Credit: Inside The MagicDisney’s Hollywood Studios has officially closed Launch Bay, a popular Star Wars location inside of Disney World, where you were able to experience a few things, including meeting Darth Vader and Chewbacca. But now, are those opportunities gone for good? Let’s find out.
Disney World Closes Star Wars location: What Happened to Vader and Chewbacca?
It was the kind of moment that makes fans stop in their tracks: a piece of Disney’s Hollywood Studios history quietly vanished overnight. For years, Animation Courtyard and Star Wars Launch Bay gave guests a place to step into the galaxy far, far away. But as the sun rose yesterday, the courtyard gates closed for good, marking the end of an era and the start of a dramatic new chapter.
What does this mean for guests? For many, it feels like saying goodbye to a familiar home base—a spot where generations of parkgoers shared laughs, posed for unforgettable photos, and connected with beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Yet Disney rarely closes a door without opening another, and these fan-favorite figures aren’t disappearing. Instead, they’re stepping into new homes that will reshape how visitors experience them inside the park.
In this article, we’ll break down what exactly changed, where you can now meet these legendary characters, and the insider tips that will help you make the most of Disney’s newest adjustments. Whether you’re planning your very first trip or you’re a veteran Disney pro, these updates can save you time, unlock hidden magic, and keep your vacation running smoothly.
What’s New: Launch Bay Officially Closes
An interesting chapter in Disney’s Hollywood Studios history came to an end yesterday when Animation Courtyard and Star Wars Launch Bay officially closed. While the spaces had lost some of their original sparkle over the years, they remained staples for character meet-and-greets.
The biggest draw? Guests could line up to hug Chewbacca or lock eyes with Darth Vader—a bucket-list moment for countless Star Wars fans. Now, as construction kicks off for the upcoming Magic of Disney Animation attraction, these characters have shifted locations.
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Chewbacca has moved into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, now greeting fans near the iconic Millennium Falcon.
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Darth Vader has relocated to Echo Lake, where he’s appearing just steps away from Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.
Disney officials have not confirmed exact reopening dates for new attractions in Animation Courtyard, but this transition signals yet another bold step in Hollywood Studios’ ongoing transformation.
How to Meet Chewbacca and Darth Vader Now
The closures may feel bittersweet, but guests still have opportunities to meet these iconic characters—if they know where to look.
Here’s a look at the updated digital map of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay is now closed to make way for The Magic of Disney Animation opening next year. Darth Vader is now meeting guests near Star Tours. – @ScottGustin on X
Here’s a look at the updated digital map of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay is now closed to make way for The Magic of Disney Animation opening next year. Darth Vader is now meeting guests near Star Tours. pic.twitter.com/rKI37GMLwl
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 25, 2025
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Chewbacca Meet-and-Greet: While Chewie used to wander Galaxy’s Edge, he now has a permanent spot near the Millennium Falcon. Check the My Disney Experience app for updated times before heading over. Lines form quickly, so arriving early is your best bet.
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Darth Vader Meet-and-Greet: Fans can now encounter the Dark Lord of the Sith near Star Tours. This is a particularly convenient shift, as it allows fans to pair the ride with a face-to-face meeting. Afternoon hours tend to be less crowded.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider using Lightning Lane to prioritize other major attractions while slotting character meet-and-greets during downtime.
Insider Hacks and Hidden Character Secrets
Frequent visitors know that not all character encounters are created equal. Here are some overlooked ways to maximize your time:
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Avoid the rush: Late evenings often see lighter crowds, making interactions more personal.
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PhotoPass magic shots: Ask photographers in Galaxy’s Edge for Star Wars–themed overlays to make your Chewbacca pictures stand out.
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Roaming surprises: While Chewie now has a home base, Rey and Stormtroopers still patrol Galaxy’s Edge unpredictably. Hang around for spontaneous moments.
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Alternate access points: If Galaxy’s Edge feels too congested, slip in via the Grand Avenue entrance—this path often has fewer crowds.
Why This Matters for Disney Fans
Beyond logistics, the closure of Launch Bay represents something bigger: Disney’s ability to evolve while still holding onto fan nostalgia. For longtime parkgoers, Launch Bay was more than a meet-and-greet—it was a portal to their favorite galaxy. Its closure reflects Hollywood Studios’ continuous transformation into a modern, immersive park experience.
The move also reveals Disney’s priorities: consolidating Star Wars characters into Galaxy’s Edge and giving each figure a permanent, high-traffic location. Social media has already lit up with mixed reactions—some celebrating easier access to characters, others mourning the loss of a beloved courtyard tradition.
One thing is certain: these updates are reshaping the guest experience, making character encounters more integrated into their themed lands rather than tucked away.
The Bottom Line for Disney Star Wars Fans
The closure of Animation Courtyard and Star Wars Launch Bay is bittersweet, but it marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With Chewbacca and Darth Vader now in fresh locations, fans still have every opportunity to meet their favorites—if they plan wisely.
✨ Planning a trip soon? Make sure to double-check schedules, use the Disney app, and keep your camera ready—because the Force is always strongest when you least expect it.