I haven't been in 3 years - suddenly going in May. Help?

[My3Princez]

Our last trip to WDW was 3 years ago, and I wasn't planning on a trip anytime soon, so I haven't been active on Disboards, but all of the sudden we are going the 1st week of May. I need to catch up! I plan to spend what time I can on the boards, but anything you can share will be helpful. What major changes do I need to be aware of?

• Our kids are old enough that they don't care about any characters other than Chewbacca, lol.
• Not doing any dining that requires reservations, so don't need info on that.
• We did use Magicbands and FP+, so familiar with that.

I do know this:

• Rivers of Light is open
• Tickets have expiration dates
• BOG has breakfast
• Mine Train is open
• Frozen ride is open
• Launch Bay is open (we were in Disneyland a year ago, so somewhat familiar with that.)
• New opening show location at MK castle
• Flower and Garden will be at Epcot during our visit
• Soarin' has a new movie

Anything else major I'm missing? Thanks!

 

[Mainemama]

AK is now open in evening (night time safari, Tree of Life awakenings, and just experience rides and park in the dark is neat). On the downside, HS will not feel quite as wonderful as your last trip. Star Wars fireworks are a plus, though!

 

[Elsaalltheway]

May is a good time to go. Nice weather, fair crowds. Just do what feels right, do your favorite and everything else will fall into place. Have fun and the magic will happen.

 

[maryj11]

They are offering this on Tuesdays at MK for an extra fee of course
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/early-morning-magic/

 

[maryj11]

They also may extend this at MK into May not known for sure yet. It is only to March right now.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/disney-after-hours/

They are also starting to have a special bus service for people who have hopper passes where you can catch a bus inside the parks and not have to go though security when you get to the next park with paying an extra fee of course. I have heard it is great and not very many people on the buses.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/express-transportation-options/

 

[My3Princez]

I did find out that there is no nighttime parade at MK. Not gonna lie, I'm a bit bummed about that. I do ALOT of things when I go to Disney, but my top 2 favorite what-makes-a-Disney-trip-a-Disney-trip things are ... a Mickey Bar and ... the nighttime parade at MK. Oh well. I enjoyed it while it lasted. Lots of good memories.

 

[lovethattink]

First week of May is a great time to go, temperature-wise!

Disney Springs has totally changed over the past 3 years.

 

[iujen94]

Try to get a PPO ADR for breakfast at BOG - if you're done by 8:40ish, you'll most likely get a ride or two on 7DMT before the rope drop crowd arrives! If there aren't any ADRs available, try the touring plans website - they have a reservation finder that will text and email you when an ADR pops up. You don't need a touring plans subscription to use it. My favorite "new" discovery!

Also be sure to read the threads on the new morning show (at Cinderella's castle, not the train station, and Main Street opens an hour before park opening) and the Express Transportation (allows park hoppers to hop from inside one park to inside another park - bypassing securing lines).

Have fun!!