May the Fourth at Disney World: What To Expect on Star Wars Day

May the Fourth at Disney World is one of the most unique (and busiest) days of the year. Hollywood Studios kicks everything up a notch with exclusive merchandise drops, themed snacks, and a packed Galaxy’s Edge full of lightsabers and creative costumes.

It’s one of the most memorable days for “Star Wars” fans to visit Hollywood Studios, with superfan energy you don’t see any other time of year. Here’s what you should know before you go.

What Happens at Hollywood Studios on May the Fourth?

Star Wars Day is an unofficial holiday celebrating the franchise, marked by the pun “May the Fourth be with you.” It’s not a separately ticketed event, though it can feel like one. Most of the celebration centers on Galaxy’s Edge, where you can find limited-time offerings alongside the regular “Star Wars” attractions.

Expect May the Fourth merchandise, themed food and drinks, and a convention-like atmosphere with cosplay, lightsabers, and creative fan builds everywhere you look. Even if you don’t plan to buy merchandise or try specialty snacks, the atmosphere can make it one of the best days to visit Galaxy’s Edge.

Merchandise May Require a Virtual Queue

Limited-time merchandise is a big draw for May the Fourth. Star Wars Day merchandise has been released online and will be available at Disney World on May 4. Additional in-park merchandise drops include apparel, limited-release pins, collectible figures, and Starbucks Discovery Series destination mugs, which feature Endor, Naboo, and Crait this year.

If you want to buy May the Fourth merchandise at Hollywood Studios, plan to use the virtual queue system in the My Disney Experience app. Virtual queues typically open at 7 a.m. on May 4 for scheduled shopping times later in the day. A queue entry doesn’t guarantee access to every item, as popular pieces can sell out quickly.

It’s worth checking the app early for virtual queue requirements and purchase limits, and shop as early in the day as you can if merchandise is a priority. On May the Fourth, Hollywood Studios typically offers complimentary merchandise bag storage at the stroller and wheelchair rental desk (next to the lockers) near the front of the park. Save your receipt to show proof of purchase.

Some May the Fourth offerings stick around after the holiday. Depending on availability, items such as themed churros, popcorn buckets, drink sippers, and merchandise may be available on May 5 and the days following.

Expect a Fan Celebration in Galaxy’s Edge

May the Fourth is one of the busiest days of the year at Hollywood Studios, especially in Galaxy’s Edge. “Star Wars” fans arrive early, and crowds stay high all day, while the overall vibe feels more like a fan convention than a standard park day. Think coordinated group costumes, custom droid builds, and impressive lightsaber displays.

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Fans in costume add to the experience.

Tips for Visiting

Crowds and wait times can be higher than usual, so don’t approach this day like a regular park visit.

• It’s possible for Hollywood Studios to reach capacity. Arrive early if you’re concerned about getting in.
• Book Lightning Lanes early for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, as they can sell out. Guests of Disney World resorts can book Lightning Lane selections up to 7 days ahead, and off-site guests can book 3 days ahead.
• Book reservations for experiences and dining as early as you can. Oga’s Cantina and Savi’s Workshop are fully booked for May 4, and only Droid Depot reservations are still available. You can check for openings or try your luck by getting on a walk-up list.
• Mobile orders in the My Disney Experience app can save you time at quick-service dining, especially at Ronto Roasters and Docking Bay 7 — or when picking up a popcorn bucket or sipper.
• Walk-ups for PhotoPass spots typically have long lines but can be worth the wait. Photographers in Galaxy’s Edge on May the Fourth may offer additional poses or specialty shots, which is nice if you’ve dressed up for the day or want to make the visit more memorable.
• Keep an eye out for roaming “Star Wars” character meets. You may get a chance to interact with Rey, pose with the Mandalorian and Grogu, or get a stern look from stormtroopers or Kylo Ren. Chewbacca is sometimes available with PhotoPass photographers.
• Consider leaving Galaxy’s Edge for a while if it’s too hot or crowded. You can take a break and visit other areas of the park.

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PhotoPass photographers may take extra time to get special poses.

Final Thoughts

May the Fourth is one of the most exciting days to visit Hollywood Studios. The “Star Wars” fan atmosphere and themed offerings make it a unique experience you won’t find any other day of the year.

Some of our most enjoyable May the Fourth moments haven’t relied on securing a reservation or waiting in long attraction lines. A big part of what makes the day special is being among fellow “Star Wars” fans, whether you’re enjoying themed snacks, posing for PhotoPass, or ending the night in the glow of the Millennium Falcon surrounded by lightsabers.