With the announcement of a new Star Wars land back in 2015, many fans set their sights on 2019 and the anticipated opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. To help pass the time, we’ve got all the latest Star Wars news and updates to help tide you over.
But Star Wars fans don’t have to wait until then because you can find Star Wars at Disney World right now!
From attractions to characters to amazing nighttime entertainment, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is loaded with opportunities for you to connect to your Rebel Side (or even your Dark Side).
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Here’s what you can expect…
In this article (click for table of contents)
Where can you find Star Wars at Disney World?
Most of the Star Wars-themed attractions, characters, merchandise, and entertainment offerings are found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (which is also where the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land is being constructed), but you can also find a dedicated Star Wars shop as well as a new immersive Star Wars experience in Disney Springs.
Hollywood Studios Star Wars attractions
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
This *is* the land you are looking for.
With 2 new attractions, several dining locations, and plenty of places to shop, the planet of Batuu will be the main go-to spot for all things Star Wars.
We cover everything there is to know about it in our Complete Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Looking for some advice to help make your time there go more smoothly? We have Galaxy’s Edge planning tips, too.
Star Wars Launch Bay
This attraction allows guests to interact with beloved Star Wars characters, tour galleries of memorabilia and replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, shop for special Star Wars merchandise at Launch Bay Cargo, and play the latest Star Wars interactive video games.
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody, especially Star Wars fans
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: Anytime, although waits are shorter in the morning
Tips: Both Darth Vader and Chewbacca will speak to you at their meet & greets, so you might want to brush up on your Wookie. BB-8 just kind of sits there and does his BB-8 stuff.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
This outdoor show allows young Padawans to master their Jedi skills before facing off against forces from the Dark Side.
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: Sign up @ park opening
Tips: This has traditionally been a fairly competitive event. Registration to participate is located at the Indiana Jones Adventurers Outpost store, and for the best opportunity to secure a spot sign up as close to park opening as possible. Check out our how-to guide for Jedi Training for more tips and suggestions.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
3D flight simulator that takes guests through one of dozens of different Star Wars experiences including new characters and adventures from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: 40″
Suitable for: Anybody 40″ or taller who can handle simulators and some rough movement.
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: The exit area is a great gift shop.
Star Wars: Path of the Jedi (operates seasonally)
This brief film allows Star Wars fans to relive the stories of Star Wars Episodes I-VII.
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? For Star Wars fans
When to visit: Park opening – park closing
Tips: Perfect for people that would like to get caught up or need a refresher of the Star Wars saga.
Hollywood Studios Star Wars characters
BB-8 Astromech on Duty (character meet)
Height req.: none
When to visit: Park opening – park closing
Darth Vader (character meet)
Height req.: none
When to visit: Park opening – park closing
(note: this character meet is also available as an exclusive character encounter for Disney Visa Debit & Credit Cardmembers. The line for the cardmembers only experience is generally shorter than the standard line so we recommend that one if you have a Disney Visa Debit or Credit Card.)
Chewbacca (character meet)
Height req.: None
When to visit: Park opening – park closing
Hollywood Studios Star Wars entertainment
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
One of the best parts of Star Wars at Disney World is this enhanced show that showcases pyrotechnics, special effects, and video projections, in addition to spectacular fireworks, all set to music from the Star Wars film franchise.
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Fans of Star Wars and anyone that loves nighttime shows
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: As scheduled (nighttime entertainment)
Tips: In order to see all of the projections, you will need to find a place close to the courtyard in front of the Chinese Theater. Check out these maps to see suggestions for the best viewing spots. You can also get reserved seating by booking the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party.
Hollywood Studios Star Wars merchandise
Outside of the planet of Batuu (which is inside Galaxy’s Edge), the place to purchase all of your favorite Star Wars merchandise at Hollywood Studios is at the appropriately named Tatooine Traders.
Located at the exit of Star Tours, you’ll find everything from themed Lego sets to light sabers to art.
Tatooine Traders does have a limited selection of collectible Star Wars items, but for a wider selection you’ll want to check out Star Wars Launch Bay Cargo. There you’ll find items for the serious (and not-so-serious) Star Wars collectors.
Disney Springs Star Wars merchandise and attractions
Star Wars Galactic Outpost
Located at the West Side area of Disney Springs, the Star Wars Galactic Outpost is a handy shop filled with some of the most popular Star Wars clothing, toys, and collectibles.
Star Wars Trading Post
This Star Wars themed shop is located in the Market Place area of Disney Springs. Apparel, accessories, toys and Star Wars plush items are all available here.
Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire
Virtual reality has come a long ways and with the introduction of The VOID in Disney Springs, Star Wars fans now have a way to experience Star Wars like never before.
Using the magic of virtual reality, guests of The VOID’s Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will find themselves immersed in the world of their favorite movies as they don’t just watch the story unfold – they become a part of it.
Tickets for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire are available now on The VOID’s website.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel (no opening date set yet)
Location: south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, just to the east of World Drive.
