Disney Fans Left Scratching Their Heads Over New Meet and Greet—’SNL Skit Material’
There’s no place quite like Disneyland, where every corner is filled with the magic of Disney and the joy of childhood nostalgia. Visitors from all over the world come to experience the enchantment of the theme park, from the iconic rides to the beloved character meet and greets.
But while many of these character encounters go off without a hitch, there are moments that catch fans by surprise — sometimes for reasons other than the usual Disney magic.
Related: Treasured ‘Toy Story’ Character to Make Disney Park Debut This Spring!
On March 28, 2025, Disneyland unveiled a new character meet and greet as part of its ongoing Season of the Force celebration, which celebrates all things Star Wars. This new addition was none other than the legendary Jedi Knight, Luke Skywalker, who was spotted roaming the immersive Galaxy’s Edge area, much to the delight of fans who had been hoping for his addition to the park for some time.
However, what was supposed to be a thrilling moment for Star Wars fans soon turned into something unexpected.
Instead of seeing the iconic Luke Skywalker they’d all come to know from the Star Wars films, many fans were left scratching their heads — and in some cases, laughing out loud — at the character portrayal, which bore a striking resemblance to someone entirely different: Saturday Night Live alum star Amy Poehler.
I honestly thought this was Amy Poehler
I honestly thought this was Amy Poehler https://t.co/q6CYsLJuQL
— Elisabeth Rappe (@ElisabethRappe) April 13, 2025
Related: “Refund! Restart!”: Disneyland Guests Outraged as Star Wars Nite Ends in Galactic Disappointment
The resemblance didn’t go unnoticed by other fans. One X (formerly Twitter) user jokingly remarked, “Is this the Parks and Rec version of Luke Skywalker?” Another chimed in, saying, “Honestly, I can’t unsee it now. It’s Amy Poehler as Luke.”
Soon, a lighthearted exchange of memes began circulating online, comparing the Star Wars hero to Poehler’s comedic roles, including her iconic portrayal of Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation.
Some took to comparing the actor to other celebrities, with Rachel Dratch also being mentioned as a possible doppelgänger.
But not all reactions were negative. While some fans took to social media to express their confusion and disappointment, others found humor in the situation. “This is honestly the best thing I’ve seen all day,” one fan shared, clearly enjoying the unintentional comedy of the moment. “It’s like a live-action SNL sketch with Luke Skywalker,” another joked, referencing the absurdity of the situation.
While many fans embraced the humorous side of the encounter, there was also a sense of disappointment. Luke Skywalker is an iconic character with deep emotional ties for Star Wars fans, and expectations for his portrayal at Disneyland were undoubtedly high. Some fans expressed frustration that the character felt more like a parody of the Jedi Knight they had grown to love over the years.
“I just don’t get it,” one fan posted on Reddit. “This isn’t the Luke Skywalker I remember. It’s like they cast someone who didn’t get the character. I was excited to meet Luke, but this was… just off.”
This moment highlights the challenge Disney faces when bringing beloved characters to life in the parks. Every meet and greet is an opportunity to make memories, but the portrayal of iconic characters like Luke Skywalker is a delicate balance. While one fan may find joy in the quirky portrayal, others may feel let down by the lack of authenticity in the performance.
Season of the Force is happening now through May 11 at The Happiest Place on Earth—so be sure to make your theme park reservations soon! Don’t miss out on must-try treats like the Fried Falumpaset Cheese Skewer at Ronto Roasters and the Wookie Cookie at the Grand Californian’s Great Hall Cart. And of course, a ride on Hyperspace Mountain is a galactic essential!
In the meantime, we want to know: What did you think of Luke Skywalker’s meet and greet? Were you also taken aback by the resemblance to Amy Poehler, or did you have a different take on the encounter? Share your thoughts with us on social media, and let’s keep the conversation going!
