Park Watch: What’s Happening This Month
MAY 2023
With Spring Break and Easter behind us and Memorial Day just on the horizon, summer is ramping up in Disney Parks.
Disney World
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Show
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Show continues all this month and so does the Garden Rocks Concert Series which is accompanied by the Garden Rocks Dining Packages. When you book a Garden Rocks Dining Package, you can choose from eight different restaurants offering a pre-paid dining experience and a guaranteed seat at one of the Garden Rocks performances that day.
These are probably not all going to sell out but performances by more popular performers may book up fast. MouseWatcher is here to help find a seat if you need us.
Star Wars Day. May the Fourth Be with You!
Sadly this year does not see the return of Star Wars: Galactic Nights in Hollywood Studios, but Disney World is still celebrating Star Wars this month, introducing a whole new menu of Star Wars themed snacks and sips across Disney World Parks. There’s also new Star Wars merch available in Disney Parks throughout the month of May, including recently released new pieces that guests can use while building a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon
Formerly known as H2O Glow Nights, Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park this month. This late night splash fest includes a DJ dance party with some beloved Disney characters, special park lighting effects, glowing accessories, plus snacks and drinks. And of course, all of the attractions at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will be available.
This is a separate ticket event and will be held on May 20 and 27, June 3, 10, 17 and 24, July 1, 3, 8, 15, 22, 29 and 31, August 5, 12, 19 and 26, and September 2.
Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 29 and, as the traditional kickoff for summer vacation, when summer crowds start showing up to the parks. Prior to Memorial Day weekend, crowds are slightly below average. There are no special events happening that we know of, but you can expect the crowd levels to be higher than the rest of the month.
Disneyland
Disney100
The Disney100 celebration continues to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney company. The celebration includes a brand new World of Color and fireworks show in honor of the anniversary plus the Magic Happens parade.
Grad Nites
Every year in May and June, Disneyland hosts Grad Nites for the local graduating high school students. These events bring big crowds to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure park especially later in the evening. California Adventure will close at 9:00 PM on the nights that grad nites are taking place.
This separately ticketed event will be held on May 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 25, 30, or 31, and availability is limited.
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
This event is packed with special Star Wars entertainment and activities. The main entertainment draw is the Star Wars themed fireworks with music from the films. There’s also the fan favorite Lightsaber Meetup in Galaxy’s Edge, the March of the First Order featuring Captain Phasma and her stormtroopers, special exclusive Star Wars characters out in the parks and, unlike some of the other Disneyland After Dark parties, the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction will be open for guests during this after-hours party. You’ll also find Star Wars-themed eats and treats like galactic churros, exclusive merchandise, photo opportunities, and more. Star Wars costumes are encouraged though guests will still have to follow the Disneyland costume policy.
This separately ticketed event will be held on May 2, 4, 8, and 11, 2023, from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Ticket availability is limited and this one will sell out quickly.