Credit: rickpilot_2000, FlickrWalt Disney World Resort has confirmed plans for a virtual queue at one theme park next month.
Virtual queues have proven divisive in the Disney park community. Some guests see them as a way to avoid hours-long standby lines when high-demand attractions, such as TRON Lightcycle / Run, first opened. Others argue they create added stress, require early wake-up times, and leave access to in-demand rides feeling limited and unpredictable.
Fortunately, Disney World is currently virtual queue-free for attractions, having switched Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure from virtual to standby lines in early 2025.
But next month, one virtual queue will be mandatory for certain guests.
Disney Confirms Virtual Queue Details
Both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs will receive new virtual queues in May.
The queues are for those hoping to purchase May the 4th (aka Star Wars Day)Ā merchandise.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the queue will open at 7 a.m. ET, with access restricted to those holding a valid park admission and, if required, a reservation. Distribution will take place at the Mickey Shorts Theater. While the latter usually hosts Vacation Fun ā An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie, this is closing temporarily from April 29. No reopening date has been confirmed.
A second virtual queue will also launch at Disney Springs at 9 a.m. ET the same day, offering another opportunity to purchase the merchandise without needing a park ticket.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will also be able to use merchandise mobile checkout via the My Disney Experience app, allowing them to scan items as they shop and pay directly from their phone, helping streamline purchases amid the expected Star Wars Day crowds.
Over on the West Coast, fans can enjoy early access to the collection during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite on April 28 and 30. The May the 4th Logo Collection is also available on DisneyStore.com.
Guests previously waited in similar virtual queues in 2025. Last year, Star Wars Day merchandise was sold at the Stage 1 Company Store in Muppets Courtyard. However, this entire area was closed to guests on June 7 to make way for the upcoming addition of aĀ Monsters, Inc.Ā land.
Virtual queues were also used for Star Wars Day in 2024, when merchandise was also sold at the now-defunct Stage 1 Company Store.
Earlier this month, Disney also confirmed the use of a virtual queue for merchandise sales at the 2026 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend.
Do you plan on buying Star Wars Day merchandise in 2026?
