Hello Rebecca! Welcome to planDisney!
Visiting
The Most Magical Place on Earth in May sounds like a perfect combination! Not only will you be visiting during the
50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort, but you'll also be able to experience the
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival during your holiday! This is my very favorite time of year to visit the Resort, as I love the beautiful topiaries scattered through
EPCOT, the weather is usually very cooperative and you get the pleasure of trying out all the
special drinks and snacks at the Festival!
While the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is not a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, it does come with some of the same benefits! As a Guest of your Resort, which does participate in
Early Theme Park Entry, you will be able to enter any Theme Park 30 minutes early every day of your Walt Disney World Resort vacation! Make sure you have a Park Pass Reservation and a valid
Theme Park Ticket and you and your party should be set to ride a few of your favorite attractions before the Park even opens to the general public.
If you're planning on using
Disney Genie+ Service you WILL be able to book your first Lightning Lane selection at 7 a.m. sharp, even though you're not staying "on property." However, the purchase of
Individual Lightning Lanes at the 7 a.m. timeslot is reserved only for Guests of Disney Resorts Collection hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green. All other Guests, including those staying at Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, are able to make their Individual Lightning Lane purchases at the regular Park opening time.
If you've set your heart on riding
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (and who wouldn't, it is absolutely incredible!) I would suggest leaving your resort hotel at least an hour prior to the Early Theme Park Entry opening time on your day at
Disney's Hollywood Studios. This will get you to the Park early and hopefully allow you to wait in the standby line before it even gets long.
I hope you and your family have a magical vacation and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions!
Ashley M