All Things Star Wars at Disney World
Like many who venture to Disney World each year, my family is huge Star Wars fans. See my daughter’s Chewbacca themed third birthday here. Anytime we visit Walt Disney World, we always find time to visit the Star Wars at Hollywood Studios including the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
This post was originally published in April 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated as of September 2019 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Where to Find Star Wars at Disney World
Star Wars attractions can be found at Hollywood Studios at Disney World in Orlando, FL. From fun character meet and greets and photo ops to two immersive ride (with a third opening this December), there is lots to see and do. Hollywood Studios, formerly MGM, is home to all things Star Wars at Disney World.
Star Wars Launch Bay: Where to Meet Star Wars Characters at Disney World
Hollywood Studios is home to Star Wars Launch Bay which houses meet and greets with Darth Vader, Chewbacca and BB8. Wait times vary, but usually are pretty moderate 10-30 minutes. Kylo Ren is also available in the Disney Visa Chase Photo Op (inside Launch Bay). Read why you should get a Disney Chase Visa Card. You can view a movie featuring clips from all Star Wars movies. Lastly, take a tour around the gallery which houses full scale replicas, costumes and other neat Star Wars memorabilia.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge is a fully immersive Star Wars world set on Batuu, in a galaxy far far away. This new, strange planet is home to a Resistance Base where you’ll find Rey, Chewbacca, and other fun characters casually strolling around. Be sure to take a photo in front of the iconic Millennium Falcon, before riding Smuggler’s Run which puts you in the pilot’s seat. Also, try the famed blue or green milk (add a shot of rum for adults) and enjoy the various new food and drink options within this exciting land. Another new ride, Rise of the Resistance opens this December.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge 
Trying the Blue Milk at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge 
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge PhotoPass Shot
Where to Meet Stormtroopers in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
If you want to meet Stormtroopers, head to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. On the “empire” side you’ll notice Stromtroopers randomly patrolling the area. Set times are not listed and the characters will not always stop for the photo, but their interactions are very genuine and fun to play along with. If you really want a good interaction, it’s best to wear or say something about being a rebel. You just may be taken captive and escorted elsewhere.
Star Wars: A Galaxay Far, Far Away
Following the march, there’s an epic show called Star Wars: A Galaxay Far, Far Away that happens right in front of the Chinese Theater. This show includes video and sound clips of your favorite Star Wars movies, mixed with live action appearances from Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Bobba Fett, Rey, BB8, C3PO, R2D2 and more.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
Next to the Star Tours attraction, there is a small stage for the Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple experience. Even if you don’t have a child involved in the show, it’s still fun to watch. Anyone who is ‘force sensitive’ between the ages of 4-12 can participate in this show for free. You do have to sign up as space is limited.
The sign up location is near the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. Spots generally fill up first thing in the morning, and your child must be present with you to sign up. They will ASK your child how old they are since the age restrictions are well enforced. Upon signing up, you will choose a time slot for later in the day and will be asked to return about 30 minutes prior to ‘show time’.
I recommend signing up for a night time show as the sabers and special effects look SO COOL at night! They provide a Jedi robe and lightsaber for your child to use. Each kid battles either Darth Vader or Kylo Ren in a real lightsaber fight. A PhotoPass photographer will capture shots from the entire show, and each participate will receive a pin commemorating their completion of Jedi Training.
Ride Star Tours at Hollywood Studios
Star Tours brings the movie to life in a 3D motion adventure. With 178 different adventure variations, it’s guaranteed that no two rides will be alike. Though there is a 40” height requirement, older kids and adults will love this ride. Be sure to sit in the second or third row (toward the middle) if you want to increase your chances of being pictured as the “rebel spy” in the opening.
Can’t Miss Star Wars Photo Ops at Disney World
Aside from meeting the characters, there are lots of fun photo ops. Check out the speeder photo spot across from Star Tours. The “coming soon” sign for the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opening August 29th 2019 is a fun backdrop for pictures too. Try stopping by the gift shop at the exit of Star Tours which has awesome walls just like those in Tatttooine.
Meeting Rey at Disney World (plus other rare Star Wars Characters)
You can also snag a picture with rare characters during their march to the stage before the start of each show. I didn’t mention these in the ‘Meet Characters’ section because they are RARE and not guaranteed. Stand near the bathrooms by Launch Bay 5 minutes before show time. Or wait by the right hand side of the stage near the stairs to see all of the characters as they walk up. We’ve grabbed photos with Rey here before! If the show is cancelled due to rain, head to the Kylo Ren meet and greet. You may find Captain Phasma and a couple Stormtroopers meeting with him. Sometimes Rey is also in with Chewbacca when the show is rained out.
You can also meet Rey and Chewbacca in the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in the resistance side. Look for stormtroppers, empirical officers and Kylo Ren roaming freely on the empire side. Be sure to walk around a lot if you really want some character interaction.
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Show
Fireworks are a spectacular ending to any Disney day. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular happens every night with projections on the Chinese Theater. This epic display shows clips from the movies set with special effects, fireworks, music and more. For the best view of the Star Wars fireworks show, stand back from the theater near the sound/light boxes on Hollywood Blvd. This allows you to see all projections while also taking in the effects of the show. If you stand too close and you’ll lose the full impact.
All Things Star Wars at Disney World
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