Shock Update: Disney World Removes ‘Star Wars’ Location, Guest Favorites Vanish

Disney’s Hollywood Studios said goodbye to a Star Wars location on September 24, 2025, requiring a few familiar faces to move out and find somewhere else.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Removes Entire Area Overnight

Change at Disney often comes with a mix of excitement and nostalgia, and this week delivered both in a big way. Guests arriving at Disney’s Hollywood Studios were met with a bittersweet sight: the gates to Animation Courtyard and the long-running Star Wars Launch Bay had officially closed.

For many, the news stirred emotions. These spaces weren’t just character stops—they were part of Hollywood Studios’ identity, especially for guests who cherished meeting Star Wars legends like Chewbacca or Darth Vader. Still, while the courtyard fades into history, Disney has already moved key characters into new, high-profile locations that may actually improve the guest experience.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what changed, where to go now if you want to meet your favorite heroes and villains, and the insider tips that only seasoned Disney fans know.

The Big Update: Launch Bay Says Goodbye

Disney confirmed yesterday that Animation Courtyard and Star Wars Launch Bay have permanently closed. Although these locations had been quieter in recent years, they were still a go-to for guests craving a face-to-face Star Wars moment.

But fans don’t need to worry—two of the biggest names in the galaxy aren’t going anywhere:

• Chewbacca has relocated to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, greeting fans at a new meet-and-greet spot near the Millennium Falcon.

• Darth Vader is now holding court at Echo Lake, stationed by Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.

This shuffle is happening while Disney prepares its new Magic of Disney Animation attraction, signaling yet another transformation for the park.

Where to Meet Them (and How to Avoid the Lines)

With the closure in effect, guests will want to adjust their touring plans. Here’s how to find the characters without losing precious park time:

• Chewbacca’s Galaxy’s Edge Meet-and-Greet: No longer roaming unpredictably, Chewie now has a consistent location near the Falcon. Check times on the My Disney Experience app and plan to get in line early.

• Darth Vader at Echo Lake: His new placement near Star Tours makes it easy to combine a ride with your meet-and-greet. Lines tend to be lighter mid-afternoon.

👉 Smart Move: Book Genie+ selections for major rides first, then fit in these meet-and-greets when crowds thin out.

Pro-Level Tips Disney Regulars Swear By

Longtime fans know a few tricks that can make character encounters feel more magical and less stressful.

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

• Evening advantage: Head to Galaxy’s Edge late at night for shorter waits and a calmer vibe.

• Magic Shots: Disney PhotoPass photographers in Galaxy’s Edge often add digital Star Wars effects—perfect for your Chewbacca selfies.

• Surprise moments: Characters like Rey, Kylo Ren, and First Order Stormtroopers still wander the land. Keep your eyes open between rides.

• Hidden entrance hack: Enter Galaxy’s Edge via Grand Avenue instead of the Toy Story Land entrance to dodge heavy foot traffic.

Why Fans Are Talking About It

The closing of Launch Bay is more than just a logistics update—it’s a reflection of Disney’s strategy to make character meet-and-greets more immersive. By relocating Chewbacca and Darth Vader, Disney is consolidating Star Wars into its themed spaces rather than keeping them isolated in an aging courtyard.

Fans are already sharing mixed emotions online. Some miss the classic courtyard meet-ups, while others love that these characters now feel more “in-universe.” Either way, this shift shows how Disney keeps refining the Hollywood Studios experience to match evolving guest expectations.

Final Takeaway

While saying goodbye to Star Wars Launch Bay may sting for longtime fans, the move brings new opportunities to interact with iconic characters in immersive settings. With Chewbacca now in Galaxy’s Edge and Darth Vader near Star Tours, the experiences feel more connected than ever.

📲 Before you head to the parks, check the Disney app for real-time updates, keep an eye out for surprise interactions, and don’t forget to snap a Magic Shot—you never know when the Force might show up in your photos.