Hello Eileeen! Welcome to the Disney Parks Mom´s Panel.
A Walt Disney World vacation on a tight budget requires some planning and plenty of help. Fortunately our help (Mom´s Panel) is unlimited and free!
When on a budget I look to travel on value ("low") season - there is a difference in costs for most services. Value season features days with low crowd levels and park hours that my family can make the most of and still be well rested. Time is money, so I try to be at the parks as much as i can and with the lowest possible crowd. I use Disney´s website to see the difference on costs during the year and Touring Plans website for crowd levels. Touring Plans is not part of Disney and does charge for their service.
The time of year you are planning on visiting Walt Disney World falls under regular season, slightly leaning towards value. Still, Disney prices are on the regular season side. Crowds should be on a good low season level - never guaranteed. On May you will be able to experience awesome weather and
special events.
If budget is really tight you should consider traveling on September (after Labor Day) through mid October, Disney´s lowest season - if any! Weather will be hot and humid, possibly rainy, but park hours, crowd levels and special events will be great.
It helps to be flexible on travel dates.
Staying on Disney resorts may seem more expensive than the alternatives, but a Disney resort features many services and amenities that may result on a better total value - transportation!
Happy to help you plan a magical Disney vacation.
Miguel