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are underway at in beautiful . We are still in the middle of the also known as “the “. have returned to meet and greets for greatly missed hugs your favorite . April 22nd marked the celebration of at Disney’s with multiple limited-time . The of Sports will be hosting The Dance Summit All-Star Championship from April 30-May 1.
The and is ongoing at the from March 2nd to July 4th. The 2022 EPCOT International Food & will kick off shortly after on July 14th, and run all the way through November. fans can celebrate in at Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios aboard the . Mother’s Day will mark specialty dining and shopping options in as well as . Event registration for ‘s returning Moonlight Magic events at opens to all Members on May 10th.
May 27th is the projected opening date for the new coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: in EPCOT, with extra magic to be offered on May 30th. And will mark a long-awaited for many, with a large expected in marking the official start of summer. lines are setting sail for multiple destinations starting in May as well.
However, there are those of us who are unable to celebrate these occasions in our favorite Disney Park (walking into the and up Main Street, U.S.A. for that first magical view of ), or at our favorite (snacking on Mickey-shaped beignets at Port Orleans Riverside) or sailing aboard our favorite ship to many an exotic destination.
But there are plenty of ways of celebrating at home, including streaming these Disney classics on Disney+.
National Tell A Story Day, April 27
National Tell a Story Day on April 27th each year in the United States encourages people of all ages to share stories. The stories can take many forms, too. You can read from a book or create one from your imagination. Stories recreated from childhood memory leave an indelible imprint on both the storyteller and the listener. No matter what story you tell, the day supports gathering with friends and family to share those stories. The celebration encourages every generation to tell stories. That includes the youngest storytellers to most experienced. Gather grandparents and children together to swap tales. Pick a topic and let the tales spin. Bring favorite books or well-remembered fables to tell. Spending time telling stories with family, friends, and loved ones is a time for all to learn from each other, remember, and grow closer together.
The Princess Bride, 1987
In this 80’s classic, a grandfather regales his ailing grandson with a tale of romance and adventure. This is a film that has stood the test of time as an all-time fairy tale favorite. Gather around with the family once again to hear the story of a young farm boy and The Princess Bride.
National Superhero Day, April 28
Have you ever been rescued from a risky situation or saved from injury or death? Those who come to our aid are called heroes. Each year on April 28th, National Superhero Day honors superheroes, both real and fictional. They serve and protect while fighting evil. Our real-life superheroes may not have superpowers or wear capes. However, just like fictional superheroes, children also look up to them as role models. They serve and protect their communities. These real-life superheroes also dedicate their lives to helping others, saving lives, or being a mentor.
Marvel’s The Avengers, 2012
In the first official team-up of the original Avengers lineup in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Nick Fury, director of SHIELD, needs a team to avert a global disaster. The Avengers: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor God of Thunder, and Captain America join Black Widow and Hawkeye to battle Loki of Asgard. A perfect movie to remind fans just why we love superheroes.
International Jazz Day, April 30
In November 2011, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; fostering gender equality; and promoting freedom of expression. International Jazz Day is the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April.
Disney Pixar’s Soul, 2020
Joe Gardner is a high school music teacher who gets the gig of a lifetime: to play in the best jazz club in town. But a little misstep takes him from the streets of New York to The Great Before. The film serves as a love letter to life as well as jazz; as both can be chaotic as they are beautiful.
Star Wars Day, May 4
May 4 is often known as Star Wars Day. It is often said by fans: “May the 4th be with you”, in reference to the phrase in Star Wars: “May the Force be with you.”
LucasFilm’s Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, 1977
The Star Wars franchise spans multiple films and decades, but the movie that started it all was A New Hope. See the classic heroes Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Chewbacca on the Millennium Falcon and thwart the efforts of the Empire against the rising Rebellion. And may the Force be with you.
Cinco De Mayo, May 5
Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
Disney Pixar’s Coco, 2017
A celebration of Mexican culture and heritage can be found in no more of a vibrant and beautiful way than in Disney Pixar’s Coco. With a colorful celebration of music, family, food and the many things that make Mexico great, this movie will have you singing, crying, and craving enchiladas (not necessarily in that order).
National Space Day, May 6
We celebrate National Space Day on the first Friday in May, which is May 6 this year. It was created to inspire all of us in the pursuit of knowledge and progress. There’s so much going on in the universe, it definitely deserves a day to reflect on everything! Though it’s unlikely you’ll be able to celebrate in outer space, you can still take part in your own corner of the universe with our gravity-defying facts, figures, and ideas for getting involved this National Space Day.
Disney Pixar’s Wall-E, 2008
“Put on your Sunday clothes, there’s lots of world out there!” Celebrate National Space day with a film that shows huge beautiful panoramic views of our universe, through the adventures of one lovable little robot, but ultimately reminds us why we must love and protect our own planet.
Mother’s Day, May 8
Moms don’t get days off, nor do they receive handsome salaries or generous pensions. Instead, their rewards come in the form of sticky kisses, necklaces made of elbow macaroni, and the satisfaction of seeing their children grow up to be happy, healthy adults. That’s probably not adequate compensation- so give Mom an extra hug on Mother’s Day, the second Sunday in May.
Walt Disney Pictures’ Freaky Friday, 2003
In this 2000’s remake of the 1970’s comedy a mother and daughter switch places through a magical mishap, leading to wacky misadventures. Though the movie is funny, with great performances from Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, it also has a lot of heart. Delving into how mothers and daughters can grow apart, but also grow to better understand one another.
International Family Day, May 15
During the 1980’s, the United Nations began focusing attention on issues related to the family. In 1983, based on the recommendations of the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development in its resolution on the Role of the family in the development process…to enhance awareness among decision makers and the public of the problems and needs of the family, as well as of effective ways of meeting those needs. In 1993, the General Assembly decided in a resolution that May 15 of every year moved should be observed as The International Day of Families.
Disney Pixar’s The Incredibles, 2004
The Super family of Helen and Robert Parr are ready to take on anything. Though they have super powers they have a lot of problems that every family has; with two parents fighting over family decisions, and their kids worried about school and fitting in. It is a reminder that coming together as a family to solve problems is it’s own kind of superpower.
Up’s 13th Anniversary, May 29
Up premiered on May 16, at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. The film was also released in 3-D format, a first for a Pixar film.
Disney Pixar’s Up, 2009
13 years ago on May 29, 2009, Up was soaring to its premiere at The El Capitan. Celebrate this birthday by curling up on the couch with someone you love and taking a trip to Paradise Falls.
Memorial Day, May 30
Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed every year on the last Monday in May. It honors those who died serving in the United States military. In the United States, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of the summer season and with Labor Day weekend ending the summer.
Disney Channel Original Movie Tiger Cruise, 2004
In 2004, Tiger Cruise premiered on Disney Channel, 3 years after the September 11th attacks. The film tells the true story of a Tiger Cruise, with family members of Naval officers aboard a battleship, suddenly having to prepare themselves for anything when the United States is threatened. The film contains moments that commemorate the deaths of soldiers at Pearl Harbor in World War II as well as the soldiers who risk their lives every day to defend our freedom. With special attention paid to the sacrifice family members make knowing the risk, their loved ones take when serving their country.
These were our picks for what to watch on Disney+ to celebrate in May. Be sure to come back next month for more recommendations.
