Disneyland in May 2026: Star Wars, Grad Nite, Memorial Day & What to Expect
Visiting Disneyland in May is a genuinely wonderful experience — and 2026 makes it even more special.
May 2026 brings an exciting mix of events to the Disneyland Resort. The 70th Anniversary Celebration is still in full swing, Star Wars season has been in full force with Disneyland After Dark nights and a brand new Mandalorian and Grogu mission debuting on May 22, Grad Nites kick off at California Adventure, and Memorial Day weekend wraps up the month. The weather is pleasant, the parks are energetic, and there’s genuinely a lot to look forward to. Just know going in that certain dates will be noticeably busier than others — and a few notable attraction closures 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 2026? 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.
- Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration – The resort’s year-long 70th Anniversary Celebration is in full swing throughout May, featuring exclusive entertainment, special merchandise, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including Walt Disney himself brought to life through Audio-Animatronics at the Main Street Opera House.
- Star Wars season – May is one of the most exciting times to be a Star Wars fan at Disneyland. The Hyperspace Mountain overlay and the debut of a brand new Mandalorian and Grogu mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run on May 22 make this a genuinely special month for Galaxy’s Edge fans.
- New Mandalorian and Grogu mission – Debuting May 22 alongside the theatrical release of the film, this brand new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is one of the most exciting additions to the park this year. A great reason to visit in May!
- Grad Nite energy – Even if you’re not attending Grad Nite yourself, the festive energy around the resort during graduation season is fun. And on non-Grad Nite days, California Adventure can actually feel less crowded in the evenings since the park closes earlier on party nights.
- Longer days – May brings extended daylight hours, giving you more natural light to enjoy the parks. Evening hours in particular are lovely this time of year.
Cons to visiting Disneyland in May:
- Pirates of the Caribbean is closed – One of Disneyland’s most iconic attractions closes for refurbishment starting May 4, 2026. The reopening date is TBD, but based on construction permits filed, the closure is expected to last through at least late June. Plan accordingly if this is a must-do for your group.
- Blue Bayou Restaurant is affected – Blue Bayou is closed May 4-20 for refurbishment and reopens May 21 with a modified dining experience, while Pirates of the Caribbean remains closed. Views will be obstructed, and some refurbishment noise is possible. Keep this in mind if you have a reservation.
- Grad Nite nights affect California Adventure hours – On Grad Nite evenings, California Adventure closes early to the general public. Always check the schedule before your visit to avoid being caught off guard.
- Memorial Day weekend is significantly busier – The long Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest of the month. Crowds increase noticeably as the unofficial start of summer kicks off.
- Several other attractions are closed – Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Grizzly River Run, Silly Symphony Swings, and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind are all closed in May. Check the current refurbishment schedule before finalizing your plans.
- 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 2026 is an exciting and event-packed month at the Disneyland Resort. The 70th Anniversary Celebration and the debut of a new Mandalorian and Grogu mission make it a compelling time to visit. Just plan around the busy weekends and Grad Nite dates, and be aware of the Pirates of the Caribbean closure 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’s 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 2026
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 after May 10 and before the Memorial Day stretch
Busiest days to visit in May:
- Grad Nite dates (May 9, 12, 18, 21, 22, 27, 28, 30) — California Adventure closes early; non-party guests may notice higher Disneyland Park crowds in the evenings
- Mother’s Day weekend (May 9-10) — a popular local outing, expect elevated crowds
- May 22 — debut of the new Mandalorian and Grogu mission may draw larger crowds to Galaxy’s Edge
- Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25) — one of the busiest weekends of the month
If crowds are a concern, aim for a weekday visit in the first two weeks of May and avoid the Mother’s Day and Memorial Day weekends. Midweek visits during this window tend to be the most manageable of the entire month.
May Events
May 2026 is one of the most event-packed months of the year at the Disneyland Resort. Here’s what to look forward to:
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration (May 16, 2025 – August 9, 2026) — The resort’s landmark year-long celebration is in full swing throughout May. Highlights include exclusive entertainment, special merchandise, a new cavalcade, a new verse added to the classic “it’s a small world” song, and Walt Disney brought to life through Audio-Animatronics at the Main Street Opera House. If you haven’t experienced the 70th Anniversary yet, May is a wonderful time to do it.
Star Wars: Season of the Force — Star Wars season has been running through late April and into May at Disneyland Park. The Hyperspace Mountain overlay transforms Space Mountain into an immersive Star Wars experience, and an expanded roster of characters, including Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo, have been appearing throughout the park beginning April 29.
