Best Trip Tips: May Vacationers
May is a fantastic time to go to Walt Disney World. The chaos of spring break has passed and the craziness of summer visitors hasn’t begun. It’s termed in Disney’s Vacation Club point chart as Dream Season. Smack dab in the middle of busy and slow. So you can expect crowds but not out of control crowds. There are a few special events going on during the month of May so be sure to check below for the week you’ll be visiting to make sure you don’t miss out.
May 1st-10th
May 1st-5th
Party for the Planet at Animal Kingdom
From April 22nd-May 5th, guests can celebrate Earth Day with special activities, events and offerings at the Animal Kingdom. There’s a special welcome in front of the Tree of Life every morning at Park Open. There will be special photo opportunities stationed around the park for you to commemorate Earth Day 2018. There will be a special Wilderness Explorers location for this two-week period. Head to Rafiki’s Planet Watch for a special backstage experience through the veterinary hospital. Learning about animal nutrition and conservation. There’ll be extra animal experts found around the park to teach guest how to can care for the wildlife around the world and in their own backyard.
As a part of this Party for the Planet, there’s a special offering at Tiffin’s, a signature dining experience at Animal Kingdom. For $165 per person, enjoy a four course meal that compliments the area of the world the speaker is talking about. Learn about the different projects Disney supports around the world. These are special nights and special events so be sure to call (407) WDW-DINE to make a reservation. May 2nd will feature Dr Anne Savage, the Conservation Director at Animal Kingdom, she’ll share about a project Disney support in Colombia. On Friday, May 4th, Dr. Scott Terell, the Director of Animal and Science Operations, will talk about the Sumatran tigers that are found within the Animal Kingdom.
May 1st-10th
Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival
Another festival on Epcot’s Festival list. This festival has been going on for 24 years. You can expect beautiful topiaries all around the park. Many are shaped and created to resemble some of your favourite characters. This festival has escalated to include special dining and entertainment. Here’s what you can expect:
Outdoor Kitchens
Epcot again uses their kiosks found throughout World Showcase to add unique dining to this festival. These are used for Festival of the Arts as well as the Food & Wine Festival in the Fall. You’ll find samples of entrees, desserts and beverages, highlighting unique and special flavours of the country represented. Try a few or them all, using some dining plan snack credits along the way.
Special Kid Activities
Hunt around World Showcase and find Spike the Bee in the beautiful gardens at the different pavilions. Do this on your own or pick up a map at Port of Entry, found at the beginning of World Showcase. These maps only cost $5.99. To participate, you simply return your map when you’ve located all the Spike’s to receive a prize.
Interactive Play Areas
There are three interactive play areas at this year’s festival. One found outside Test Track featuring Gardens inspired by Cars. Another is found at Imagination Walkway with a net walk way and a musical maze. Lastly, theirs a how-to garden on the Western side of Future World where visitors can create their own butterfly home. All these things are great for littles who are too small to enjoy some of the more exciting rides.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Friday-Monday at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm grab a seat at the American Gardens Theatre at the American Pavilion for a concert featuring artists of old and new. These concerts are included in park admission. Get there 30 minutes before to ensure a good seat. The performance will last half an hour.
May 4th-7th will feature Herman Hermits staring Peter Noone. This group is from the 60’s and is known for songs such as “I’m into Something Good” and “No Milk Today”
Special Tours
Gardens of the World
Spend three hours of your day at Epcot with a Disney Horticulturist. They’ll teach you techniques to create beautiful gardens at home. They’ll guide you around World Showcase sharing their knowledge of what makes each of the gardens and topiaries unique. There’s an 85 dollar cost above and beyond your park day pass. The tour runs from 9am until noon Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Contact (407) WDW-TOUR if you wish to reserve your spot.
English Tea Garden Tour
This tour lasts 20 minutes in the United Kingdom Pavilion. They are held on Mondays through Thursdays at 3:30pm and 5pm. They also hold them at 1pm, 3:30pm and 5pm on Friday through Saturday. Your guide will point out the tea-flavouring plants found throughout this display that are placed appropriately in tea cup saucers. On 20 guests are taken at a time so be sure to register when the pavilion opens at 11am. You can register at The Tea Caddy gift shop.
