Walt Disney Imagineering head Bruce Vaughn and team demo new free-roaming robotic droid characters to Bob Iger and Josh D'Amaro

Gallery / 2 Photos
Free-roaming robotic droid characters for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

Posted: Wednesday October 18, 2023 7:09pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Following last week's playtest of Disney's latest free-roaming robotic characters inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland, Walt Disney Imagineering has shared a new photo of the team discussing the next steps with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Parks Chairman Josh D'Amaro.

Free-roaming robotic droid characters for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

In a post on Instagram, WDI said, "We're so excited about the variety of ways our Imagineers are bringing new and innovative characters to life using sophisticated technology hidden in little droids like these!"

Free-roaming robotic droid characters for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

There is still no word on whether these new droid characters will become permanent additions at either Star Wars Galaxy's Edge lands. Still, Disney is clearly enthusiastic about the project and is open about revealing the technology to the public.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

AJFireman6 days ago

There will be a new theme added starting May 4th so you might start seeing them again. For a Limited Time Only, starting May 4th, 2025—Reclaimed and Reforged Over the centuries, countless lightsabers fell into the hands of smugglers and bounty hunters. Remnants of ancient battles and abandoned scrap have been scavenged from the distant reaches of the galaxy's outer rim.

Nirya8 days ago

It's still there, but it's much easier to get a reservation if you want one.

Heppenheimer8 days ago

BTW, just wondering, does Galaxy's Edge still have Savi's workshop? It seemed the first two times I went to Disneyland after Galaxy's Edge opened that I saw lots of people walking around with their expensive new tchotchkes. Two weeks ago when we visited, I didn't see a single lightsaber. Has Disney burned through the supply of fans willing to pay for that experience?

D.Silentu9 days ago

More news has come out this weekend about the Mandalorian update to Smuggler‘s Run. From the sound of things the ride will start the same way every time, but branch off to different destinations midway through. It seems like they’re juicing up the engineer’s role as well. All good news! https://disneyparksblog.com/disney-experiences/the-mandalorian-grogu-and-new-crew-controls-coming-to-smugglers-run/

dmw15 days ago

My wife and I were at DLR April 2-4. We saw the projection show April 2. I thought it was an 8:30pm show, but I may be mistaken on the time. It was very crowded. I think we arrived about 30-40 minutes before the show started. We were on the main level next to the Falcon. CMs kept moving people back away from the Falcon. I feel like the CMs were still trying to figure out where people could stand, where to mark the walkways, etc. As for the show, I enjoyed it. Would I do it again? only if I had time and was in the area. One cool part was when everyone in the audience raised their light sabers in the air. I wish I had one... On nights when DL has fireworks, there is a themed show in GE with different music, etc., and the castle fireworks visible over the spires in GE. We did not attend the fireworks show in GE on 4/4, as we had preferred seats for Fantasmic and watched the fireworks from there (also with different music and also water projections).

Disney Irish21 days ago

If only he'd work for the $25/hr that character performers make. ;)

Alice a21 days ago

They just need to get Sebastian Stan…

DisneyWarrior2723 days ago

Phroobar23 days ago

@DisneyWarrior27 is that you? 😮

wityblack24 days ago

Honestly, you want a Luke that isn't uncanny (and I hate that I'm suggesting this), go with sequel era Luke. The bear and messier hair really draws attention away from facial structure. Still takes the right person to play it, but you can hide a lot more. Especially if you keep the hood up.

Sirwalterraleigh24 days ago

The fact it isn’t an iconic character takes the edge off as well

mickEblu24 days ago

Yeah true and without R2D2 he may as well not even be out there at all. R2D2 is Luke’s makeup.

Disney Analyst24 days ago

Honestly, I think it’s just harder in general for “male” roles, that are very realistic looking. You know? Captain Jack is easy, because of the makeup, costume, facial hair, etc. Luke is really just a dude…