Due to the immense popularity of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the fully immersive experience of being in the Black Spire outpost of the Planet Batuu, the Star Wars Launch Bay is one of those often overlooked attractions for guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Located in Animation Courtyard next to the Disney Junior Dance Party!, this attraction features a number of different Star War movie exhibits, galleries, concept artwork and props as well as character meet and greets.
Launch Bay Exhibits and Galleries
Star Wars Launch Bay features a number of different indoor & outdoor exhibits featuring concept art, movie props, and displays from the popular films. Guests that are fans of the movies will enjoy exploring all the intricate details that are throughout the exhibit.
The interior exhibits are also a great place to cool off and take a break from the Florida heat.
Launch Bay Character Meet and Greets
Star Wars fans will enjoy getting to meet some of their favorite characters at this attraction. While Disney’s meet and greets typically rotate characters, the ones present during the summer of 2023 include Chewbacca, Darth Vader and the droid BB-8.
These characters are available from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM but we recommend checking the MyDisneyExperience app on the day of your visit since times can change. Wait times can vary based on the day of your visit but are usually less than than of character meet and greets throughout Walt Disney World.
Guests that hold a Disney Visa Credit Card get a separate queue from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM which includes a meet and greet with Darth Vader.
Star Wars Launch Bay Theater
Although this feature is temporary unavailable, the Star Wars Launch Bay Theater offers a 10-minute documentary video that gives the views a behind-the-scenes look at how the directors, writers and other production staff but together the Star Wars movie franchise.
At this time Disney has not made any announcements as to the reopening of the Theater.
Best hotels to stay when visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios
If you are planning on visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we would highly recommend you stay a hotel within walking distance or with a transportation service like those in the Epcot Resorts Area. Following are a few of our favorites.
The Walt Disney World Boardwalk Resort Hotels
The Walt Disney World Boardwalk Resorts comprise the following resort hotels and vacation club properties:
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas (vacation club)
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas (vacation club)
All three are within walking distance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and there is also a water taxi service that runs all day long. These resort hotel are very popular and rates are typically not cheap. Prices range from less than $500 per night to more than $1,000 per night depending on the room type and the date of the stay.
The Walt Disney World Dolphin & Swan Hotels
The Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan and Swan Reserve hotels are among our favorite resorts in Orlando. Specifically, the Dolphin is our “go to” when we are planning on visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Epcot. The Dolphin is immediately adjacent to the Walt Disney World Boardwalk and within easy walking distance of both theme parks. Water taxi transportation is also available.
The Dolphin, Swan and Swan Reserve are part of the Marriott Bonvoy program so guests can earn or use points for their stay at one of the 1,514 rooms or suites. There are extensive amenities and dining options at this massive resort.
Hotel rates range around $250.00 per night to more than $500.00 per night depending on the time a year and room type.
Click here to learn more about the Walt Disney World Dolphin
