5 big things to watch at Walt Disney World in May 2021

Walt Disney World will be bringing back some beloved entertainment, a popular shop, a hotel, and a new dining location this May.

Here’s a look at what’s happening this month.

1. Animal Kingdom will be bringing back what many consider the best show on Walt Disney World property – “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King.” The show — which you will notice is different than what it has been called “Festival of the Lion King” — will be a modified version of the show, due to coronavirus. No specific date has yet to be announced, but President of Walt Disney World Resort Jeff Vahle did say it was returning in May.

2. Disney’s Beach Club Resort reopens on May 30. While the Disney Vacation Club Villas have been open since last year, the main building consisting of 583 rooms has not been open. This hotel is themed after the seaside cottages of 19th century Newport.

3. After remaining closed for more than a year, the Beverly Sunset Boutique at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is scheduled to reopen on May 5. The shop, which now houses a variety of Pixar merchandise, was previously home to Sweet Spells.

4. We are all looking forward to a new gelato location opening at the Italy Pavilion of EPCOT – Gelateria Toscana – sometime in May. This walk-up window location will offer Gelati, sorbetti and gelati floats. Take a look at what will be served. Items will include

• Gelati in a Waffle Cone or Cup – Chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, cookies ‘cream, stracciatella, strawberry, or tiramisù
• Sorbetti in a Waffle Cone or Cup – Lemon, raspberry, mixed berry, or mango
• Gelati Floats – Fior di Latte gelato with your choice of root beer or Coca-Cola 
• Coppa del Nonno – Fior di Latte, chocolate, and cookies ‘n cream gelati with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and amaretti cookies
• Coppa Amicizia – Fior di Latte, cookies ‘n cream, and strawberry gelati with whipped cream
• Coppa Delizia – Fior di Latte, strawberry, and cookies ‘n cream gelati with strawberry sauce and whipped cream
• “Affogato” Espresso Gelato – Fresh Italian espresso poured over Fior di Latte gelato with an amaretto cookie
• Cannoli al Cioccolato – Crisp pastry filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate, and candied orange
• Zeppole –  Soft fried Ricotta cheese fritters dusted with powdered sugar
• Mocha Tiramisù – Mascarpone cream, espresso coffee, savoiardi biscuits, and chocolate
• Specialty non-alcoholic beverages along with cocktails, beer, and wine are also available

5. Celebrating Star Wars Day – May the 4th – not only paying homage to Star Wars, but also to your stomach. Disney has released 11 special menu items for the celebration available for a limited time.

Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs

• The Child Mini Dome Cake – Vanilla chiffon cake with cookies and cream mousse (available April 30-May 5) 

The Ganachery at Disney Springs

Millennium Falcon Chocolate Pop – Milk chocolate pop with crispy pearls (available April 30-May 5) 

Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• Millennium Falcon Star Wars Soft Serve Sundae – Galactic gray vanilla soft-serve with chocolate cream cookie crumbles, chocolate drizzle, white chocolate pearl stars, brownie asteroid pieces with stardust sparkles, and a Millennium Falcon chocolate accent piece (available May 2-5)

Churro Cart, Anaheim Produce, and Grand Ave. Cart at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Lightsaber Churros – Red or blue churro lightsabers served with chocolate sauce for dipping (available May 4 and 5)

Epic Eats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Galactic Swirl Funnel Cake – Black and white funnel cake with strawberries, space dust, and candy rocks (available May 4 and 5)

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Oi-Oi Puff – Raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse (available May 4 and 5)

Hyperion, Animation, and Hollywood Popcorn Carts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Interstellar Sweet and Crunchy Popcorn (available May 4 and 5)

The Trolley Car Café, PizzeRizzo, and Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Dark Side Chocolate Creation – Malted milk chocolate mousse dome with raspberry mousse topped with slivered almonds sitting on a chocolate shortbread cookie (available May 4 and 5)

Oasis Canteen, Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, Sunshine Day Bar at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Cosmic Rum Punch – Coconut rum, rum, pineapple juice, Minute Maid Lemonade, and grenadine served with a glow cube (available May 4 and 5)

Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, PizzeRizzo, Rosie’s All-American Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Jettison Juice – Minute Maid Lemonade and watermelon beverage syrup served with a glow cube (available May 4 and 5)
• Darth Vader Stein served with fountain drink (available at all locations May 4 and 5. After May 4, Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, Rosie’s All-American will continue to offer)

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