Bright Sun Travelers!  Today is ‘Star Wars Day,’ a time for Star Wars fans to unite in joy, and as C-3PO would say, ‘Thank the Maker!’

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!

Why the Fourth of May?

‘May the 4th’ is celebrated because of it’s astounding similarity to the Jedi parting phrase, “’May the Force’ be with you.”  But that is not the only connection Star Wars has to the fifth month in our calendar.  This May 25th will be the 46th anniversary of ‘Star Wars’ debuting in movie theaters back in 1977.  Back when it was only one movie, ergo no need for ‘Episode” numbers or secondary subtitles.  So bring out your Star Wars cosplays or far out 70’s hippie garb and celebrate!

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, as it is now known, was only the beginning of the franchise and its subsequent relationship with the month of May. For the past three decades, fans have been celebrating Star Wars throughout the entire month, and for good reason. Many movie studios consider Memorial Day as cinema’s unofficial opening weekend for releasing summer blockbusters, and Lucasfilm is no exception. Six of the nine major episodic trilogy movies, as well as additional Star Wars media, have had May theatrical release dates.

Chronological order:

  • May 25, 1977 – Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
  • May 21, 1980 – Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
  • May 25, 1983 – Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
  • May 19, 1999 – Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
  • May 16, 2002 – Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
  • May 19, 2005 – Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
  • May 25, 2018 – Solo: A Star Wars Story
  • May 27, 2022 – Obi-Wan Kenobi (Disney+ limited series)

Additionally, multiple Star Wars books and novels have been published in May, further solidifying Star Wars’ link to the beautiful month of May.  And above all else, the birthday of George Lucas, the father of Star Wars, as well as founder of Lucafilm, LucasArts, Industrial Light and Magic, and THX, is on May 14th. I think that list definitively cements Star Wars link with this late-Springtime month.  I can’t help but picture the Naboo lake scene with Anakin and Padme from Attack of the Clones (filmed at Lake Como).  

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!

But the beautiful weather isn’t limited to film.  The Disneyland Resort and its springtime blooms have joined the month-long Star Wars celebration.

Star Wars Month at The Disneyland Resort

Disneyland fired up the Star Wars festivities this month with the return of the Space Mountain Star Wars overlay: Hyperspace Mountain.  Projections of X-Wings, TIE Fighters, and even a Star Destroyer or two will catch your gaze as you speed through the galaxy inside the mountain.  And trust me, It’s not a trap!  The attraction began running flights on May 1st and will continue flying through June 4th.  This is a MUST-DO attraction for any Star Wars fan and a fun change for Space Mountain veterans.  If all that flying works up an appetite, Disneyland also has a bounty of new food items to hunt down.

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!

Out of this World Star Wars Eats at Disneyland…

Disneyland has brought new entrees, snacks, drinks, and treats from a galaxy far, far away.  In Galaxy’s Edge: Docking Bay 7, Ronto Roasters, the Milk Stand, and Kat Saka’s Kettle each have new items with which you can test your taste buds.  At the milk stand a new variation of the blue milk, the Tenoo Swirl, has a raspberry sauce drizzle topped with crunchy candy pebbles (unsure if it’s puffed rice or pop rocks) will surely be an experience.  Kat Saka’s has two new popcorn flavors; Sweet kettle corn, and Sour Cream and Chive, and additionally a new passion fruit muffin with pineapple and blackberry jam.  At Docking Bay 7 the Temple Rootleaf and Moss Salad is light and refreshing while maintaining a full palate; Balsamic on greenleaf lettuce, with brined cucumbers, roasted mushrooms, fried potato noodles, and a soy-marinated soft-boiled egg give an earthy yet fresh result.  Every ingredient is well-prepared and I’ll definitely return to this item albeit it’s a $15.49 salad with one egg as protein.  The dish can be ordered with or without the egg (same price), even on mobile order, and is another addition to the Docking Bay menu that sets alternative and elevated flavors to traditional theme park fare.  

 

Star Wars Treats in the Grand Californian Hotel Lobby…

New Star Wars-themed sweets can be found in lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel.  You’ll let out a Kashyykian “ROAR” after trying the Wookie Cookie without even needing to buy a park ticket or make a park reservation.  I just had this cookie myself for the first time and it lives up to the hype.  Besides the Wookie Cookie, you can peruse the offerings of Pretzel (stick) Lightsabers, Stormtrooper crispy rice treats, a Grogu tropical whoopie pie, Millennium Falcon lollipops, Star Wars sugar cookie, or a Galaxy macaron box.  Dining locations in Tomorrowland also have some new items, as well as various locations in both parks.

Star Wars Nite

If you were one of the few who had faster hands than Greedo and were able to smuggle aboard some tickets to Disney After Dark: Star Wars Nite then you are in for a real treat.  This separately ticketed event is sold out and the first night has already past on May 2nd.  There are 3 more dates remaining: May 4th, 8th, and 11th.  The event runs from 9pm-1am and Disneyland closes to regular ticketed guests at 8pm each of those nights. 

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!

Star Wars Nite really does take you to a galaxy far, far away.  The park is loaded with at least 16 unique and rare characters who you will not find at Disneyland at any other time in addition to characters who regularly roam the streets of Battu.  Take your pick of meeting Queen Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, C1-10P (AKA Chopper), Ezra Bridger, Sabine Wren, Captain Rex, Darth Maul and many more! 

