Before Universal Epic Universe officially debuts at Universal Orlando Resort on May 22, Walt Disney World Resort is preparing for a big moment of its own. On May 21, for the first time since before the pandemic, all four theme parks and both water parks will open on the same day.
With Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach all welcoming guests, it’s a big milestone. This will come amid favorites like Extended Evening Hours, special hard-ticketed events such as Disney After Hours, and the eventual reopening of fan-favorite attractions like Test Track. Although Disney isn’t planning to open a fifth gate right now, the extra visitors heading to Central Florida for Epic Universe are expected to bring positive momentum to Walt Disney World.
In the lead-up to this major occasion, another fan-favorite event will take center stage—Star Wars Day on May 4. Every year, May 4, or “May the Fourth,” is a special day for Star Wars fans to gather and celebrate their favorite galaxy far, far away with Disney and fan-led festivities throughout the parks.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, home to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the day is expected to draw big crowds. Fans will be lining up for popular attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, savoring treats like the ronto wrap, and exploring new experiences like the “Reclaimed and Reforged” lightsaber activity at Savi’s Workshop.
To help manage the demand, Walt Disney World Resort has extended the park hours for Hollywood Studios on May 4. The park will now open from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Early Entry available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for guests staying at Disney Resort Hotels and other select hotels. Originally, the park was scheduled to open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
It’s worth noting that Annual Passholder reservations for May 4 have already filled up at Hollywood Studios. However, regular ticket holders and guests with date-based tickets will still be able to visit the park and join the celebration.
Specialty snacks and merchandise will also be part of the fun. Guests visiting Hollywood Studios on May 4 can find exclusive items like the Battle of Hoth Macaroon, the Wookiee Cookie, and the Chosen One Cooler. New themed sippers and popcorn buckets, including a coaxium sipper and a Death Star popcorn bucket, will also be available—some offerings can even be found over at Disney Springs.
Adding to the excitement, this year’s May the Fourth celebration falls during the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith (2005), the final film in George Lucas’s prequel trilogy.
While Star Wars fans will have plenty to celebrate at Hollywood Studios, the park has a lot more in store for the future. Current favorites like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith continue to draw guests. Eventually, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will get a Muppets makeover, and nearby Grand Avenue will become the new home of Monstropolis, which will feature a first-of-its-kind Monsters, Inc. roller coaster.
If you’re heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Day, we’d love to hear about it! Let us know in the comments below.