Royal Tea Garden Tour
This daily tour begins at 9:45am, also in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Enjoy a sampling of tea and scones and discover the beautiful gardens of the United Kingdom. A tour guide will give you in depth details of what can be found in the display surrounding the pavilion. The tour will end with a stop at Rose & Crown Dining Room for your refreshments. Cost is $18 per guest and requires park admission. It is recommend to call and reserve ahead of time at (407) WDW-TOUR
As with all the festivals at Epcot, there is plenty for all members of your travelling party to do. It can consume your day, highlight your day or be a simple pass by. It’s all up to you.
May 4th-6th
The Summit- All Star Championship.
This end-of-the-year event is featured on ESPN 3 and showcases the best cheerleading teams of the year. There will be’ live commentary throughout the events. You can expect stellar performances from each team, each age group is represented at this event. ESPN Wide World of Sports will be crawling with teams and families supporting their cheerleading teams.
Refurbishment List
Liberty Square Riverboat. Magic Kingdom.
Toy Story Mania! Hollywood Studios.
Festival of the Lion King. May 9th. Animal Kingdom.
May 11th-20th
May 11th-15th
Mother’s Day Treats.
The Ganachery. This chocolate shop at Disney Springs will have special offerings to celebrate Mother’s Day. Guests can choose between a glass of Rosa Regale or a Mother’s Day ganache lollipop.
Main Street Bakery. Head to Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom and stop into the Bakery for a special Mother’s Day cupcake only offered to celebrate Mother’s Day Sunday.
Contempo Cafe. Contemporary Resort. This resort quick-service restaurant always has fantastic cupcakes but on special occasions especially. Make your way to this dining experience and choose their limited time cupcake.
May 11th-13th
D2 Summit Championship.
At ESPN Wide World of Sports, this cheerleading championship is specifically designed for gyms with 125 athletes or less. You’ll find teams from every age groups ranging from 6 years of age to 18 years of age, with both boys and girls making up these cheerleading teams.
May 11th-20th
Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival
Another festival on Epcot’s Festival list. This festival has been going on for 24 years. You can expect beautiful topiaries all around the park. Many are shaped and created to resemble some of your favourite characters. This festival has escalated to include special dining and entertainment. Here’s what you can expect:
Outdoor Kitchens
Epcot again uses their kiosks found throughout World Showcase to add unique dining to this festival. These are used for Festival of the Arts as well as the Food & Wine Festival in the Fall. You’ll find samples of entrees, desserts and beverages, highlighting unique and special flavours of the country represented. Try a few or them all, using some dining plan snack credits along the way.
Special Kid Activities
Hunt around World Showcase and find Spike the Bee in the beautiful gardens at the different pavilions. Do this on your own or pick up a map at Port of Entry, found at the beginning of World Showcase. These maps only cost $5.99. To participate, you simply return your map when you’ve located all the Spike’s to receive a prize.
Interactive Play Areas
There are three interactive play areas at this year’s festival. One found outside Test Track featuring Gardens inspired by Cars. Another is found at Imagination Walkway with a net walk way and a musical maze. Lastly, theirs a how-to garden on the Western side of Future World where visitors can create their own butterfly home. All these things are great for littles who are too small to enjoy some of the more exciting rides.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Friday-Monday at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm grab a seat at the American Gardens Theatre at the American Pavilion for a concert featuring artists of old and new. These concerts are included in park admission. Get there 30 minutes before to ensure a good seat. The performance will last half an hour.
May 11th-12th Garden Rocks will feature the Village People featuring Victor Willis. The crowd will be singing alone to their famous tunes, “YMCA” and “Macho Man”.
Don Felder, originally from “The Eagles” will be performing on the nights of May 13th and 14th.
One of our favourites, The Guess Who will be featured May 18th-21st. You’ll know them for their songs “American Woman” and “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature”.
Special Tours
Gardens of the World
Spend three hours of your day at Epcot with a Disney Horticulturist. They’ll teach you techniques to create beautiful gardens at home. They’ll guide you around World Showcase sharing their knowledge of what makes each of the gardens and topiaries unique. There’s an 85 dollar cost above and beyond your park day pass. The tour runs from 9am until noon Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Contact (407) WDW-TOUR if you wish to reserve your spot.
