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If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Orlando without the peak-season crowds and sky-high prices, May might just be your perfect window. Sitting right between spring break and summer vacation, this underrated month delivers serious savings, shorter lines, and ideal weather. As a local, it’s one of my favorite months to visit Disney with my annual pass before the summer crowds arrive. And not just Disney… but whatever attractions and events I frequent, the attendance is noticeably lower.

So whether you’re planning a theme park adventure or a relaxing Florida getaway, here’s exactly how to take advantage of Orlando’s best May deals.

Why May is One of the Cheapest Times to Visit Orlando

May is what savvy travelers call a “shoulder season,” that sweet spot where demand dips, but everything is still open and fully operational.

Here’s why it matters:

• Lower hotel rates before the summer surge
• Fewer crowds at major attractions
• More availability for dining and reservations (and all the foodies say “amen!”)
• Comfortable weather (before peak heat, humidity, & summer storms)

Compared to June and July, you’ll often find better value across the board.

Theme Park Savings You Shouldn’t Miss

Orlando’s biggest draw? Yep, you guessed it… the theme parks! We’re not called “The Vacation Capital of the World” for no reason! In fact, last year in 2025 Florida welcomed a record 143.3 million total visitors! While not all were en route to Central Florida’s theme parks… many were! Here’s the breakdown:

• Walt Disney World Resort: 48.3 million
• Universal Orlando Resort: 21-25 million
• SeaWorld Orlando: 4.3 million

Since international visitation to Florida and its theme parks remains strong, May is one of the smartest times to visit them.

Walt Disney World

• Resort prices are often lower than summer months
• Shorter wait times (especially weekdays in early May)
• Occasional ticket and hotel promotions

💡 Pro Tip: Book midweek stays for the best deals and lighter crowds.

If you choose to visit Disney’s EPCOT in May you will also get to see the Flower and Garden Festival which is included in your admission ticket. The festival runs from March 4 to June 1, 2026. This is truly the most colorful time of the year at the theme park. The topiaries and gardens are nothing less than spectacular! (Here’s a full-length article of everything the Flower and Garden Festival has to offer.)

Universal Orlando Resort

• Hotel + ticket bundles can offer strong value
• Lower crowd levels before the summer rush
• Express Pass may be less necessary (saving you money)

Hotel Deals & Travel Savings

May is a hidden gem for accommodations. What to expect:

• Noticeably lower nightly rates vs. summer
• Better availability at top resorts
• Discounts on extended stays

Look for:

• Midweek check-ins (Sunday – Thursday)
• Off-property hotels just minutes from attractions
• Package deals that bundle tickets + lodging

Dining Deals & Local Favorites

Food is a big part of any Orlando trip! Contrary to popular belief, Central Florida has a vibrant and diverse food scene that has evolved rapidly, well beyond its theme park roots. Orlando has become a nationally recognized culinary destination. As of 2026, Orlando boasts 58 restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide, with 10 starred venues and 15 Bib Gourmands. Apart from the entertainment districts, visitors are discovering local neighborhood gems like:

• Mills 50 District (a hub for authentic Asian cuisine and Vietnamese culture)
• Milk District (eclectic eateries and vibrant nightlife)
• Winter Park (upscale bistros + James Beard nominated chefs)
• East End Market (a food hall for culinary creativity)

With more than 40 international cuisines, Orlando offers high-quality options including Cuban, Peruvian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Caribbean, and Mexican, along with many other global influences.

Even theme parks have kicked up their food offerings well beyond the iconic Disney turkey leg! Beyond casual theme park fare, Disney Springs hosts high-end concepts from world-renowned celebrity chefs like Masaharu Morimoto, Wolfgang Puck, Art Smith, Rick Bayless, and Jose Andres – everything from James Beard-winning Spanish tapas to Southern comfort food. Trust me, if your food buds had hands, they’d be clapping all the way home! And the month of May offers opportunities to enjoy Disney Springs and Orlando’s foodie scene without the crowds.

Where to Save:

• Happy hour specials at local restaurants
• Spring dining promotions
• Lunch instead of dinner at popular spots

Must-Visit Spot: Disney Springs

• Free entry and parking (in multi-level garages)
• Live entertainment some evenings (AdventHealth Waterside Stage)
• Wide range of dining options for every budget (from sit-downs to kiosks)
• You can easily spend an entire evening here without buying a park ticket
• Free transportation for those staying at Walt Disney World Resorts hotels

As previously mentioned, the food scene here is spot-on. But additionally, Disney Springs is a beautiful destination for a leisurely stroll. You get some of the Disney atmosphere without paying theme park admission or the intensity of the parks. It’s a massive walkable district featuring more than 150 dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Need a Disney souvenir? Well, you’re in the right place – Disney says the World of Disney store is the largest in the world with exclusive Disney merchandise! It’s 51,000 square feet and features 12 themed rooms! This is where I take visiting friends and family for their Disney souvenirs.

