You might have heard that a huge Star Wars expansion is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – but there’s no word about when that might actually be out. The good news is that they’re still adding plenty of Star Wars stuff around the parks right now! The newest and biggest thing is an area called the Star Wars Launch Bay.
The Launch Bay is located where the old Animation building was located (goodbye, drawing class!). When I arrived there were two stormtroopers walking around outside, interacting with guests. You wait on a line (usually) and then watch a short film where they discuss the making of Star Wars and the history of the franchise. After that you’re released into the Launch Bay and are free to wander and go at your own pace.
There are a couple of areas with things to do. One of these is a character meet and greet area. Right now you are able to do photos with Darth Vader and Chewbacca. There are costumes, props, and replicas from the movies on display, so plenty to look at. There’s also a Disney Infinity station set up if your kids want to play. Jawas are wandering around inside Star Wars Launch Bay trying to strike up some trades with people.
So what other Star Wars things are available? There’s still the Jedi Training Academy, but it’s been re-done and expanded. A short film called Path of the Jedi is being shown, which is basically just a collection of clips from the various films. A new segment from the Force Awakens has been added to the Star Tours ride. And you’ll find plenty of food items and merchandise. Backlot Express has Star Wars named items on the menu including a “dark side” burger that has a black pumpernickel bun. But the real draw is three Star Wars cupcakes and the drink sippers and popcorn buckets. That BB-8 sipper is too cute to resist (I know I couldn’t!).
Are you excited about Star Wars coming to the Disney theme parks? What do you think about the start of it?
Thanks so much for including SparkleSkirts in your running gear review! I am the new social media manager and appreciate your site’s referrals. We LOVE providing ladies with comfortable running skirts that make them feel confident or help them complete their costumes.
We are SUPER excited about the Star Wars movie (Queen Mum Leah is a huge fan) and have some great outfits coming out. Please be sure to check out our Pinterest page as we’ve added some special boards for Avengers and Star Wars-themed costumes with more to come PLUS some awesome new ideas (Ursula!!) for the Princess races. Once again, thanks for the shout out and keep Sparkling!
I’m happy to support SparkleSkirts and appreciate you reaching out and commenting! I can’t wait to see what you’ve got planned for Star Wars. And I’ll be running Princess so I’ll be on the lookout for those as well!
Wow, Hollywood Studies looks immensely different from when my family visited in July! Crazy how quickly they can change everything!
It is amazing how quickly they changed things! I had last been in April and much of the park felt totally different!
Looks like it was a great day! I would love to see the movie but since I am not a huge fan I will wait a while to see it. We are talking about watching all the old ones over Christmas break.
That’s a good idea – I definitely recommend seeing the movie at some point, but I think I would be fun to watch all of the old ones too. I meant to but never got around to it.
We were at Hollywood Studios for Star Wars weekend in May and it was SO packed. I’m glad they are adding new Star Wars attractions to the park.
I can only imagine how busy it was. They are apparently getting rid of Star Wars weekends, at least for now – I guess because it will just be Star Wars all the time there soon!
I think I’m the only person on the planet who isn’t into Star Wars BUT, my husband and son would love this! Awesome!
Haha I am more of a “casual fan” – I enjoy it but I’m not super into it. I have lots of family and friends who are though!
I remember when I was little seeing the 1st Star Wars movie. I can’t wait to go to Hollywood Studios! I am a huge fan!
You will love it! They are going to do some amazing things!
Love the Darth Vader Cupcake! I hadn’t heard they were coming, but I would love that! I LOVE Disney (like you!) and my husband LOVES Star Wars, so that would be good for both of us!
The Darth Vader cupcake was so good! There were three types of cupcakes and I was sad my stomach could only handle one!