Can you believe it’s gonna be May? (Forgive me, I couldn’t resist the joke). This year seems like it is absolutely flying by, and there’s nothing we can do to stop it.
Cinderella Castle
Over in Disney World, it feels like things are changing all the time, some good change and some hard change. Things can change from month to month, so we’re detailing every Disney World perk you can find in May 2026! This is a use em’ or lose em’ situation, so get all of the information here!
There are so many different rotating perks in Disney World these days, and we would hate for you to miss any of them! We are in the parks every single day, and trust us, May is going to be a BIG month in the parks.
Magic Kingdom
First, Disney’s Free Water Entry Perk begins! If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, you can actually get access for free to one of Disney’s two water parks. This perk first started in 2025, but in 2026, it’s only for select dates! Starting on May 26th, Disney hotel guests get that free ticket so they can splash in the sun! The perk runs officially from May 26th through September 8th, so it’s just around for the summer months.
Blizzard Beach
May 26th is actually a very big date for a lot of reasons, so hold on tight because we’re going to mention it a LOT! Next up, Cool Kid Summer is back this May! This is another returning offering that we were seriously excited to see back. This summer event means more characters, activities, and fun for families. This year, the event includes Bluey and Bingo in Animal Kingdom, Jessie’s Roundup in Magic Kingdom, GoofyCore in EPCOT, and more. This perk is also available from May 26th to September 8th, 2026.
It’s Cool Kid Summer!
Cool Kid Summer is also ushering in several big changes! Starting in May, you can be some of the first guests to check out major new attractions and updates. On May 26th, Soarin’ Around the World is transforming into Soarin’ Across America to honor the United States’ 250th birthday.
©Disney
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is also getting new scenes starting on May 26th, featuring scenes from The Mandalorian and Grogu movie! Plus, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is also opening on that same day. That’s because The Magic of Disney Animation, the new land in Hollywood Studios, is also opening on the 26th! So if you happen to be in Disney World in May, you get the big perk of being the first to experience quite a few new changes!
©Disney
If you’re an Annual Passholder, don’t forget that V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days are coming back in May! The Annual Passholder days kick off on May 1st, 2026, and come with lots of fun. You can find new Passholder merchandise, special food & beverage items, special discounts, a new magnet, and more! The passholder fun ends on July 31st.
Disney World Annual Pass
Don’t forget, Disney also has continued Extended Evening Hours and several hotel discounts in May! Sure, these things aren’t limited to the month, but we would be remiss to not remind you of how you can make the most of the month. Extended Evening Hours give select hotel guests extra time in the parks after they close when the day ends! It’s one of the best Disney World perks. You can see which parks are offering them in May:
- Monday, May 4th — Animal Kingdom, 6PM – 8PM
- Wednesday, May 6th — Magic Kingdom, 10PM – 12AM
- Monday, May 11th — Hollywood Studios, 9PM – 11PM
- Wednesday, May 13th — Animal Kingdom, 6PM – 8PM
- Monday, May 18th — EPCOT, 9PM – 11PM
- Wednesday, May 20th — Magic Kingdom, 10PM – 12AM
- Monday, May 25th — EPCOT, 9PM – 11PM
- Wednesday, May 27th — Magic Kingdom, 10PM – 12AM
Animal Kingdom During Extended Evening Hours
If you’re still looking for hotels, don’t forget you can save some money! From May 1st through October 4th, you can save up to 30% off your hotel room as long as your stay is for five or more consecutive nights. If you’re staying one to 4 consecutive nights, you can save up to 25% off. The discount is also dependent on which hotel you book.
Art of Animation
When it comes to these perks, you gotta use them, or you’ll lose them! While we don’t love how quickly time is moving, we are ridiculously excited about all of the big things coming just next month! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, reminders, and more.
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Are your extended evening hour dates correct?
I have tickets for extended evening hours in Magic Kingdom on Monday May 18, 2026. (Your dates state: Monday, May 18th — EPCOT, 9PM – 11PM
Wednesday, May 20th — Magic Kingdom, 10PM – 12AM)
Hi Mary Kay! Our dates are correct. I just double-checked with Walt Disney World’s website. I’m thinking your tickets are for the After Hours Event, which is a separate ticketed event and there is one of those at Magic Kingdom on May 18th.