Star Wars Month at Disneyland: May the 4th, Star Wars Nite, Star Wars Rides
There are many things Star Wars related to enjoy at the Disneyland Resort including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! Between character interactions, shopping and shows there’s plenty to keep even the most avid Star Wars fan happy.
In honor of May 4th, Disney is holding a special Star Wars Month that will feature the return of Hyperspace Mountain. All details below.
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Celebrate May the Fourth at Disneyland 2023
Each year Disneyland celebrates the official Star Wars holiday- May the 4th be with you- on May 4th. You can typically expect special offerings to celebrate Star Wars. Disney has already announced that Hyperspace Mountain, the Star Wars-themed version of Space Mountain, is returning in 2023.
In 2023 the celebration of Star Wars Month will last from May 1 until June 4, 2023. Disney promises that the event will provide “epic encounters, exciting flavors and more”.
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Hyperspace Mountain
Enjoy the popular Hyperspace Mountain overlay for Space Mountain. The overlay features the classic Star Wars score from John Williams and video projections throughout the attraction. It is a really fun, fast-paced, attraction that is perfect for the classic Star Wars fan.
Exclusive Star Wars Merchandise
Find some exclusive merchandise or limited edition pins plus a new Star Wars legacy lightsaber will be replaced on May 4th on Shop Disney and in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
Star Wars Nite
Enjoy special Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite events! (Sold out!) Read our full guide to Star Wars Nite at Disneyland.
Photo Ops
In Downtown Disney guests will find a photo opportunity inspired by “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures”.
Starting on May 4, guests will also be able to capture memories with the Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots that will be taken in Galaxy’s Edge. These can feature surprise appearances by BB-8 or BD-72.
Also starting May 4, A new Disney PhotoPass Lens (available with the purchase of Disney Genie+ service) will allow guests to customize their own Mandalorian helmet and armor.
Keep reading for more details about everything Star Wars you can find at the Disneyland Resort in May 2023!
Star Wars Movie Nights
The three Disneyland Resort Hotels (see best Disneyland Resort Hotel discounts here) will also have special movie nights on select nights throughout the month that feature Star Wars films.
Star Wars May 4th Food Guide
These are the new 2023 Star Wars May the 4th Food items that you’ll find in Disneyland Park, Downtown Disney, and the Disneyland Resort Hotels.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
- (New) Temple Rootleaf and Moss Salad with Seasoned Gwayo Egg: Sweet-savory salad greens, brined vegetables, roasted mushrooms, fried potato noodles, and soy-marinated soft-boiled egg (Available beginning May 2; mobile order available)
- (New) Temple Rootleaf and Moss Salad: Sweet-savory salad greens, brined vegetables, roasted mushrooms, and fried potato noodles (Plant-based) (Available beginning May 2; mobile order available)
- (New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 3)
Galactic Grill (Mobile order available)
- Darth by Chocolate Parfait (Available May 2 through 6)
- (New) Grogu Sipper includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 2)
Kat Saka’s Kettle
- (New) Surabat Valley Mix: Sweet kettle corn (Also available with furikake) (Available starting May 2)
- (New) Niamos Mix: Savory sour cream and chive popcorn (Also available with furikake) (Available starting May 2)
- (New) Jellyfruit Muffin: Passion fruit buttermilk muffin with pineapple and blackberry jam (Available starting May 2)
Milk Stand (Available starting May 2; mobile order available)
- Tenoo Swirl Crunchies Cereal: Blue milk topped with strawberry and grape candy pebbles
Oga’s Cantina (Available May 2 through August 31)
- Five Blossom Bread with Mustard Cream: Warm pretzel knot with a new creamy honey mustard dip
- (New) Ginger Lime Tea Lemonade with Soju: Soju, Minute Maid Lemonade, Gold Peak Unsweetened Iced Tea, habanero lime and ginger flavors topped with matcha foam
Ronto Roasters
- (New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 2)
Beverage Carts in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Galma Garlic Puffs: Puffed cheese chips (Available starting May 2)
Fruit Cart, Churro Cart, and Lemonade Cart in Tomorrowland
- (New) Grogu Sipper includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 3)
Downtown Disney District
Marceline’s Confectionery (Mobile order available)
- Grogu Candy Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in colored white chocolate with gold sanding sugar for the belt
Hotels of Disneyland Resort
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Hearthstone Lounge (Available May 2 through 31)
- (New) Ginger Daiquiri: El Dorado Rum, Sherry, Velvet Falernum, ginger syrup and lime juice, garnished with mint
Grand Californian Hotel Lobby Cart (Available April 28 through May 30)
- Star Wars Sugar Cookie
- Wookiee Cookie
- Pretzel Lightsabers
- Falcon Lollipop
- Stormtrooper Crisped Rice Treat
- Tropical Whoopie Pie
- Galaxy Macaron Box
Be sure to check out this display in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa made from edible ingredients like crisped rice and fondant. This showpiece depicts the Millennium Falcon arriving in Black Spire Outpost and was created by the in-house Disney culinary team.