Fun Fact: Each morning a guest may be chosen to participate in a “magical opening” ceremony, using a giant key to unlock the store!

Besides World of Disney, check out the Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Bar for refreshing drinks and great views of the area. And even if you’re not into LEGOs, you have to stop by The LEGO Store to see the large impressive LEGO displays. (TIP: this is a great spot for family photos!)

Disney Springs also has several paid entertainment options like the Drawn to Life Cirque du Soleil show, the Aerophile balloon ride, Splitsville Luxury Lanes for bowling, AMC Dine-In Movie Theater, and the Amphicar Tours of Lake Buena Vista in an amphibious vintage 1960s vehicle (located at The Boathouse restaurant.)

Fun Fact: Amphicars are quite rare, with only a few hundred left in the world. The Boathouse operates the largest collection! This experience receives good reviews and is highly regarded as a unique and scenic activity.

You may not want to spend an entire day at Disney Springs, but it’s a great first-day, last-day option – especially if you’re waiting for hotel check-ins or have a late-day flight.

Free & Budget-Friendly Things to Do

Not everything in Orlando comes with a humongous price tag. There are a number of free things to check out on those non-park days. I’ve listed a few to get you started.

Lake Eola Park

• Scenic walking path (0.9-mile paved loop)
• Resident swans including the rare black swan
• Iconic swan boats
• Beautiful downtown Orlando skyline
• Fountain light show every night 8:30-9:30 PM
• Orlando Farmers Market (Sundays 10:00-3:00) with live music

You can check out our full-length review of Lake Eola Park here.

ICON Park

• Lively International Drive (I-Drive) destination
• 50+ shops, restaurants, and attractions
• Free parking

Here’s our full length review of Orlando’s Icon Park.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

• An 11-mile one-way driving trail
• Spot alligators, turtles, 360+ species of birds from your car
• Open weekends and federal holidays

Kraft Azalea Garden

• 5-acre site on Lake Maitland in Winter Park
• Known as Winter Park’s “secret garden”
• Famous for massive cypress trees & vibrant azalea blooms

Mead Botanical Garden

• 47-acre urban oasis in Winter Park
• Hiking trails
• Butterfly garden
• Boardwalk

Although Winter Park Florida is best known for its upscale boutiques, restaurants, and high-end neighborhoods, there are many free or low-cost things-to-do worth checking out. Our article entitled “Wealthy Winter Park on a Budget: 6 Things To Do” is worth a glance before you visit.

Lake Nona Sculpture Garden

• 50,000-square-foot outdoor space with lush landscaping
• World-renowned sculptures
• Located next to the Wave Hotel

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

• Free winery tours and tastings daily
• Live music events many weekends

Old Town Kissimmee

• Re-creation of a classic Florida town
• Muscle Car Show on Fridays
• Classic Car Show on Saturdays

Universal CityWalk

• 30-acre entertainment district
• No theme park ticket required
• Free self-parking after 6:00 PM

Disney’s Boardwalk

• Quarter-mile promenade with nostalgic Atlantic City vibe
• No theme park ticket required, but a fee for parking
• Street performers like jugglers and magicians in the evenings

Other ideas:

• Resort hopping (especially at Disney hotels)
• Exploring local farmers markets (Winter Park, Saturdays 8:00-1:00)
• Popcorn Flicks in the Park (Winter Park, second Thursday every month)
• Outdoor events and festivals

Perfect Weather Before Summer Hits

One of May’s biggest advantages? The weather.

• Warm but not extreme
• Lower humidity than peak summer
• Fewer afternoon storms

This makes it ideal for:

• Full park days
• Walking around outdoor attractions
• Enjoying pools without the intense heat

Smart Tips to Maximize Your Savings

To get the most out of your May visit:

• Book early for the best rates
• Visit parks on weekdays
• Stay flexible with dining times
• Watch for last-minute promotions
  

Final Thoughts: Is May the Best Time to Visit Orlando?

If you’re looking for a balance of value, weather, and experience, May is hard to beat. In Orlando you won’t get rock-bottom prices but you will get:

• Better deals than peak season
• More breathing room in the parks
• A more relaxed, enjoyable trip overall

And for savvy travelers… that’s the real win!