Disney World is a celebration of fandoms. Where else can you dress in outfits inspired by favorite characters, enjoy specialty foods reminiscent of faraway times and places, and connect with countless others who share your enthusiasm for magic and fantasy? One of the most passionate fandoms represented in Disney World is going to bring huge crowds to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 4th.
Why May the 4th?
May the 4th is an annual commemorative event for Star Wars fans. As a play on the words “May the Force be with you”, it’s the perfect day for fans across the globe to celebrate Star Wars Day. Considering Hollywood Studios is home to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, many feel this park is the ideal place to gather with other fans and immerse themselves in a galaxy far, far away.
MouseHouseNews.net has already warned of large crowds on May the 4th in Hollywood Studios for the celebrations. If you plan on being among fans in the park that day, pack your patience and be aware of possible capacity limits. Also, be ready to join a virtual queue to shop for new and limited-edition merchandise during this event!
Virtual Queues Will Be In Place
There are lots of ways to celebrate Star Wars Day in Disney World. For many guests, the day wouldn’t be complete without spending time in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Here, you’ll find incredibly immersive rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The highly-themed area also provides the chance to interact with roaming First Order and Resistance characters. There are plenty of Star Wars-inspired food items too. In addition to these activities, many enthusiasts are looking forward to shopping for new merchandise to rep their favorite fandom.
To celebrate May the 4th, 2026, a number of new and limited-edition Star Wars items will be available. Along with shopping at locations on Batuu, you’ll also be able to procure merchandise at two special May the 4th Merchandise Event locations. Vacation Fun in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Once Upon A Toy in Disney Springs will both feature adult and youth apparel, collectibles, and limited-release pins. However, to access these shopping opportunities, you’ll need to join a virtual queue.
Joining The Virtual Queue
Virtual queues are frequently in place for high demand experiences. In the past, we’ve seen them used for popular rides and other shopping experiences (like runDisney events). To join a virtual queue, you’ll need to have the My Disney Experience app. Each May the 4th experience has a separate queue. You will want to pay attention to the specific times when each queue will become available:
- Beginning at 7:00am EST on Monday, May 4th, you can request to join the virtual queue for the shopping event at Vacation Fun in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Remember, you’ll need valid park admission (and if applicable, a theme park reservation) to enter Hollywood Studios!
- Beginning at 9:00am EST on Monday, May 4th, you can request to join the virtual queue for the shopping event at Once Upon A Toy in Disney Springs. You must be in Disney Springs in order to join this virtual queue.
After you’ve requested to join a virtual queue, your group will be assigned a boarding group number. The estimated call back time for your group may change. As a result, you’ll want to keep an eye on your app for updates. If you have push alerts enabled, you will receive a notification when your group has been called.
Merchandise is limited and inventory may sell out. So, if you have your heart set on some shopping, it’s advisable to join the virtual queue as early as possible.
Visiting Hollywood Studios
While you wait for your virtual queue to be called, why not enjoy everything else Hollywood Studios has to offer?
- There are numerous attractions available like Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, or Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
- Entertaining shows await you. Don’t miss out on Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, and much more.
- You can also meet favorite characters (Hello, Sorcerer Mickey and the ever-fashionable Edna Mode!)
- Devour delicious snacks like the MouseHouseNews.net team‘s favorite Caramel-Apple Pie Funnel Cake from Epic Eats.
- For Star Wars-inspired treats, enjoy a Wookie Cookie from Backlot Express, Outpost Popcorn Mix from Kat Saka’s Kettle, or one of the many limited-edition May the 4th treats while you wander through Black Spire Outpost. The possibilities are as endless as the farthest galaxy…
Hollywood Studios is undergoing some major changes right now. Visitors have a lot to look forward to, including an official opening date for the re-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. Stay tuned to MouseHouseNews.net for more information to help you plan your next magical trip to Disney World. May the Force be with you. We’ll see you real soon!
