How to Meet Star Wars Characters at Disney World
Kylo Ren and First Order Stormtroopers at Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios
Where and When to Find Star Wars Characters at Disney World
Knowing where to find Star Wars characters at Disney World can enhance your vacation. With optimized planning you can save time (and energy) so you aren’t wasting time running all over the park and waiting in lines. Let's break it down by location. Star Wars Characters can only be found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars Launch Bay
The entrance to Star Wars Launch Bay as seen behind the Hollywood Studios sign.
Located to the right of the Chinese Theater, just beyond The Brown Derby Lounge, Star Wars Launch Bay is a must for Star Wars fans. In the Star Wars Launch Bay, you'll find Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and BB-8. Each character has their own meet and greet experience in the Launch Bay. You will need to wait in line for each character and there are no Virtual queues or Lightning Lanes available.
Historically, average wait times are as follows:
Chewbacca: 19 minutes
BB-8: 16 minutes
Darth Vader: 24 minutes
Wait times may vary based on time of year and time of day. In personal experience, I’ve seen the wait time for Darth Vader as long as 45 minutes.
Star Wars Launch Bay also features movie props from various Star Wars films, including Rey’s Speeder from The Force Awakens.
As for when you can meet these characters, the Star Wars Launch Bay meet & greets, featuring Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and BB-8, operate from 9am to 7pm. But remember, schedules can change, so always double-check the latest timings using the My Disney Experience app or by asking a Cast Member.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: Now, if you're looking for a more immersive Star Wars experience, Galaxy's Edge is the place to be. Here, you can encounter Mando and Grogu (mainly around the Marketplace and surrounding area), Rey, Chewbacca, Vi Moradi (Resistance Spy), Kylo Ren, and Stormtroopers.
Storm Troopers look at a Princess in Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge is not your typical Walt Disney World Character meet and greet. The characters are “roaming” the land. While there may be opportunities for the characters to pose for photos with you or your children, it is more likely you will have an unforgettable immersive interaction. Always keep your camera handy for photos and videos to capture the moments!
One of the best character moments I’ve had at Walt Disney World occurred in Galaxy’s Edge when the Stormtroopers took caution to not wake the sleeping baby I was carrying!
Disney notes the characters can be seen from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, but it’s very hit or miss and there is no guarantee you will see all (or any) of them at a given time. Our family has been to the area multiple days in a row without seeing Rey in Galaxy’s Edge. Further, I’ve personally never seen any of the main characters (Mando, Grogu, Rey, Chewbacca or Kylo Ren) after 7 pm.
Disney World is a place where magic happens, and part of that magic is bringing the Star Wars universe to life. With this guide, you're well-prepared to meet Star Wars characters at Disney World, create unforgettable memories, and bring home your own piece of the Star Wars galaxy.
So, buckle up, get your lightsabers ready, and may the Force be with you as you embark on your Star Wars adventure at Disney World!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are there any Star Wars characters at other Walt Disney World Parks or Resorts?
No. You can only see Star Wars characters at Hollywood Studios when visiting Walt Disney World.
Do Star Wars characters sign autographs?
No. Due to the immersive nature of the experience, Star Wars characters do not sign autographs.
Are there any character dining experiences with Star Wars characters?
No. While there are food opportunities throughout Galaxy’s Edge, there are no traditional character dining experiences.
