Now, a decade later, and the Star Wars universe has expanded exponentially with a dozen new Disney+ Original series in the works thanks to the foundation laid by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni’s The Mandalorian, multiple new movies on the horizon, the (albeit divisive) sequel trilogy — which introduced new characters Rey (Daisy Ridley), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), and Finn (John Boyega) alongside icons like Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) — and, of course, Star Wars: Galaxy Edge.
The 14-acre Disney Parks expansion can be found at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.
When the two Star Wars lands opened — on May 31, 2019, at Disneyland and on August 29, 2019, at Disney World — Star Wars fans could literally step into a galaxy far, far away for the very first time. The experience? Nothing short of incredible.
Galaxy’s Edge is themed to transport Guests to the Outer Rim planet of Batuu, home to Black Spire Outpost, which is described as:
Black Spire Outpost was located on the planet Batuu in the Outer Rim Territories and was considered one of the last stops before Wild Space and the Unknown Regions. The outpost consisted of a spaceport, a cantina [Oga’s Cantina], and a market. Its population was around four to five hundred by the time of the Clone Wars.
The land’s backstory, to be fair, is rich, detailed, and, frankly, amazing if you’re a proverbial “Star Wars person.” But, for those who don’t fall into this category, the lack of familiar characters beyond Chewbacca, Rey, and Kylo Ren isn’t necessarily appealing.
Where can fans meet Star Wars characters at Disney World?
Credit: Disney
Fortunately for Star Wars fans who want to meet Star Wars characters who aren’t in the sequels, Disney World’s Star Wars Launch Bay offers meet and greets with Darth Vader and, on occasion, notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett.
Here, we dive into exactly how — and where — to meet Star Wars characters at Walt Disney World Resort.
Star Wars Launch Bay
The Star Wars Launch Bay is an attraction located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Following its closure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Star Wars meet and greet area is officially open again as of July 17, 2022.
A celebration of the legendary space saga, Star Wars Launch Bay is your place for a warm embrace with Chewbacca, a face-to-droid encounter with BB-8 or a run-in with Darth Vader himself for those brave enough.
The Ultimate Insider’s Guide Explore immersive exhibits of costumes, models, concept artwork and actual movie props—as well as authentic replicas created just for Star Wars Launch Bay.
Watch an exclusive short documentary on the creative team behind the ever-evolving story. Explore a Cantina and other settings inspired by the films, then share a furry embrace with Chewbacca, Han Solo’s trusty sidekick.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can you meet characters at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?,” the short answer is yes. As previously noted, Rey, Chewbacca, and Kylo Ren are all available to Guests at various times.
Credit: Disney
Visitors on Batuu may also run into First Order stormtroopers and Vi Moradi, Princess Leia’s spy who was created specifically as part of the Galaxy’s Edge backstory.
Rey is a roaming character and, as such, does not have a specific meet and greet time at Disney World currently. The planDisney panel did, however, give some insight as to where Guests might find the sometimes elusive Resistance fighter:
We look forward to welcoming you to Batuu. As you may know, Rey is one of our most valued Resistance fighters. As such, we often must protect her whereabouts so that First Order operatives do not locate her. Occasionally, she makes an appearance to relay vital information to other Resistance forces, to inspire us to continue the Cause.
On our last visit, we were fortunate to catch a glimpse of Rey on Batuu in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Our girls were in awe. As we scouted the area, we encountered several members of the Resistance and found ourselves confronted by members of the First Order as we waited to meet the Gatherers in Savi’s workshop. Later on during that same visit, silence ensued as stormtroopers entered Oga’s Cantina. I am proud to report that no one revealed the details of the secret Resistance base.
Meet Kylo Ren at Disney World
Credit: Disney
Kylo Ren, again, does not have a specific meet and greet time at Disney World. However, Guests can get up close to him when he exits his ship at various times of day. Per planDisney:
The show, Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away, is a live-action adventure packed with the greatest and most powerful Star Wars characters! Kylo Ren takes center stage, this is a must-see for the future Knights of Ren.
Kylo often takes part in searching for a Rebel Spy during Star Tours- The Adventures Continue! Kylo can also be found during Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. These are two of my favorite rides, and any Ben Solo enthusiast would think the same!
Are there characters on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?
Rey, Chewbacca, and Kylo Ren are all a part of the Galactic Starcruiser story, for example. However, the first-of-its-kind Resort hotel — which makes Guests feel as though they are literally flying through the galaxy on a two-night adventure that goes “horribly, horribly wrong” — also has many other brand new Star Wars characters available.
Halcyon passengers are welcome to interact with all of these characters, both human and alien, as if they were actually passengers on a luxury starliner in the Star Wars universe.
Credit: Disney
Below, you can find a list of key characters who currently appear on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyages:
Captain Riyola Keevan
Cruise Director Lenka Mok
Mechanic Sammie
First Order Lt. Harmon Croy
Astromch Droid SK-360
Twi’lek Superstar Singer Gaya
Gaya’s Manager Raithe Kole
Gaya’s Rhodian Friend and Bandmate Ouannii
Guest Virtual Assistant D3-09
Who is your favorite Star Wars character at Disney World?
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Credit: Disney
