Disneyland in May 2027: Star Wars Season, Grad Nite, Memorial Day and What to Expect
Visiting Disneyland in May is a genuinely wonderful experience, and 2027 is shaping up to be a great year for it.
May 2027 brings comfortable spring weather, the return of Star Wars season and the beloved Season of the Force celebration, Grad Nites at California Adventure, and Mother’s Day and Memorial Day weekend to close out the month. The Food and Wine Festival has wrapped up by May, but the parks are energetic, the weather is ideal, and there is a lot to look forward to. Just know going in that certain dates will be noticeably busier than others, and a few notable attraction updates are worth knowing about before you go.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to expect so you can decide if May is the right time for your Disneyland vacation.
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Planning a Disneyland vacation in 2027? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Disneyland Resort has to offer this year!
Is May a Good Time to Visit Disneyland?
Pros to visiting Disneyland in May:
- Comfortable, pleasant weather – May brings some of the most enjoyable weather of the year to Anaheim. Average highs around 74°F with low humidity make for genuinely comfortable park days. Mornings can still feel cool, but afternoons are lovely for walking around both parks.
- Star Wars season – May is one of the most exciting times to be a Star Wars fan at Disneyland. The annual Season of the Force celebration in Galaxy’s Edge and the Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite after-hours events are expected to return in late April and early May 2027, as they have every year. Exact 2027 dates had not been announced at the time of this writing; check the official Disneyland website for confirmed details.
- May the Fourth (Star Wars Day) – May 4th is always a special day to be at Disneyland, with Galaxy’s Edge feeling especially festive and fun. Even without an After Dark event on that specific night, the energy throughout the park is uniquely celebratory.
- Magic Happens Parade may return – The beloved Magic Happens Parade has been on hiatus and is expected to make its return in 2027. If it is back by May, it would be a wonderful addition to any visit. Check the official Disneyland website for updates as your travel date approaches.
- Lower crowds than summer – Early to mid-May weekdays, before Memorial Day weekend, offer crowd levels that are noticeably more manageable than the peak summer months of July and August. It is a great window if you want spring energy without the intensity of peak season.
- Longer park days – May brings extended park hours compared to the winter months, giving you more time each day to experience both parks.
Cons to visiting Disneyland in May:
- Grad Nite nights affect California Adventure hours – On Grad Nite evenings, California Adventure closes early to the general public. 2027 dates had not been announced at the time of this writing; always check the schedule before your visit to avoid being caught off guard.
- Memorial Day weekend is significantly busier – The long Memorial Day weekend (May 29-31, 2027) is one of the busiest of the month. Crowds increase noticeably as the unofficial start of summer kicks off.
- Mother’s Day weekend – Mother’s Day falls on May 9, 2027, and the surrounding weekend tends to be busier than a typical May weekend. If you are planning a special dining experience to celebrate, make reservations well in advance.
- Autopia may still be closed – Autopia closed in early 2027 for its electric vehicle modernization. Current estimates suggest a possible summer 2027 reopening, but that may or may not happen by May. Check the official Disneyland website for the confirmed reopening date closer to your visit.
- Local crowds on weekends – May is a popular month for Southern California locals. Weekends tend to be noticeably busier than weekdays, especially around holiday weekends.
Bottom Line: May 2027 is a great time to visit Disneyland. Star Wars season, comfortable weather, and generally manageable crowds in the first half of the month make it a compelling spring choice. Just plan around the busy weekends and Grad Nite dates, and check on the Autopia status before you go!
Weather at Disneyland in May
May weather in Anaheim is genuinely one of the most comfortable times of the entire year. The winter rains are mostly behind us, and the intense summer heat hasn’t yet arrived, making May a lovely window for a park visit.
What to expect:
- Highs: around 74°F
- Lows: around 54°F
- Humidity: low
- Rain: minimal, though occasional showers are still possible early in the month
What it feels like in the parks:
May mornings can still feel a bit cool, especially early in the month, so a light layer for rope drop is smart. By midday, temperatures warm up to very pleasant levels, comfortable for walking around both parks without feeling overheated. Evenings are lovely, and with the longer days of May, you get a lot of great outdoor park time before the sun sets.
One thing to keep in mind is that May is technically still the tail end of Southern California’s rainy season. While rain is much less common than in winter months, it is not impossible, especially in early May. Packing a light jacket that doubles as a wind layer is always a smart move this time of year.
Bottom Line: May weather at Disneyland is excellent. Pleasant temperatures, low humidity, and mostly dry days make for very enjoyable park visits from open to close.
Crowds at Disneyland in May 2027
May crowds at Disneyland are moderate overall, with several distinct spikes around specific events and holidays. Knowing which dates to avoid (or plan around) makes a significant difference in your experience.
Best days to visit in May:
- Weekdays in early to mid-May, before Memorial Day weekend
- Non-Grad Nite evenings at California Adventure
- Weekdays in the second and third weeks of May tend to be the most relaxed of the entire month
Busiest days to visit in May:
- Grad Nite dates (TBD; typically select nights throughout May and June) — California Adventure closes early on party nights
- Mother’s Day weekend (May 8-9, 2027) — a popular local outing; expect elevated crowds
- Star Wars Nite dates (if running in early May) — these after-hours events affect Disneyland Park evening hours
- Memorial Day weekend (May 29-31, 2027) — one of the busiest weekends of the month
If crowds are a concern, aim for a weekday visit in the second or third week of May. Midweek visits during this window tend to be the most manageable of the entire month.
May Events at Disneyland
May 2027 is an exciting and event-filled month at the Disneyland Resort. Here is what to look forward to:
Star Wars: Season of the Force — The annual Season of the Force celebration is expected to return to Galaxy’s Edge in spring 2027, featuring an expanded roster of Star Wars characters throughout Disneyland Park, special merchandise, and themed food and beverages. This celebration typically runs through May and makes the entire Star Wars land feel especially vibrant and fun to explore.
