May the 4th Brings Back a Familiar System
Happy Star Wars Day to all our fellow travelers! If you’re visiting Walt Disney World today, May 4, 2026, you’ve likely noticed the crowds are out in full force to celebrate everything from a galaxy far, far away. To manage the massive demand for this year’s limited-edition collectibles, Disney has brought back a system we haven’t seen in a little while: the Virtual Queue.
While most attractions have shifted toward standby lines or Lightning Lane Multi Pass, today is different. This special Virtual Queue isn’t for a ride; it’s for the exclusive May the 4th Merchandise Event. This is a one-day-only occurrence designed to keep shopping manageable and fair for everyone trying to snag Mandalorian-themed gear and limited-release pins.
Where the Action is Happening
There are actually two separate opportunities to join a Virtual Queue today, depending on where you are spending your Star Wars Day:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The main event is located at the Mickey Shorts Theater (specifically at the exit to Vacation Fun). This queue opened at 7:00 AM ET and requires you to have valid park admission and a theme park reservation for Hollywood Studios.
- Disney Springs: If you don’t have a park ticket, you can head to Disney Springs. The shopping event there is hosted at Once Upon a Toy. This queue opened later, at 9:00 AM ET.
Step-by-Step Guide to Joining the Queue
If you haven’t joined yet, you’ll want to act fast as these spots are known to disappear in seconds. Here is the expert way to navigate the My Disney Experience app right now:
First, open the app and scroll down on the main home screen until you see the “Virtual Queues” section. Tap on “Join Virtual Queue.” You will then see two tabs: one for the theme parks and one for Disney Springs. Select the one that matches your location.
Once you’ve joined a boarding group, the app will give you an estimated wait time. You don’t have to stand in a physical line during this wait. You can go enjoy Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, grab a Ronto Wrap, or watch the March of the First Order. When your group is called, you’ll receive a push notification on your phone giving you a one-hour window to return to the shop.
Expert Tips for a Successful Mission
Since this is a high-stakes shopping day, we have a few recommendations to make your experience smoother. Once you are inside the shopping area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, be sure to use the merchandise mobile checkout feature in the app. This allows you to scan your own items and pay on your phone, so you don’t have to wait in a second long line just to buy your items.
Also, keep in mind that joining the Virtual Queue does not guarantee that every item will be in stock. The most popular items, like the 2026 Logo Collection featuring Grogu and the Mandalorian, tend to sell out early in the day. If you’re shopping at Disney Springs, remember that you generally need to be physically present at Disney Springs to join that specific 9:00 AM drop.
May the Force (and a low boarding group number) be with you!
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.