Star Wars fans turned out in full force for May the 4th at Walt Disney World, but many were met with a galactic-sized surprise: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge hit capacity hours before sunset, and unless you had a confirmed reservation for Oga’s Cantina, you weren’t getting in.
Galaxy’s Edge Closes Its Gates
By 6:00 p.m., guests began reporting that security and Cast Members were physically stationed at each entrance to Galaxy’s Edge, turning away anyone without a dining reservation.
Though the park remained open until 10:00 p.m., Galaxy’s Edge was sealed off to regular guest flow, leaving many surprised and frustrated — particularly those hoping to enjoy the land’s atmosphere, rides, and themed food offerings.
Demand for Star Wars Rides and Food Soared
In the hours leading up to the land’s closure, guests packed into Black Spire Outpost, trying to get in line for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run or Rise of the Resistance before access was restricted. Wait times spiked across the park, and crowding in Galaxy’s Edge made things like mobile ordering and spontaneous character interactions much harder to manage.
Reports describe a midday bottleneck in the land’s central marketplace and walkways, where lines for merchandise and food kiosks bled into one another.
What the Experience Looked Like Inside (Before the Shutdown)
Those already inside Galaxy’s Edge before 6 p.m. enjoyed a slew of May the 4th extras that made the park feel extra immersive, even without a formal event:
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Limited-run Star Wars merchandise debuted in Tatooine Traders and along the marketplace stalls, drawing long lines of collectors.
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Exclusive food and drink options — including a themed cold brew and the always-popular Ronto Wrap — were available while supplies lasted.
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Stormtroopers, Rey, Kylo Ren, and even The Mandalorian and Grogu made appearances throughout the day.
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Pop-up photo opportunities set up throughout the park gave fans a way to commemorate the day with their lightsabers and themed outfits.
While not as structured as Disneyland’s ticketed “Star Wars Nite” event, the offerings still created a festive atmosphere for anyone who made it in on time.
The Oga’s Cantina Loophole
Once Cast Members began restricting access to Galaxy’s Edge, only guests with reservations at Oga’s Cantina were permitted inside. These guests were checked in and escorted into the land, bypassing the blocked entrances.
It’s not uncommon for Disney to manage crowds on major holidays, but a full land closure of this scale is rare, especially without advance notice. Many guests caught outside the gates voiced their frustration online, noting that no warning had been issued ahead of time about the potential capacity restriction.
More Star Wars Still to Come — Just Not on This Scale
Though May the 4th has passed, the Star Wars celebrations are still in motion — particularly out west. Disneyland’s Season of the Force continues through May 11, offering:
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“Fire of the Rising Moons,” a limited-time fireworks show
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The temporary return of Hyperspace Mountain
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A new nighttime projection show, “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga”
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Meet-and-greets with Luke Skywalker
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Special snacks and limited-edition collectibles still available throughout the park
Meanwhile, Walt Disney World will continue offering some themed food and drink items across Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs, though many May the 4th exclusives may already be sold out.
Planning Ahead for Next Year
If this year’s turnout is any indication, Star Wars Day is quickly becoming one of the busiest unofficial holidays at Walt Disney World. If you’re hoping to visit Galaxy’s Edge on May the 4th in the future, an advanced dining reservation could be the key to getting inside. As this year proved, the Force is strong — but the guest count might be stronger.
