If you’ve been waiting for something big to happen at Walt Disney World, May is shaping up to be one of the most important months the resort has had in years. This isn’t just a handful of small updates or seasonal offerings. Disney is rolling out a wave of new rides, reimagined attractions, and entirely fresh experiences—all within a matter of weeks.Credit: DisneyAnd what makes this moment stand out even more is how much of it is happening at once.From long-awaited reopenings to brand-new ride overlays and full rethemes, Disney is essentially hitting the reset button on several major experiences across its parks. Whether you’re heading to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s something new waiting around almost every corner.So, if you’re planning a trip next month—or even just thinking about one—here’s a full breakdown of everything opening in May at Walt Disney World.A Fan-Favorite Ride Finally ReturnsLet’s start with one of the biggest headlines.After being closed for well over a year, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is officially reopening on May 3.This isn’t just a simple refurbishment either. Disney has made noticeable upgrades across the entire attraction. The track has been improved for a smoother ride, the vehicles have been refreshed, and new effects have been added to enhance the storytelling.Credit: Jeremy Thompson, FlickrBut the real buzz is around the updated Rainbow Caverns scene, which is expected to give returning riders something completely new to experience.Credit: DisneyFor a ride that’s been a staple of Magic Kingdom for decades, this kind of update is a big deal. It’s not a replacement—it’s a modernization. And for many guests, it instantly becomes a must-do again.A Major Retheme Brings a “New” Coaster to LifeIf you’ve been following Disney’s recent changes at Hollywood Studios, you already know this one has been coming.Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially opens on May 26, completely transforming the former Aerosmith-themed ride into something entirely different.Credit: DisneyThe ride itself—the high-speed launches, inversions, and overall layout—will remain the same. But everything else? Completely reimagined.Guests will now enter a recording studio taken over by the Muppets, with new story elements, characters, and likely a very different tone compared to the original version. The idea is to keep the thrill while making the experience more accessible and family-friendly.This is one of the fastest major rethemes Disney has pulled off in recent years, and it’s easily one of the most anticipated openings of the month.Star Wars Gets a Fresh TwistOver at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney is giving Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run a major update starting May 22.This isn’t just a small tweak—it’s a brand-new mission.Credit: DisneyFor the first time, guests will have more control over where their adventure takes them, with potential destinations including locations like Bespin, Endor, and Coruscant.Even more interesting, the Engineer role—often seen as the least exciting position—will now have new interactive elements, including the ability to communicate with Grogu.This update does something Disney doesn’t always do: it makes a repeatable ride feel fresh again. And for a simulator like Smugglers Run, that’s exactly what it needed.A Brand-New Animation Experience ArrivesHollywood Studios isn’t stopping with just one major addition.On May 26, Disney is opening a reimagined space inspired by the Walt Disney Studios lot, bringing a completely new animation-focused experience to the park.Credit: DisneyAt the center of it is The Magic of Disney Animation, a reworked attraction that blends classic animation with newer storytelling techniques. Guests can expect interactive elements, character appearances, and a closer look at how Disney brings its films to life.Alongside that, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will also debut, giving younger guests a new stage show to enjoy.This entire area feels like a reset for Hollywood Studios—one that leans more into Disney’s identity rather than outside franchises.A Classic EPCOT Attraction Gets a Patriotic UpdateEPCOT is also joining in on the May rollout.Soarin’ Across America returns on May 26, replacing the current version with a limited-time experience celebrating American landmarks.Credit: Sarah Larson, Inside the MagicThis update ties into the broader celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary and will feature new visuals and music.For longtime fans, this is a nostalgic move. Soarin’ originally debuted with a California theme before expanding globally, and bringing a more localized version back adds a unique twist to the attraction lineup.A New Character Experience for FamiliesAnimal Kingdom is also getting in on the action—but in a way that’s clearly aimed at younger guests.Starting May 26, Bluey’s Wild World will open, allowing families to meet Bluey and Bingo in a themed environment inspired by the hit show.Credit: Edited by Inside the MagicThe experience includes interactive games, themed play areas, and even animal encounters tied to Australia.This is a smart addition. Animal Kingdom has always leaned into education and exploration, and this gives younger visitors a more direct way to engage with the park.Seasonal Offerings Add Even More to DoAs if all of that wasn’t enough, May also kicks off Cool Kid Summer, a seasonal event running from May 26 through early September.Credit: DisneyThis brings new character experiences, dance parties, park-wide activities for families, and special offerings at resorts and water parks.It’s not a ride, but it absolutely changes the overall experience of visiting during this time.On top of that, Disney is bringing back a major perk for resort guests: free water park admission on check-in day.That’s the kind of value-add that can completely reshape how guests plan their first day at Disney.Passholder Perks and Limited-Time EventsAnnual Passholders aren’t being left out either.V.I.Passholder Days begin May 1 and run through the summer, offering discounts on dining and hotel stays—sometimes up to 40%.Credit: DisneyThis adds another layer to everything happening in May. It’s not just about new rides—it’s about making the entire experience feel different, whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone who’s been coming for years.Why This Month Feels DifferentDisney rolls out new experiences all the time, but it’s rare to see this many meaningful updates packed into a single month.You’ve got a major coaster retheme, a classic ride reopening with upgrades, a brand-new animation experience, a refreshed EPCOT attraction, a new Star Wars mission, a family-focused character land, and seasonal offerings layered on top.That’s not just a list—it’s a shift.For guests, it means more reasons to visit right now. For Disney, it signals a push to keep momentum going during a time when competition in Orlando is stronger than ever.And for fans, it’s the kind of month that reminds you how quickly things can change at Walt Disney World.If you’ve been waiting for the right time to go, May might be it.The post Walt Disney World Confirms Multiple New Rides Set to Open Next Month appeared first on Inside the Magic.