In addition to all the characters, there are ‘Step into the Space’ Photo Ops where you can pose in iconic moments from Star Wars such as the speeder bike chase on Endor, re-enact Bo Katan’s infamous seated throne pose, or pay your respects to mob boss Jabba the Hutt.

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!

While traipsing or lightsaber dueling your way throughout the park, make sure to enjoy the entertainment lined up for the event, including: the Star Wars fireworks show, March of the First order with Captain Phasma in Tomorrowland, Lightsaber meet ups in Galaxy’s Edge, the Fleet of Fandom guest cosplay parade down Main Street, Lightsaber Masters where you can learn the techniques to wield you saber like a truly skilled master, and dance to the DJ in the hub and the Cantina band playing above the Golden Horseshoe.

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!

Moreover, Star Wars Nite has a plethora of exclusive food items, 36 are listed plus the appetizer menu at Café Orleans.  At this time some popular items are: the Bulgogi Toasted Cheese at Jolly Holiday, Corned Shaak Loaded Fried at Hungry Bear, Bacon & Slaw Burger at Galactic Grill, and make sure to try the Galactic Princess Sundae at Gibson Girl.  Again, these items are only available during Star Wars Nite hours.

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!

Tips for Star Wars Nite

  • Mobile Order your food before the event starts.  You don’t want to waste time during the event waiting in line for food.
  • Familiarize yourself with the map and make a short priority list.  I know that might sound unnecessary, but the 4 hours will go by faster than you think. Having a list will simplify decisions during the night when you have to choose between one thing and another.

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!

  • Start your night with Photo Ops; some of them opened as early as 7:30pm.  It’s great to get them out of the way so you can focus on characters and other events after 9pm.

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!

  • Be courteous to Cast Members.  This event is as new to them as it is to you and they’re all doing the best they can to make a great experience for you. 
  • Shameless plug: If you’re on Instagram, follow my account @ScottSoloVentures for more tips and content from Star Wars Nite and the parks as a whole.
  • Most importantly, have fun and May the Force be with you!

Star Wars Month at Home

If you’re unable to be at a Disney Park for Star Wars Month you can still bring the galaxy to your home.  You can boogie to some Batuu beats with DJ R3X as he streams hits on the Disney Parks YouTube and TikTok all day long on May the 4th.  Am I listening to it right now as I write this?  You Bantha believe it!  You can also find both of DJ R3X’s Oga’s Cantina playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.  Also available now on streaming services is an album from Gaya, the Galactic Superstar who serenades and entertains guests aboard the Halcyon, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser immersive adventure and accommodations at Walt Disney World.  Follow DJ R3X’s Youtube livestream here:

New Star Wars shows are debuting on May the Fourth as well.  Both Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures and Star Wars: Visions – Volume Two will be available to stream on Disney+ starting on Star Wars Day.  If these animated series don’t fill your need for Star Wars then I suggest you watch The Mandalorian Season 3 which just released its finale two weeks ago. I also recommend Kenobi and Andor on Disney+ which are excellent Star Wars shows.  And if you’re still thirsting for more, head to your local movie theater to watch Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.  May the 4th is the last day it will be in theaters and it was wonderful to experience the film on the big screen, a first for me.

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures Photo Op is in front of Star Wars Trading post in Downtown Disney

 Get Into The Star Wars Mood

Live a moment of Star Wars from Disneyland. We’ve cut together some of our footage from Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. The force is strong with this one…

Star Wars Merchandise

And, of course, there’s new Star Wars merchandise… lots and lots of new Star Wars things… so much so that we have a whole article about it in our MiceMerch column: 

“May the 4th” Be With You – New Star Wars Month Merchandise!

A Star Wars Star gets a Star

Today, the iconic Carrie Fisher who played Princess Leia was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s no coincidence that today, May the Fourth, was the day chosen to commemorate Carrie Fisher. To celebrate the newly minted star (located near Disney’s El Capitan Theatre and other Star Wars actors’ stars), several Star Wars notable figures were in attendance, including Mark Hamill, Jon Favreau, and Billie Lourd; C3-P0, R2-D2, and several Stormtroopers were also present.

 


Discount Disney Theme Park Tickets & Hotels!!!

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!
The Disney100 celebration is coming up. Time to start planning!

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Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm:

LAST CHANCE: If you live in Southern California, there’s a very special ticket offer for you that runs from January 9th through May 25th: 

(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals and we may make a small commission on any sales made through our links)


Let’s Hear From You

Let’s hear from you Star Wars fans. How is Disney doing with George Lucas’ baby? What do you like and what smells worse than Dagobah swamp water? Do you have a favorite Star Wars ride? Is Star Wars Nite on your list (or did you miss out on tickets)?

I hope you are able to enjoy and appreciate as much of Star Wars Month as you can whether at home and at the Disneyland Resort.  And May the Fourth be with you! 

, It’s Star Wars Day at Disneyland: May The 4th Be With You!

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Scott Solo
Scott is a freelance artist who has lived near Disneyland for most of his life. His appreciation for fandoms is guided by the creative themes and production execution of all types of media. You'll frequently find Scott in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge creating a disturbance in the force.