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite (expected late April and early May) — The popular separately ticketed after-hours event is expected to return on select nights in late April and early May 2027, as it has every year. The event features rare character encounters, themed entertainment and food, lightsaber demonstrations, and a festive Galaxy’s Edge atmosphere. Tickets sell out quickly, especially for the May 4 date. 2027 dates had not been announced at the time of this writing; check the official Disneyland website and watch for the on-sale announcement.
Star Wars Day — May the Fourth (May 4) — May 4th is always a special day to be at Disneyland. Whether or not there is a Star Wars Nite event on this specific date, Galaxy’s Edge and the broader park celebrate in a way that makes it a uniquely fun day to visit.
Grad Nites (select nights in May and June, dates TBD) — This beloved tradition for graduating seniors takes place on select nights at Disney California Adventure. On Grad Nite dates, California Adventure closes earlier than usual to the general public. 2027 dates had not been announced at the time of this writing; check the official Disneyland website before finalizing your plans if your trip falls in May or early June.
Mother’s Day (May 9, 2027) — Mother’s Day brings a popular local crowd to Disneyland. If you are planning a special dining experience to celebrate, make reservations well in advance as popular restaurants book up quickly.
Memorial Day Weekend (May 29-31, 2027) — The unofficial start of summer brings one of the largest crowd spikes of the month. Memorial Day weekend is consistently one of the busiest times to visit the Disneyland Resort in May. If this is your window, plan accordingly with an early arrival strategy and Lightning Lane reservations.
Always check the official Disneyland website for the most current event schedule closer to your travel dates.
May Refurbishments & Closures
May is generally a lighter month for refurbishments, as Disney aims to have attractions open for the spring and summer season. The most notable May 2027 situation is Autopia, which closed earlier in the year for its electric vehicle modernization.
Disneyland Park:
- Autopia closed in early 2027 for its electric vehicle modernization, replacing gas-powered vehicles with fully electric ones. Current estimates suggest a possible summer 2027 reopening, though no confirmed date has been announced. It may or may not be open during your May visit. Check the official Disneyland website for updates.
Disney California Adventure:
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is expected to permanently close sometime in 2027 to make way for a new Avatar-themed area. Check the official Disneyland website for the latest closure date as your visit approaches — it may or may not still be operating in May 2027.
Always check closer to your travel dates for updated schedules, as Disneyland’s refurbishment calendar can change with little notice. The official Disneyland website maintains current attraction status.
How to Plan a Trip to Disneyland in May
Planning a May Disneyland trip is all about timing your visit around the busiest dates while taking full advantage of what makes this month so special.
General May strategies:
- Aim for weekdays in the second or third week of May for the most manageable crowd levels of the entire month.
- Check the Grad Nite schedule and plan your California Adventure time earlier in the day on those dates.
- Use Lightning Lane for your highest-priority attractions, especially Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers.
- Take advantage of the Season of the Force energy in Galaxy’s Edge. It is a genuinely special time to be in that land.
- Book dining reservations in advance, especially around Mother’s Day and Memorial Day weekends.
If visiting early May:
- Star Wars Nite after-hours events may still be running in early May. Check dates and purchase tickets well in advance if this is on your list.
- May 4 is always a fun day in Galaxy’s Edge, whether or not there is an after-hours event. Plan time there to soak in the atmosphere.
- Mother’s Day weekend (May 8-9) will be busier than surrounding weekdays. Aim for the days before or after if possible.
- Check Autopia status closer to your trip, as it may or may not have reopened by early May 2027.
If visiting mid-May:
- This is the sweet spot of the month. Weekday crowd levels are among the most manageable of the entire spring season.
- Check Grad Nite dates and plan your California Adventure day accordingly on any party nights.
- Check whether the Magic Happens Parade has returned. If it is running, do not miss it!
If visiting Memorial Day weekend (May 29-31):
- This is the busiest stretch of the month. Arrive at park opening or take advantage of early entry if staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel.
- Use Lightning Lane for your must-do attractions and be flexible with your plans.
- Book dining reservations well in advance. Holiday weekends fill up fast.
Final Verdict: Should You Visit Disneyland in May?
May 2027 is a genuinely enjoyable time to visit the Disneyland Resort, especially if you can land in the sweet spot of the second or third week of the month.
Star Wars season, comfortable weather, and manageable weekday crowds in the first half of the month make May a compelling spring choice. The holiday weekends at the beginning and end of the month bring crowd surges, but everything in between tends to be quite pleasant. Keep an eye on the Magic Happens Parade status and the Autopia reopening timeline as your trip approaches, as both could be exciting additions to a May visit.
Best and Worst Times to Visit Disneyland in May:
- Best: Weekdays in the second and third weeks of May (roughly May 11-21), some of the most manageable days of the spring season
- Busiest: Mother’s Day weekend (May 8-9) and Memorial Day weekend (May 29-31)
- Worth noting: Check Grad Nite dates and Star Wars Nite dates before finalizing your plans, as both affect park hours
- Keep an eye on: Autopia reopening and the Magic Happens Parade return, both expected in 2027
May is a wonderful time to be at Disneyland. If you can visit on a weekday in the middle of the month, you will find comfortable weather, Star Wars energy, and some of the best park conditions of the entire spring season. Plan smart and enjoy!
Bottom Line: Disneyland is magical no matter when you choose to visit. May 2027 offers a great combination of spring weather, Star Wars season, and crowd levels that are far more manageable than peak summer. Go in informed, plan smart, and have a fantastic time!
Ready to Start Planning Your Visit to Disneyland in May?
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