This new resort will be a “living adventure” that will allow guests to totally immerse themselves into all things Star Wars. Guests will check in for a 2 day immersive adventure.
Unlike anything else on property (or likely anything else around the world), this new resort will be 100% immersive, letting Star Wars fans of all ages become a part of the story.
The California Coaster Kings website tracked down some permits that show a preliminary layout of the new resort. Check out their website for lots more detailed analysis!
Star Wars: Galactic Nights (seasonal experience)
Star Wars: Galactic Nights is a one night only, family-friendly Star Wars-themed event hosted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
In 2019, Disney mixed things up a little bit and offered a similarly-themed event during one of their popular Disney After Hours nights for May the Fourth. While not exactly the same, there were a lot of similarities with the event including themed treats and merchandise as well as character meets.
Here’s what happened at the last Galactic Night’s event back in 2018:
Day: May 27th, 2018
Time: 7:00 pm – midnight
Cost: $129/adult, $124/child Guests could purchase Star Wars: Galactic Nights tickets online.
What is included:
You’ll find lots of Star Wars fun packed into the evening but these are a few of the highlights:
Exclusive Solo: A Star Wars Story inspired content
With the release of the much anticipated Solo: A Star Wars Story happening on May 25th, Star Wars: Galactic Nights will feature some exclusive content during the evening’s festivities.
Actor Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca) will be making a special appearance, and the event’s Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far, Away presentation will debut some new video moments from the movie. And, don’t forget the merchandise!
Special projection show on the Hollywood Tower Hotel
In addition to Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (which is shown on the front of the Chinese Theater) guests will be treated to a new projection show done especially for this night. This new show, called Star Wars: Destinations will transform the front of the Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes from your favorite Star Wars movies.
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
Star Wars: Galactic Nights wouldn’t be complete without this popular show. Catch it at the Chinese Theater and new for 2018 will be the debut of new enhancements to this popular show.
Star Wars characters
Guests can expect to see all the regulars at Star Wars Launch Bay (BB-8, Kylo Ren, Darth Vader, and Chewbacca). In addition, guests are likely to spot Storm Troopers, Ewoks, and AWR Troopers.
Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
This one-night-only panel discussion will take you behind the scenes of the all new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge section of Hollywood Studios. A panel of Imagineers will be joined by David Collins (veteran Star Wars voice actor) as they take you on a journey into the development of this exciting new land.
Attractions
In addition to all the Star Wars fun, the following attractions will be open for guests to enjoy – many with a special “Star Wars twist”:
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Star Wars Launch Bay
- Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Toy Story Mania!
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Walt Disney Presents
Jedi Training
This popular daytime event will hold several sessions during Star Wars: Galactic Nights
Additional offerings
There will be lots more to see and do during the night (including special photo opportunities, special food items, and a dance party) plus there are opportunities to upgrade your experience with special dining packages and wine seminars (about Skywalker Vinyards, of course!).
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So, what do you think? Are you looking forward to experiencing Star Wars at Disney World on your next trip? Got questions about what you can find? Let us know in the comments.
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9 Comments
I’m trying to find out info about the Star Wars Guided Tours for our trip in April, but it isn’t listed as an option on the Special Events and Tours on the WDW website. Is it no longer an option?
How can I buy tickets for Star Wars openinging September 1-3
Disney Finally Going To Serve Exotic Foods From Star Wars At Their Restaurant https://www.rapidrationale.com/2019/05/disney-finally-going-to-serve-exotic.html
Should we call and move our reservations? I’m a HUGE Star Wars nerd. But we planned our very first Disney trip with grandparents the 5-12 of September to take advantage of free dining and AVOID CROWDS. I’m seriously considering moving our trip two weeks, going the end of August. What kind of work is involved with that? (We’ve already booked at pop, made AD reservations etc.) would you suggest we move everything around?
Is the star wars upgrade to vacation package worth the money?? The reservation lady said it comes with a costume, door banner, jedi training early sign up and special edition medallion after special mission is completed. I feel like it will be worth it but wanted other opinions.
It sounds like the Cast Member combined 2 things when talking to you. 1.) The Star Wars Rebel Adventure from Disney Floral that delivers Star Wars items to your room, and 2.) The Star Wars Guided Tour at Hollywood Studios.
Not sure if they’re worth it, but I’ve had only great experiences with Disney World tours and Disney Floral.
We will be at WDW Dec 9-16, which I just realized coincides with the release on the new Star Wars movie on 12/15. Can we expect anything special at HS/WDW to celebrate the movie release? Luckily, since that is our last day at the parks we have not pre-planned much beyond a final morning at AK so we have flexibility…
There is! Star Wars: Galactic Nights will take place on December 16. https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/09/star-wars-galactic-nights-returns-to-disneys-hollywood-studios-december-16/
Oh that looks amazing…but unfortunately our last day at the parks is Fri 12/15, we will be driving home on the 16th….