May The Fourth Be With You – How to Celebrate Star Wars Day

Photo Source: Walt Disney World Star Wars - Walt Disney World official media photo

If you’re a fan of Disney or the Star Wars saga, you’re likely already rather familiar with Star Wars Day. May 4th has become known as Star Wars Day, carrying the tagline, "May the Fourth be with you."

The connection to "May the Fourth Be With You" might surprise you. The phrase dates back to 1979 when British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was elected on May 4th. An ad in a local newspaper read, "May The Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations." The similarity to "May The Force Be With You" was immediately noticed years later as fans began setting aside May 4th as a day celebrating Star Wars. The first known organized Star Wars Day event was held in Toronto in 2011. The Toronto Underground Cinema organized a Star Wars film festival and costume contest. From there, celebrations began popping up globally.

If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate, or need some tips on how to put on your own Star Wars celebration at home, here are some ideas to get you started.

Go to Disneyland or Walt Disney World

Disney has temporarily discontinued their Star Wars Weekends in May and June, while construction of Star Wars Land gets off the ground. But, you can still celebrate Star Wars Day at either Disneyland or Walt Disney World! Right now, Disney is hosting "Season of the Force" as somewhat of a stopgap until Star Wars Land opens.

During "Season of the Force," you’ll find special Star Wars character experiences like meeting Darth Vader or Chewbacca. Check out the themed galleries with loads of props and models of starships used throughout the Star Wars saga. One of the biggest additions for the "Season of the Force" is the Star Wars overlay on the popular Space Mountain attraction. The new Hyperspace Mountain launches you into a galaxy far, far away where you’ll be in the middle of an action-packed battle between Rebel X-wings and Imperial TIE fighters. The Old Tomorrowland Terrace eatery has been transformed into the Galactic Grill with themed menu items inspired by the Star Wars saga.

Finally, be sure to pick up a Star Wars themed souvenir like a BB-8 sipper or TIE Fighter popcorn bucket to commemorate your Star Wars Day celebration.

LEGOLAND Windsor, United Kingdom

If there’s a chance you’ll be in the United Kingdom this May, head to LEGOLAND Windsor for the three-day Star Wars Days event. There’s a costume contest, LEGO model exhibits, interactive events, parades, and more.

Throw a Star Wars Themed Party

If you live on Pinterest like many of us do, you probably already know there are lots of cool Star Wars themed foods and craft projects for you to try to make at home. Many bakeries and stores also sell readymade Star Wars treats and goodies as well, if you aren’t the crafty type. Invite all your friends over and have a Star Wars movie marathon.

Star Wars Day Toronto

Head to where the first organized Star Wars Day event was held – Toronto! Join in the costume contest, participate in the Star Wars Trivia Game Show, and more. This year, the event is being held at the Hard Rock Café at Yonge St. and Dundas Square. Be sure to follow StarWarsDayTO on Facebook for more updates.

If you’re looking for more inspiration or other ways to celebrate Star Wars Day, no matter where you are in the world, check out the official Star Wars website. There you’ll find a whole section devoted to everything helping fans celebrate on May the 4th.

How do you celebrate May 4th?

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Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.