Two Meet and Greets Have Returned EARLY in Disney World

Although many character meet-and-greets have returned to Disney World, a few have remained missing from the parks.

Recently, Disney announced that the Star Wars Launch Bay would bring back character meet-and-greets and today’s the day! Who’s ready for a GIANT Wookiee hug??

The Star Wars Launch Bay is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and although it reopened to the public not long ago, none of the character meet-and-greets returned. Until now!

These meet-and-greets weren’t scheduled to return until July 17th, but it looks like we’ve caught a soft opening in Hollywood Studios this afternoon.

As of today, there are two characters you can meet in the Star Wars Launch Bay, including the one and only Darth Vader! He was just as menacing (and delightful) as usual.

Don’t talk about the Rebellion around this guy!

🚨 Are you ready to serve the Empire? Darth Vader is BACK. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/lRap6bDQwx

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) July 11, 2022

And of course, you can’t visit the Star Wars Launch Bay without seeing Chewbacca! We couldn’t WAIT to get a Wookiee hug, and he was just as furry and brave as we remembered.

We missed seeing him up close!

Welcome back, Chewie! pic.twitter.com/GLMMtAA2eA

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) July 11, 2022

Both of these meet-and-greets had automated photo boxes instead of PhotoPass photographers, so keep that in mind when you’re planning your pictures.

Sadly, BB-8 was not out to greet guests today. He was listed as one of the characters returning on July 17th, so we may just have to wait until then to see him.