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite is a special after hours event at Disneyland. These tickets are now SOLD OUT for the 2023 events but this popular after hours event typically takes place in May to celebrate May the 4th.
May 2, 4, 8 & 11 at Disneyland Park
Star Wars Nite will be the ultimate Star Wars extravaganza, packed with galactic fun on three separate nights at Disneyland park in May 2023. Highlights of Star Wars Nite include:
- An amazing pyrotechnical spectacle that will illuminate the skies with a Star Wars-themed fireworks show
- March of the First Order, featuring Captain Phasma and her elite unit of Stormtroopers
- A Galactic dance party
- Sightings of various Star Wars characters throughout the evening
- Star Wars-themed attractions, usually with shorter wait times
- Star Wars-themed eats and treats, merchandise, photo opportunities, and more
- Plus, early admission to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m., no theme park reservation required
CLICK HERE for our review of this after hours event!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The Star Wars themed land has been a huge hit with the Millennium Falcon and Rise of the Resistance attractions, dining, shopping, and unique Star Wars experiences like Oga’s Cantina and Savi’s Lightsaber Workshop!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge takes place on a new remote planet called Batuu. This planet is rough and tumble, themed to an outer frontier trading post in the Outer Rim Territories just before Wild Space. Although this planet is not specifically mentioned in the movies, it is said to have existed for thousands of years. The village on the planet of Batuu is the main focus of this new land with the shops and dining options called Black Spire Outpost.
Star Wars fans must not miss out on this new land by reading our full guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge including ride reviews, full food reviews and a photo tour of all the experiences!
Disneyland Star Wars Rides
Everything on this list is extremely popular- we recommend an early start to your day so you don’t miss out on everything from a galaxy far, far away!
Star Tours- The Adventures Continue
Since it’s original opening in 1987 and conversion in 2010, Star Tours has been known as a classic Tomorrowland attraction. Star Tours-The Adventures Continue is a 3D simulator attraction that takes you through multiple scenarios and adventures in the Star Wars universe. What’s awesome about this ride is that every time you ride it, there’s a chance for a different experience!
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
The Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run attraction pulls together six guests to pilot the Millennium Falcon. Each guests is assigned to one of three roles: pilot, engineer or gunner. Guests will get the chance to fly the biggest hunk of junk in the galaxy as they secure a shipment for Hondo Ohnaka. But if you damage the falcon… you won’t get as large of a payment for your hard work!
Rise of the Resistance
This incredible trackless ride takes place during an epic battle between the First Order and Resistance with massive real-life sets and Audio-Animatronics setting the scene. In fact, Rise of the Resistance is such a big deal that we’ve compiled a huge guide devoted entirely to this new e-ticket attraction and how to ride it. Guests feel like they are hurtling through a massive Star Destroyer as they are being pursued by the First Order. In one scene riders face massive two story tall AT-AT figures and dodge through their legs below. In another scene, guests come face to face with Kylo Ren in an interrogation. This is a must do for Star Wars fans!