English Tea Garden Tour
This tour lasts 20 minutes in the United Kingdom Pavilion. They are held on Mondays through Thursdays at 3:30pm and 5pm. They also hold them at 1pm, 3:30pm and 5pm on Friday through Saturday. Your guide will point out the tea-flavouring plants found throughout this display that are placed appropriately in tea cup saucers. On 20 guests are taken at a time so be sure to register when the pavilion opens at 11am. You can register at The Tea Caddy gift shop.
Royal Tea Garden Tour
This daily tour begins at 9:45am, also in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Enjoy a sampling of tea and scones and discover the beautiful gardens of the United Kingdom. A tour guide will give you in depth details of what can be found in the display surrounding the pavilion. The tour will end with a stop at Rose & Crown Dining Room for your refreshments. Cost is $18 per guest and requires park admission. It is recommend to call and reserve ahead of time at (407) WDW-TOUR
As with all the festivals at Epcot, there is plenty for all members of your travelling party to do. It can consume your day, highlight your day or be a simple pass by. It’s all up to you.
Sunday May 13th
Mother’s Day Disney Vacation Club Brunch.
Held in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort, Disney Vacation Club Mothers will be celebrated with heartwarming stories and activities with your favourite Alice in Wonderland Characters. The event takes place from 11am to 1pm, the cost is $57.95 per adult and $32.95 per child. You can expect an impressive buffet all themed off of Alice in Wonderland with Pastries, Eggs, Omelettes, bacon, sausage, french toast and Mickey waffles, of course. Call (800) 800-9800 for a reservation.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Walt Disney World Resort Restaurants
No matter where you are, a typical Mother’s Day event is Mother’s Day brunch. At Walt Disney World it’s no different. Currently there are no official details as to which restaurants are hosting Mother’s Day brunch but this is which restaurants hosted such events last year and we can expect they’ll host ones again. Book now to ensure you can celebrate the mother or mothers of your party on your Disney Vacation. Choose between:
Boma-Flavors of Africa. Found at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. 7:30am-2pm
Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club. 11am-2pm
The Wave… Of American Flavors. Disney’ Contemporary Resort. 7:30am-2pm
Garden Grove. Walt Disney World Swan.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Disney Springs.
Many restaurants found at Disney Springs will be hosting brunch, some with special offerings to celebrate Mothers. Book now to make sure you get a table.
House of Blues Restaurant & Bar. Bring Mom to the House of Blues’ famous Gospel Brunch. There’s a 10:30am seating and a 1:00pm seating to choose from.
Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. From 10am until 3pm, this Italian Restaurant will host a brunch featuring a carving station and panettone French toast. They will also be offering their normal lunch menu.
Paddlefish. Their regular Sunday brunch will be offered but there will be a special lobster ravioli with tarragon cream sauce just for the occasion.
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant. This Irish restaurant has a brunch every Saturday and Sunday and this mother’s day Sunday will be no different. With live music from noon until 4pm, you’ll have an unforgettable time this Mother’s Day celebrating it the Irish way.
STK Orlando. On Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 3pm, this Disney Springs’ restaurant will be serving a special brunch. Feating special items like cinnamon money bread, avocado toast and a beef short rib & egg sandwich.
Wednesday May 16th
Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom.
From 9:30pm until 1am, DVC members and their guests rule the Animal Kingdom. Many of the attractions will be open, with special meet and greets with a variety of favourite and hard to find characters. There will be complimentary eats and a meet-up with some of the executives at Tiffins from 9:30pm-10:30pm. DVC members enjoying this events can check in at 7:30pm, gaining access to the Animal Kingdom an hour and a half before the park officially closes. The event is now sold out. This complimentary event is a fantastic benefit of membership.
May 18th-19th
Special Olympics Florida Summer Games.
It may not be summer yet, but Special Olympics Florida summer games take over ESPN Wide World of Sports on this weekend. This event is an invitational, so you can expect stellar performances in every sport.
Refurbishment List
Liberty Square Riverboat. Magic Kingdom.
May 21st-30th
Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival
Another festival on Epcot’s Festival list. This festival has been going on for 24 years. You can expect beautiful topiaries all around the park. Many are shaped and created to resemble some of your favourite characters. This festival has escalated to include special dining and entertainment. Here’s what you can expect:
Outdoor Kitchens
Epcot again uses their kiosks found throughout World Showcase to add unique dining to this festival. These are used for Festival of the Arts as well as the Food & Wine Festival in the Fall. You’ll find samples of entrees, desserts and beverages, highlighting unique and special flavours of the country represented. Try a few or them all, using some dining plan snack credits along the way.
