What to eat in Orlando in May: Seasonal delicacies
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PubSub chicken tender sub
This local favorite is a made-to-order sandwich from Publix supermarkets, layering hot fried chicken tenders, pickles, and sauces in a soft sub roll. It reflects everyday Florida eating rather than restaurant dining and is widely loved by Orlando residents. It is inexpensive, portable, and works well for park picnics. Order it fresh at the deli counter and customize toppings to taste.
The medianoche is a Cuban sandwich on slightly sweet bread, filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, then pressed warm. In Orlando it reflects the city’s Cuban community. Black Bean Deli is noted in local guides as a top spot, serving affordable plates and sandwiches in a casual counter-service setting that works for quick lunches between attractions.
Rock shrimp, landed off Cape Canaveral, resemble tiny lobsters with firm, sweet meat. Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, about an hour from Orlando, is a long-established place to try them broiled with butter or fried. Portions are generous and pricing mid-range. It is a practical dinner stop if you pair a Kennedy Space Center visit with local seafood on the return journey.
Stone crab claws are a Florida specialty harvested roughly October to May. In Orlando, seafood restaurants such as Big Fin Seafood Kitchen on Restaurant Row serve chilled claws with mustard sauce when in season. Market pricing reflects limited supply, so they are a splurge, but one order can be shared. They suit seafood eaters seeking a local dish during autumn or winter visits.
Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Winter Park offers plant-based takes on American comfort dishes such as pot pies and burgers. It caters to vegans and vegetarians who want full meals rather than salads and is useful for mixed groups since portions are substantial but moderately priced. It is a practical lunch or dinner stop before or after exploring Park Avenue and nearby museums.
May marks the transition to summer, with rising heat and humidity. Early May is quieter, while Memorial Day weekend kicks off the busy summer season. Afternoon thunderstorms become more common, so plan outdoor activities for mornings.
Pro tips for visiting Orlando in May
Early May offers minimal crowds and potential hotel deals—travel before Memorial Day for best value.
Memorial Day weekend brings a surge in visitors and higher prices—book accommodations early.
Afternoon storms are brief but intense—schedule outdoor rides in the morning.
Hydrate well and use high-SPF sunscreen; UV index is high.
Many festivals and outdoor events take place—check local calendars.
Orlando in May at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 31°C
Minimum temperature: 20°C
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Daylight
Around 13 hours 40 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 6:30am
Sunset: 8:10pm
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Key events
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Orlando Museum of Art “Art in Bloom”, Orlando Fringe Kids’ Fringe
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Crowds
Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.
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What to pack
Breathable clothing, hat, sunscreen, poncho, swimwear, sunglasses.
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Seasonal treats
Stone crab at Big Fin Seafood, festival food at Orlando Fringe, local craft beer at Orlando Beer Festival
This spring festival features elaborate topiaries of Disney characters, themed gardens, outdoor kitchens, and weekend concerts. Weather is usually warm but not yet peak-summer humid, especially in March and April. Weekends draw local visitors, so plan EPCOT weekdays if possible. Concert seating is first-come; arrive early for popular bands.
Fringe brings two weeks of uncensored theater, comedy, dance, and cabaret to multiple venues in Loch Haven Park. With hundreds of shows chosen by lottery, it appeals to adventurous arts fans. The outdoor festival lawn becomes a social hub with food trucks and bars. Evenings and weekends are busiest; popular shows can sell out, so book tickets in advance once the schedule is released.
Over Memorial Day weekend, Orlando Carnival features J’ouvert paint parties, a Sunday mas parade with costumed bands, and a festival village with Caribbean food and music. It is best for adults and groups who enjoy loud soca and reggae and late-night events. Expect high heat and big crowds, with limited shade along the route. Hydration and sun protection are essential.
Showcasing more than 200 craft beers, this spring festival at Gaston Edwards Park attracts young professionals and beer fans. Sampling tents, lawn games, food trucks, and live bands create a relaxed but busy atmosphere. It suits adults comfortable standing and walking in warm weather. Tickets usually include unlimited samples for a set session; booking ahead is advised.
For one long weekend, floral designers interpret artworks throughout Orlando Museum of Art. Special events include a gala and lectures. It is best for visitors who appreciate both art and floral design. Regular daytime viewing works for families, while evening happenings lean more adult. Tickets for the opening gala and some programs sell out, so advance booking is wise.
Running on Fringe festival weekends, Kids’ Fringe offers free storytelling, music, and child-friendly performances in a dedicated area at Loch Haven Park. It is geared to families with younger children who may find the main Fringe program too late or mature. Morning and early afternoon are busiest but manageable. Seating is mostly on grass, so picnic blankets are helpful.
One of North America’s largest pop culture conventions, MegaCon fills the Orange County Convention Center with celebrity panels, artist alley, cosplay competitions, and a huge show floor. It attracts tens of thousands of attendees daily. Expect heavy traffic and busy nearby hotels and restaurants. Pre-buying tickets, parking, and priority photo/autograph slots is strongly advised.
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