Star Wars Shopping at Disneyland
The village of Black Spire Outpost in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge consists of small storefronts that are stuffed with props to make them appear like vendor stalls. Each shop has an elaborate backstory and is run by a colorful character from the Star Wars universe.
The merchandise aims to be completely immersive by making it look like it was either hand-sewn by locals, put together from spare parts in a droid junkyard, or collected from high profile Star Wars locations in the galaxy.
Shops you can find in the marketplace area of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge include:
- The Creature Stall
- Black Spire Outpost
- The Toydarian Toymaker
- The Jewels of Bith
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
The theme of Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities is that of a rare collector selling items that represent various eras of the Star Wars universe such as ancient Jedi and Sith artifacts, lightsabers, holocrons, and more.
Droid Depot
The Droid Depot is where guests can build their own personal droids that will act as their friends throughout Black Spire Outpost. Guests can build their own R-series or BB-series droids along with other droid varieties. These droids will be capable of interacting with the immersive elements of Batuu making them a popular merchandise option. Read our full review of Droid Depot to see why we loved this experience.
Savi’s Workshop
This is where you can come to build your lightsabers! This secretive group of people who run this shop, the Gathers, have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of the Jedi and the Force. Read my full review to see if the price tag of the this experience is worth it!
First Order Cargo
If the First Order is your style, guests can display their allegiance and choose among gear and supplies that the 709th Legion brought with them to First Order Cargo.
Resistance Supply
Guests can find gear that showcases their Resistance loyalty with clothing, badges, and more at the Resistance Supply. The Resistance Supply is located in the Resistance Forest area of the land near what will be the entrance to the Rise of the Resistance attraction.
Star Traders in Tomorrowland
Star Traders in Tomorrowland is also home to an abundance of Star Wars merchandise. This is the store that you exit out of when you get off the attraction Star Tours. While the shop also includes general Disneyland merchandise, a significant amount of the store is devoted to Star Wars.
Star Wars Shopping Downtown Disney
You can also find Star Wars merchandise in Downtown Disney including access to items you would normally find in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
Star Wars Trading Post
Disney has converted the old Rainforest Cafe building into a Star Wars shop themed to look like a hidden jungle Resistance base. Inside the store you can find all the Star Wars merchandise you could typically find in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge along with gear inspired by The Mandalorian.
Star Wars Launch Bay
Star Wars Launch Bay is still unavailable but will likely reopen at a later date. We will update this guide when we have more information on the future of Star Wars Launch Bay!
The Star Wars Launch Bay is the mothership for all things Star Wars at the Disneyland Resort. Located right next to Space Mountain in Tomorrowland this is a great place to take a break from the heat in the afternoon. This attraction is all indoors and air conditioned so this is a great place to go for an afternoon break.
Currently, they are showing a huge exhibition of themed displays that show guests behind-the-scenes of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. There are many galleries to look at that show actual props borrowed from Lucasfilm and replicas created just for the Star Wars Launch Bay. It is every Star Wars fan’s dream come true. Not only are there galleries of themed displays but there are also settings inspired by the films that fans can take photo ops in.
The Launch Bay typically has documentaries on various Star Wars topics. Currently, they are showing a documentary on the Force and the creative time behind the Star Wars movies. There is also a video game area with the latest Star Wars games so fans can test out their skills!
Characters in Star Wars Launch Bay
Luckily for Star Wars fans, most of our favorite characters are found in one place. We have tracked down every character and a rough estimation of their appearance locations and times. As always, we recommend you download the Disneyland app to help you track character times and appearances!
Chewbacca
You can find Chewbacca meeting guests in the Star Wars Launch Bay: Light Side. Chewy is one of the most reliable character meet and greets as he is typically occupying this space throughout the day and evening.
