Planning to shop May the 4th merch at Hollywood Studios? You’ll need more than just an early rope drop strategy this year.
Guests planning to celebrate Star Wars Day at Walt Disney World should be prepared for a key update — a virtual queue will be in place for May the 4th merchandise at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This means that instead of lining up early for limited-edition Star Wars items, guests will need to secure a spot through the My Disney Experience app to access the shopping location. Virtual queues are typically used during high-demand experiences to manage crowds and improve flow, allowing guests to enjoy the park while waiting for their turn.
What to Expect on May the 4th
May the 4th has become one of the busiest days of the year at Hollywood Studios, with exclusive merchandise drops (including apparel, collectibles, and limited-release items) drawing huge crowds.
To help manage that demand, Disney is once again turning to a virtual queue system for merchandise shopping, a strategy that has been used successfully in previous years to reduce long lines and overcrowding.
Guests can typically expect:
- A virtual queue opening in the morning (often around 7:00 AM)
- Access through the My Disney Experience app
- Limited inventory and possible purchase restrictions
It’s important to note that joining the virtual queue does not guarantee access to all merchandise, as popular items may sell out quickly.
How It Works
To participate, guests will need a valid park admission for Hollywood Studios and should be ready to join the queue directly from their mobile device. Once in, you’ll receive a return window to shop — freeing you up to enjoy attractions, shows, and everything happening in Galaxy’s Edge while you wait.
If snagging exclusive May the 4th merchandise is a priority, this is your reminder to plan ahead, set your alarms, and be ready in the app, because this is one of the most competitive shopping events of the year at Disney World.
Follow along for more real-time Disney Parks updates, planning tips, and insider strategies to help you stay ahead of every major park change.
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