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Orlando in May

We’re thinking of going to Orlando in May but we are tied to certain dates specifically Sunday the 18th May to Sunday 1st of June, I’ve been told the middle weekend of those dates is Memorial day in the US so my question is will this impact our stay to any great degree?

Visiting Orlando from Sunday, May 18th to Sunday, June 1st is generally a good time for a trip, but you will need to consider the impact of the Memorial Day weekend, which falls on Monday, May 27th, 2025. This is a major U.S. holiday, and many locals take extended vacations around this time, which can significantly affect theme parks, hotels, and traffic.

Here’s what to expect during your stay:

  • Theme Parks: Parks like Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld will be busier than usual around Memorial Day weekend, especially on the Saturday and Monday. Expect higher crowd levels, longer wait times for attractions, and larger parking lots.
  • Accommodation: Hotel rates may spike slightly during this holiday period. Some resorts may have minimum stay requirements over the weekend. Booking early is strongly recommended.
  • Traffic: Expect heavier traffic on major roads, including International Drive, highways leading to the parks, and around airport areas. Extra travel time may be needed for park transfers and excursions.
  • Events & Entertainment: Some parks and local areas may have special Memorial Day weekend events, fireworks, or extended hours, which can be a bonus but also draw larger crowds.

Strategies to minimize the impact:

  • Plan to visit the busiest parks (like Magic Kingdom or Universal Studios) on weekdays rather than the weekend of May 24–27.
  • Arrive early to parks during the holiday weekend to maximize time on rides before crowds build.
  • Consider using Genie+ or Lightning Lane options at Disney to skip long lines if visiting during the holiday weekend.
  • Book dining reservations well in advance, especially for popular table-service restaurants.

Overall, your stay from May 18th to June 1st will mostly be smooth, with only a few days impacted by Memorial Day weekend. By planning your park days and accommodations carefully, you can still enjoy a great visit without too much disruption.

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