Special Kid Activities
Hunt around World Showcase and find Spike the Bee in the beautiful gardens at the different pavilions. Do this on your own or pick up a map at Port of Entry, found at the beginning of World Showcase. These maps only cost $5.99. To participate, you simply return your map when you’ve located all the Spike’s to receive a prize.
Interactive Play Areas
There are three interactive play areas at this year’s festival. One found outside Test Track featuring Gardens inspired by Cars. Another is found at Imagination Walkway with a net walk way and a musical maze. Lastly, theirs a how-to garden on the Western side of Future World where visitors can create their own butterfly home. All these things are great for littles who are too small to enjoy some of the more exciting rides.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Friday-Monday at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm grab a seat at the American Gardens Theatre at the American Pavilion for a concert featuring artists of old and new. These concerts are included in park admission. Get there 30 minutes before to ensure a good seat. The performance will last half an hour.
One of our favourites, The Guess Who will be featured May 18th-21st. You’ll know them for their songs “American Woman” and “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature”.
The last group to conclude 2018’s Garden Rocks Concert Series is The Spinners. This group from the 60’s and 70’s are know for “Working My Way Back to You” and “It’s a Shame”.
Special Tours
Gardens of the World
Spend three hours of your day at Epcot with a Disney Horticulturist. They’ll teach you techniques to create beautiful gardens at home. They’ll guide you around World Showcase sharing their knowledge of what makes each of the gardens and topiaries unique. There’s an 85 dollar cost above and beyond your park day pass. The tour runs from 9am until noon Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Contact (407) WDW-TOUR if you wish to reserve your spot.
English Tea Garden Tour
This tour lasts 20 minutes in the United Kingdom Pavilion. They are held on Mondays through Thursdays at 3:30pm and 5pm. They also hold them at 1pm, 3:30pm and 5pm on Friday through Saturday. Your guide will point out the tea-flavouring plants found throughout this display that are placed appropriately in tea cup saucers. On 20 guests are taken at a time so be sure to register when the pavilion opens at 11am. You can register at The Tea Caddy gift shop.
Royal Tea Garden Tour
This daily tour begins at 9:45am, also in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Enjoy a sampling of tea and scones and discover the beautiful gardens of the United Kingdom. A tour guide will give you in depth details of what can be found in the display surrounding the pavilion. The tour will end with a stop at Rose & Crown Dining Room for your refreshments. Cost is $18 per guest and requires park admission. It is recommend to call and reserve ahead of time at (407) WDW-TOUR
As with all the festivals at Epcot, there is plenty for all members of your travelling party to do. It can consume your day, highlight your day or be a simple pass by. It’s all up to you.
May 25th-28th
Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament
This 3 day tournament is the largest that ESPN Wide World of Sports hosts the whole year. With girl and boy teams representing states from all over the country, teams ranging from U9 to U19. This event is presented by Danimals and runs for three whole days. Meaning, soccer, soccer and more soccer.
May 26h-28th
Disney Memorial Day Baseball Classic
Many teams come to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to begin their summer season. Male teams, ages ranging from 8U-16U are welcome to register and compete in this 2 day tournament.
May 27th
Star Wars- A Galactic Night.
In preparation for the latest film in the Star Wars Franchise (SOLO), Hollywood Studios is hosting a special ticketed event. From 7pm until midnight, guests will have an experience that is out of this galaxy and they’ll remember for years to come. Special character interactions, special dance parties, special panelists and themed food. And all the attractions guests can expect from Hollywood Studios. Add on the Tasting and Viewing Package to enjoy all the special eats that are offered for this special event. The cost for this event is $129 per adult. To add the tasting and viewing package it’s an additional $30.
Refurbishment List
Liberty Square Riverboat. Magic Kingdom.
Use the above information to make sure you’re not spending days at the park when they’ll be cut short due to a special event. Take the details about the Flower & Garden Festival to make the most of your day at Epcot. Be aware of the teams and tournaments that are happening at ESPN Wide World of Sport because that will effect the amount of guests at the Value Resorts. The more information you know the more prepared you’ll be for your vacation. Happy Planning Friends.
