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.
- Beloved nighttime shows are back – A refreshed version of “Remember… Dreams Come True” (with new projections on Rivers of America, the “it’s a small world” facade, and down Main Street, U.S.A., plus fireworks on select nights) and the original World of Color are both returning in February 2027, so they should be running during your May visit. The Magic Happens parade is also set to return in time for summer 2027, so keep an eye out for its debut date if your trip falls in late May.
- 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 affects California Adventure hours – Grad Nite 2027 has nine confirmed dates: May 7, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 26, and 27. On these evenings, California Adventure closes early to the general public to prepare for the private after-hours celebration. Check your travel dates against this list so you’re not 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 be closed – Autopia is under a legal deadline requiring its gas-powered engines to be retired by February 1, 2027, and Disney has not announced exact closure or reopening dates for the conversion to electric vehicles. It may or may not be running during your May visit. Check the official Disneyland website for the confirmed status closer to your trip.
- 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 confirmed 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 (confirmed for May 7, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 26, and 27, 2027) — California Adventure closes early on these 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 that avoids the confirmed Grad Nite dates. 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.
“Remember… Dreams Come True,” World of Color, and Magic Happens — Announced at D23 2026, a refreshed version of “Remember… Dreams Come True” and the original World of Color both return in February 2027, so both should be running throughout May. The Magic Happens daytime parade is also set to return to Disneyland Park in time for summer 2027. Disney hasn’t announced its exact start date, so if your trip falls in late May, check the entertainment schedule to see if it has debuted.
Grad Nite (confirmed dates: May 7, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 26, and 27, 2027) — This beloved tradition for graduating seniors returns to Disney California Adventure with nine confirmed dates in 2027, honoring the high school Class of 2027. On these nights, California Adventure closes early to general admission guests to prepare for the private after-hours celebration, which runs from 9 PM to 2 AM. If your trip overlaps with any of these dates, plan your California Adventure time for earlier in the day.
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 to watch is Autopia and its electric vehicle modernization.
Disneyland Park:
- Autopia is under a legal deadline requiring its gas-powered engines to be retired by February 1, 2027, and replaced with a fully electric fleet. Disney has not announced the exact closure and reopening dates for the conversion, so 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 still operating. It was originally expected to close sometime in 2027 to make way for a new Avatar-themed area, but at D23 2026, Disney revealed that a Tomorrowland reimagining will now come before the Avatar project, so the ride is likely to stick around well beyond your May visit. Check the official Disneyland website for the latest status.
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 your dates against the confirmed Grad Nite schedule (May 7, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27) 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.
- Save an evening at each park for the returning nighttime spectaculars: “Remember… Dreams Come True” at Disneyland Park and the original World of Color at California Adventure.
- 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.
- May 7 is a confirmed Grad Nite date — check if your visit overlaps.
- Check Autopia status closer to your trip, since Disney hasn’t announced the timing of its electric conversion.
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.
- Grad Nite dates cluster heavily in mid-May (13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23) — plan your California Adventure day accordingly around these party nights.
If visiting Memorial Day weekend (May 29-31):
- This is the busiest stretch of the month. Arrive at park opening, and if you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, save your included Lightning Lane Multi Pass entry (which replaced Early Entry in January 2026) for one of your must-do attractions.
- Use Lightning Lane for your must-do attractions and be flexible with your plans.
- Check whether the Magic Happens parade has returned yet, since it’s set to come back in time for summer 2027.
- 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, the returning nighttime spectaculars, 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, and the confirmed Grad Nite dates add nine more evenings to plan around.
Best and Worst Times to Visit Disneyland in May:
- Best: Weekdays in the second and third weeks of May (roughly May 11-21) that avoid Grad Nite dates, some of the most manageable days of the spring season
- Busiest: Mother’s Day weekend (May 8-9), Memorial Day weekend (May 29-31), and the nine confirmed Grad Nite dates (May 7, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27)
- Worth noting: Check Star Wars Nite dates once announced, as they’ll also affect park hours
- Don’t miss: The refreshed “Remember… Dreams Come True” and the original World of Color, plus the Magic Happens parade if it has returned by your visit
- Keep an eye on: Autopia’s electric conversion status, since Disney hasn’t announced closure or reopening dates
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!
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