New Mandalorian and Grogu Mission (May 22) — Debuting on the same day as the theatrical release of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” film, this brand new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run features Din Djarin and Grogu. Expect higher demand for this attraction immediately following its debut, so plan to ride early in the day.
Grad Nites (May 9, 12, 18, 21, 22, 27, 28, 30) — This beloved tradition for graduating seniors takes place on select nights at Disney California Adventure. The event runs after 9:00 PM and is separately ticketed. On Grad Nite dates, California Adventure closes earlier than usual to the general public. There are three ticket options for grads ranging from $129 to $259 per person. If you’re visiting on a Grad Nite date and not attending the party, plan your California Adventure time earlier in the day.
Mother’s Day (May 10) — Mother’s Day doesn’t typically cause a dramatic crowd surge at Disneyland, but it is a popular day for local family outings. If you’re planning a special dining experience to celebrate, make reservations well in advance as popular restaurants book up quickly.
Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25) — 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 2026 has a notable lineup of closures worth knowing about before your trip. The biggest news is the Pirates of the Caribbean closure, which begins May 4 and is expected to last well into summer.
Disneyland Park:
- Pirates of the Caribbean is closed starting May 4, 2026. The reopening date is TBD, but based on construction permits filed, the closure is expected to last at least through late June or into summer 2026.
- Blue Bayou Restaurant is closed May 4-20, 2026, for refurbishment. It reopens May 21 with a modified dining experience while Pirates of the Caribbean remains closed — views will be obstructed, and some noise is possible.
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is closed for refurbishment. No reopening date has been announced.
- Magic Happens Parade is not currently running. A return date has not been announced — likely 2027.
- Disneyland Monorail and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin are both scheduled to reopen May 1, 2026. Confirm their status closer to your travel date.
Disney California Adventure:
- Silly Symphony Swings is closed starting April 27, 2026. No reopening date has been announced.
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is currently closed with no announced reopening date. This is a day-by-day closure with no visibility on timing.
- Grizzly River Run is closed for refurbishment. No reopening date has been announced.
- Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! has permanently ended.
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is still operating and is expected to permanently close sometime in 2027 to make way for a new Avatar-themed area.
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.
If visiting early May:
Early May is the most manageable stretch of the month outside of Mother’s Day weekend.
- Aim for weekdays before Mother’s Day weekend if crowd levels are a priority
- Note that Pirates of the Caribbean closes May 4 — if this is a must-do, ride it before that date
- Check the Grad Nite schedule and plan your California Adventure time earlier in the day on those dates
- Take advantage of the 70th Anniversary Celebration experiences — lines for the Main Street Opera House Audio-Animatronic tend to be shorter on weekdays
If visiting mid-May:
Mid-May after Mother’s Day is one of the more relaxed windows of the month.
- Weekdays are noticeably better than weekends this time of year
- Plan to ride the new Mandalorian and Grogu mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run early in the day — demand will be higher following its May 22 debut
- Check Grad Nite dates and plan California Adventure time accordingly
- Keep in mind that Blue Bayou reopens May 21 with a modified experience — book dining reservations in advance if this is on your list
If visiting Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25):
This is the busiest stretch of the month — go in prepared.
- 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
- Be flexible with your plans — holiday weekends can be unpredictable
- Book dining reservations well in advance
Final Verdict: Should You Visit Disneyland in May?
May 2026 is one of the most exciting months of the entire year at the Disneyland Resort — and with a little planning, it can be a truly magical visit.
The combination of the 70th Anniversary Celebration and the debut of a brand new attraction makes May genuinely compelling. The weather is excellent, the parks are energetic, and there’s a lot to experience. The key is knowing which dates to plan around and which closures to be aware of going in. The Pirates of the Caribbean closure is significant and worth factoring into your plans — but it doesn’t make May a bad time to visit. Far from it.
Best and Worst Times to Visit Disneyland in May:
- Best: Weekdays in early to mid-May, before Memorial Day weekend
- Busiest: Mother’s Day weekend (May 9-10) and Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25)
- Worth noting: Grad Nite dates affect California Adventure evening hours — always check the schedule before you go
- Key closure: Pirates of the Caribbean closed from May 4 through at least late June
If you have flexibility, aim for a weekday visit in the first two weeks of May — comfortable weather, exciting events, and the most manageable crowds of the month. May 2026 is a special time to be at Disneyland!
Bottom Line: Disneyland is magical no matter when you choose to visit. May 2026 offers a unique combination of anniversary celebrations, a brand new attraction debut, and beautiful spring weather. Go in informed, plan smart, and have a fantastic time!
Ready to start planning your visit to Disneyland in May?
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