment. During this time, guests may utilize the My Disney Experience app to order food and drinks with their mobile device. Signs featuring a QR code in the lobby and near the World Premiere Food Court areas will take guests to the app when scanned. Please note, the mobile order menu will only offer select items at this time. For planning purposes The Fantasia Pool is scheduled for routine maintenance from January 2025 through April 2025 and will be closed.
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort –Guests will have an all-new way to stay in the great outdoors with many comforts of home when The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort debuts July 1. The newest Disney Vacation Club property will be located in the woodlands of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, offering a new rustic vacation twist.
• Polynesian Village Resort – Now through Fall 2024, work will take place to paint the exterior of buildings throughout Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort & Bungalows, with Guest room balconies also being affected. Guests may see and hear painting work during daytime hours, typically from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Port Orleans – French Quarter – From May 2024 through November 2024, some guest rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter will be under refurbishment. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. Most Resort hotel amenities will remain available.

Celebrations and Important Dates 

• Month of May: During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage MonthDisney World Resort invite guests to join in the celebrations with a delectable array of bites and sips. 
• May 1: Disney/MGM Studio Theme Park at Disney World opens in 1989. The park is now called Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (35th anniversary)
• May 1: Pleasure Island, where every night is New Year’s Eve, opens in 1989. The area is now the The Landing section of Disney Springs. (35th anniversary)
• May 4: May the 4th is the official Star Wars Day, and special treats will be available at Disney World.
• May 24: The live-action “Aladdin” (2019) premieres. (5th anniversary)
• May 28: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opens in Magic Kingdom Theme in 2014. (15th anniversary) 
• May 29:. “Up,” by Disney and Pixar, was released in 2009 and went on to win two Oscars.(15th anniversary)
• May 30: The film “Maleficent” premieres in 2014. (10th anniversary)