11 CHANGES Happening in May in Disney World

Disney World is always changing with new fun updates coming all the time!

Cinderella Castle!

May has ten new updates to look forward to, and we’ve been looking forward to some of them for a long time!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens — May 3rd

This is one of the biggest updates of the month, and it happens right at the beginning! After being closed for over a year, The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness is opening!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride testing

This ride has been closed since January 5th, 2025, and fans are so excited for it to reopen!

©Disney

The track, ride vehicle, and effects have all been improved for a smoother and more technologically advanced ride. And the all-new “Rainbow Caverns” scene has everyone so excited to ride and experience a new twist on a fan favorite attraction.

May the 4th: Star Wars Day

Calling all Star Wars fans: May the 4th be with you! It’s time for the best Star Wars celebration of the year.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

This is the day for Star Wars fans to come to Hollywood Studios or Disneyland to immerse themselves in Star Wars fun. People DisneyBound as their favorite characters, and at night, Galaxy’s Edge is lit up with Lightsabers everywhere.

Jawa Sipper

V.I.Passholder Days Begin– May 1st

On May 1st V.I.Passholder Days start and run through July 31st. Which means a ton of perks for Annual Passholders.

Annual Passholder Card

Including up to 40% off select restaurants

Inside Toledo!

…and up to 40% off hotels!

BoardWalk Inn

Yachtsman Steakhouse Closure Begins — May 11th

This fan favorite restaurant will be closed from May 11th through Early August 2026. The restaurant will experience some maintenance and a refresh during the closure to ensure the best possible experience for guests upon reopening.

Stunning!

A New Mission will be added to Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run — May 22nd

To celebrate the new movie The Mandalorian and Grogu, which also comes out May 22nd, Smugglers Run will be getting a brand new mission!

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

Disney states in the new experience, “the crew will be in control of their own destination, leading to potential adventures on Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor, or the just-announced bustling city-planet, Coruscant.”

©Disney

And if Engineer has always been your least favorite position, that might change! In this new version, the Engineer will be able to communicate with Grogu! Overall, a super exciting update that will allow for even more Star Wars immersion.

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Opens in Hollywood Studios — May 26th

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens in Hollywood Studios on May 26th! This rethemed ride closed earlier this year so that Disney could transform it from the previous Aerosmith version.

©Disney

The overall concept of the ride will remain similar, but it will now feature The Muppets. We will get to tour the legendary G-Force Records studio, now under new management. Scooter’s uncle, real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse, has taken over the studio.

The Walt Disney Studios Opens in Hollywood Studios — May 26th

In the area formerly known as Animation Courtyard, Disney is bringing an all-new experience to exist as a “special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot” in Burbank, California.

Construction

One of the new experiences coming is The Magic of Disney Animation. Where guests are meant to see their favorite animated friends come to life, like in the beloved short film “Once Upon A Studio,” and it takes place in the building that formerly held Star Wars Launch Bay.

©Disney

Guests will also get to experience the all new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! A popular Disneyland show that families will now get to enjoy in Hollywood Studios!

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live in Disneyland

Soarin’ Across America Opens –May 26th

Soarin’ to Tower, the all-new version is almost ready for takeoff!

©Disney

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, this updated Soarin’ will feature American landmarks and new music! We are so excited to see where this version takes us.

©Disney

Bluey’s Wild World Opens in Animal Kingdom– May 26th

Bluey fans, the day you have been waiting for has almost arrived!

Bluey and Bingo in Disneyland

On May 26th, you can board the train to the Conservation Station and meet Bluey and Bingo! You can also play games from the show and meet animals native to Australia at the petting zoo called Jumping Junction.

Bluey and Bingo!

Cool Kid Summer Begins — May 26th

Starting May 26th through September 8th, you can experience Cool Kid Summer! 

Magic Kingdom Cool Kid Summer Guide

This includes fun guide books in each park, cool character experiences, water park and hotel perks, and the GoofyCore dance experience coming back to CommuniCore Hall.

Goofy and his dancing crew!

You can also meet your favorite Toy Story pals in Frontierland at Jessie’s Roundup at The Diamond Horseshoe!

Jessie!

Free Water Park Admission for Resort Guests on their Check-In Day — May 26th

One of the most exciting perks of Cool Kid Summer is returning May 26th – September 8th. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World hotel, you can visit a Disney Water Park for free on your check-in day!

Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach

This means on your first day at Disney, you can visit either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach for free. This is one of our favorite perks, and we are so happy it is returning this summer!

Blizzard Beach

This is an exciting time at Disney World with so many incredible experiences right around the corner. Make sure to follow AllEars so you don’t miss out on any Disney news!

If you’re an Annual Passholder, you’ll want to check this out!

Which one of these updates are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!

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