Darth Vader
You can find Darth Vader intimidating guests in the Star Wars Launch Bay: Dark Side. Keep in mind this Darth Vader is VERY in character- he might be a bit scary for little ones. He is also a reliable character experience meeting guests throughout the day and evening.
Rey
Rey is a new character experience this summer at the Disneyland Resort and because of that she has been VERY popular. Not to worry, though, so far her character times have been quite consistent throughout the day. You can find her in the Star Wars Launch Bay: Light Side.
Kylo Ren
Kylo Ren, just like Darth Vader, is a bit intimidating in person. Keep that in mind for the real small kiddos and make sure they can handle his imposing presence. You can meet him at the Star Wars Launch Bay: Dark Side at various times throughout the day. Make sure to keep an eye on the app!
Boba Fett
Boba Fett is a bit harder to track down as his character times are random throughout the day. Keep an eye on the app to get a chance to meet him! Often his times do not last long and his lines form quickly. You can typically find him in the Star Wars Launch Bay.
Captain Phasma and Stormtroopers
One of the most popular character additions in Tomorrowland is the entrance of Captain Phasma and her crew of Stormtroopers walking along to the Imperial March. Captain Phasma typically won’t stop for photo ops, at least as we’ve seen so far, but the stormtroopers wandering around Tomorrowland usually will.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
This show has been discontinued and we are unsure if this experience will return. Keep checking back for details!
If you have kids aged 4-12 then do NOT let them miss out on this awesome experience. At the Jedi Academy, little jedis will be trained, robed, and outfitted with lightersabers as they prepare to duel Darth Vader, the Seventh Sister, or Kylo Ren. This experience is fantastic and kids love it. And the adults are so envious! Even if you don’t have kids participating, it’s a great show to watch.
Here is how this experience pans out:
- Register your kiddo immediately at park opening to make sure they get a spot. If you’re following our early morning strategy, do this first and continue throughout your day. Registration takes place on the side of Star Wars Launch Bay closest to Autotopia. You will see the signs with a choice of times for the day. Times vary between 9AM-5PM. Pick whichever works best with your crew. The sooner you get there- the more likely your kid snags a spot and the better choice of times you get!
- Come back at the time given to you on the piece of paper from the cast member. Don’t lose this paper!
- The cast members will robe your kiddos and get them prepared with their lightsabers. There will be many PhotoPass pictures taken for this experience so make sure to get a PhotoPass card from the photographers.
- Once your kid is situated with the cast members, go grab your seat! The stage is located right next to the Galactic Grill. The kids are separated from the general crowd with the cast members so they are in good hands. Don’t miss out on getting that front row view!
- Once the show starts, cast members/Jedi Masters will bring the kids out and get them organized. They will lead them through some practice lightsaber moves before they are interrupted by a dramatic entrance from some Sith lords.
- This is when your kiddo will get their chance to battle Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, or the Seventh Sister. The cast members do a great job with the kids to make sure they know what to do and are comfortable with the experience. All you have to do is sit back and watch the show!
This experience is fantastic. If you have kids in this age range, don’t miss out! Afterwards they’ll be given a cool button to keep and lots of photos of their epic battle with the Dark Side. This is a definite must if you have Star Wars fans! Check out our most recent experience with this training here.
Let Us Help You Plan Your Vacation!
There is always a lot of information to consider before planning an Disneyland vacation. Make sure to spend time planning your days in the theme parks and become familiar with everything Disneyland has to offer. Don’t forget to subscribe to our FREE Deals Newsletter to stay on top of the current planning tips, strategies, and deals.
You can discover more about planning your trip to Disneyland from these links:
- Ultimate Guide to Marvel at California Adventure
- How to Plan Your Disneyland Trip
- Disneyland in the Summer
- 40+ Places to Find Cheap Food in Disneyland
- Top 25+ Things in Disneyland for Teens
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