Celebrate Star Wars Day: Galactic Adventures at Disneyland and Disney World

May the 4th be with you! For Star Wars fans around the globe, this Sunday marks a special occasion – Star Wars Day, an unofficial holiday celebrating the iconic franchise. Rooted in the famous movie quote, "May the Force be with you," the day presents ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe. From simple at-home celebrations like dressing up as your favorite characters and binge-watching the films to grand adventures at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the possibilities are endless.

For those seeking a truly immersive experience, the galaxies of Disneyland and Walt Disney World beckon. Both parks offer unique and exciting ways to celebrate May the 4th and beyond, transporting fans to a galaxy far, far away.

Disneyland: Season of the Force and Star Wars Nite

Disneyland Park is a true haven for Star Wars enthusiasts, anchored by the captivating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This immersive land, which debuted in May 2019, features attractions, entertainment, dining, character encounters, and various activities, all meticulously themed around the Star Wars saga. Galaxy’s Edge invites visitors to step into the world of Batuu, a remote outpost on the Outer Rim. As described by StarWars.com, Batuu was once a bustling hub for traders and travelers before advancements in lightspeed technology rendered it somewhat isolated. Now, its lush forests and majestic mountain regions are known only to those who dare to venture into this remote corner of the galaxy.

Beyond Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland also boasts the classic Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, offering a thrilling simulated space flight through the Star Wars universe.

Adding to the excitement, Disneyland is currently hosting Season of the Force, a limited-time celebration running through May 11. This seasonal event brings a plethora of Star Wars-themed enhancements to the park. One of the highlights is "Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga," a brand-new nighttime projection show that chronicles the epic Skywalker family saga. Guests can also enjoy new character interactions with Luke Skywalker himself, adding a touch of nostalgia and excitement to the experience. The fan-favorite "Fire of the Rising Moons" fireworks show returns, illuminating the night sky with a dazzling display of pyrotechnics and Star Wars-themed music. For thrill-seekers, Space Mountain gets a Hyperspace Mountain overlay, transforming the classic roller coaster into a high-speed X-wing battle through the Star Wars galaxy. Finally, Season of the Force introduces limited-time food and merchandise offerings, giving guests the chance to indulge in unique Star Wars-themed treats and souvenirs.

The best part? Season of the Force is included with standard park admission, making it an accessible and exciting way to celebrate Star Wars. Standard one-day, one-park tickets start at $103 for guests over age 9, though tickets for May the 4th itself are priced higher, at $180.

For an even more exclusive experience, Disneyland is hosting Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite on select nights through May 6. This specially ticketed after-hours event, which is not included with standard admission, features a variety of Star Wars-themed activities. Guests can meet rare and exciting characters, learn lightsaber techniques in an instructional session, dance the night away at a galactic dance party, and participate in a Fans of the Force Costume Cavalcade. Additionally, shorter wait times for popular rides offer an extra perk for attendees. Tickets for Star Wars Nite start at $169, and unfortunately, the May the 4th event is already sold out, highlighting its immense popularity.

Disney World: Galaxy’s Edge and Star Wars-Themed Treats

On the East Coast, Walt Disney World Resort offers its own unique Star Wars experiences, primarily centered around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While there isn’t a large scale celebration on par with Disneyland’s Season of the Force, Disney World is still an excellent destination for Star Wars aficionados, especially on May the 4th.

From May the 4th through the end of the month, guests can indulge in a selection of Star Wars-inspired treats available throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios and at select locations in the Disney Springs shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. These limited-time offerings provide a delicious and thematic way to celebrate the holiday. In addition, specially themed popcorn buckets, sipper cups, and merchandise, including limited-time lightsabers, will be available at Hollywood Studios, offering collectible souvenirs for Star Wars fans.

While there are no specific May the 4th events planned at the park this year, guests are encouraged to celebrate on their own by exploring Galaxy’s Edge and partaking in the various activities and attractions available. One-day, one-park tickets to Disney’s Hollywood Studios start at $139 for guests over age 9, with tickets for May the 4th costing $174.

Common Galactic Adventures: Galaxy’s Edge Experiences

Regardless of whether you choose Disneyland or Disney World, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers a consistent set of immersive experiences. Both lands are meticulously designed to transport visitors to the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu.

One of the most popular attractions is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where guests can take on the roles of pilots, gunners, or engineers and embark on a thrilling mission aboard the iconic Millennium Falcon. The experience is highly interactive, with each role contributing to the success or failure of the mission.

Another must-do attraction is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a multi-stage experience that puts guests in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. The attraction features impressive special effects, animatronics, and ride technology, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Beyond the attractions, Galaxy’s Edge offers a variety of opportunities for interaction and role-playing. Guests can build their own lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop or construct custom droids at the Droid Depot. They can also sample unique Star Wars-themed cuisine at restaurants like Oga’s Cantina, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, and Ronto Roasters. Character encounters are also common, with opportunities to meet and interact with iconic Star Wars characters like Rey, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, and Stormtroopers.

Planning Your Galactic Getaway

Whether you’re planning a visit to Disneyland or Disney World, booking your tickets and accommodations in advance is crucial, especially for May the 4th. If you’re interested in attending Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite, be sure to check availability and purchase tickets well in advance, as this popular event tends to sell out quickly. Consider purchasing park hopper tickets to allow you the flexibility to experience multiple parks in a single day. And don’t forget to download the Disneyland or My Disney Experience app to check wait times, make dining reservations, and access mobile ordering options.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, May the 4th is a day for Star Wars fans to come together and celebrate the epic saga. Whether you’re dressing up as your favorite character, binge-watching the films, or embarking on a galactic adventure at Disneyland or Disney World, May the Force be with you!