Virtual Queues Return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for May the 4th
If you’re visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios today, you’ll notice things look a little different. It’s May 4th, the unofficial holiday for Star Wars fans, and the crowds are out in full force. To manage the massive interest in limited-edition items, Disney has officially brought back the virtual queue system for merchandise shopping.
While we usually see virtual queues for the most popular attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney often pulls this tool out of the toolbox for major shopping events. Today, the focus is entirely on the “May the 4th Merchandise Event” to prevent long lines from spilling out into the park walkways.
Where to Join and How it Works
For those looking to grab the latest gear, there are two primary locations utilizing the virtual queue system today:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The merchandise event is centered at the Mickey Shorts Theater, which is located at the exit of Vacation Fun.
- Disney Springs: For guests without a park ticket or reservation, a second virtual queue is available for Once Upon a Toy.
To join, you’ll need the My Disney Experience app. The queue for Hollywood Studios opened at 7:00 AM sharp. If you’re heading to Disney Springs, that queue opened at 9:00 AM. It’s important to remember that for the park location, you must have a valid theme park admission and a reservation for Hollywood Studios if your ticket type requires one.
Managing the “Double Wait”
One common misconception about virtual queues is that they eliminate the wait entirely. Based on today’s setup, guests are being assigned boarding groups. Once your group is called, you’ll receive a push notification on your phone giving you a window to return to the Mickey Shorts Theater or Once Upon a Toy. However, once you arrive, you should still expect a physical wait in a standby line before entering the shop. Disney uses the virtual queue to control the number of people in the area, but the checkout process and browsing time still create a traditional line.
What’s New in the Galaxy
The merchandise this year is heavily focused on the “Dark Side” and fan-favorite characters. Some of the standout items include:
- The Darth Maul Legacy Lightsaber Hilt: A limited-edition release that is high on many collectors’ lists.
- May the 4th Logo Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, and hats featuring the 2026 event branding.
- Collectible Pins and Mugs: Themed items featuring iconic planets like Endor, Naboo, and Crait.
Pro-Tip: If you’re shopping inside Hollywood Studios, don’t forget to use the Mobile Merchandise Checkout feature in the app. This allows you to scan your items as you shop and pay directly on your phone, which can save you a significant amount of time once you’re actually inside the store.
What This Means for Future Planning
While today’s virtual queue is a one-day event, it serves as a reminder of how Disney handles high-demand situations. If you’re planning a trip around a holiday or a major opening, always check the app early in the morning. Disney doesn’t always announce these virtual queues weeks in advance, so being tech-ready is your best bet for success.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.