Walt Disney World has launched a limited-time offering in its Hollywood Studios park with the arrival of BDX droids in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. These small, free-roaming robots began making appearances on July 16, 2025, and will continue to interact with guests five days a week through August 30.
The droids—known internally as BDX units—represent a new form of character integration in Disney parks.
The BDX Droids in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – YouTube, Laughing Place
BDX stands for “Bipedal Dynamic Experiment.” The droids were developed by Disney Imagineering’s Living Character Initiative. Their purpose is to bring believable, mobile characters into the parks using advanced robotics and AI-driven behaviors. These knee-high droids walk on two legs and show a range of emotional cues through body language. Unlike static figures or remote-controlled robots, BDX units move independently across pathways and courtyards, often stopping to “observe” or “react” to guests nearby.
Each performance day includes seven scheduled appearances. Guests can find the droids Tuesday through Saturday, weather permitting. Showtimes typically begin in the late morning and continue into the early evening. The official Disney app lists them under the “Characters” tab for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
When rain occurs (a frequent event in Florida summers), staff apply protective coverings, and performances may be paused temporarily.
Welcome to Florida BD-X droids, it rains here pic.twitter.com/D9OWaPhtll
— BlogMickey.com (@Blog_Mickey) July 16, 2025
The four BDX droids—named Red, Grek, Oskar, and Besh—each display subtle personality traits. One may walk cautiously, while another seems more curious or playful. Though their movements are partially guided by backstage puppeteers, the droids also respond to environmental data. Sensors, cameras, and embedded processors help them move safely around guests and avoid obstacles. When necessary, they can recover balance if bumped or caught off guard.
This marks the droids’ first appearance at Walt Disney World. They debuted at Disneyland in California in 2023 but have since received hardware updates for Florida’s hotter, wetter climate. Engineers replaced many 3D-printed components with more durable milled parts. These changes help the droids remain operational in high humidity and under heavier use.
Reception
Guest reactions have been largely positive. Many visitors describe the droids as “cute,” “lifelike,” or “like puppies.”
Videos of their performances have spread quickly on social media. The response reflects strong interest in more immersive, interactive experiences inside the themed land. Galaxy’s Edge originally launched with limited character movement, which some guests found underwhelming. These new additions appear to address that concern by making the space feel more dynamic.
The BDX Droids in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – YouTube, Laughing Place
Still, guests have noted their disappointment that the droids will only be seen through August. Many hope that the positive reception will make them a permanent stay of Galaxy’s Edge.
NEW: Starting TODAY through August 30, the BDX droids will be at Walt Disney World in several areas of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. They will make appearances Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. pic.twitter.com/YPqXnlllTc
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 16, 2025
The technology behind the droids is the result of collaboration across multiple teams. Disney used simulation tools from Nvidia and DeepMind to train digital versions of the robots before building them. Those virtual trials taught the droids how to walk, balance, and emote. Lessons from those simulations then guided the design of real-world units.
The BDX Droids in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – YouTube, Laughing Place
Guests who wish to see the BDX droids should check the app and arrive early, especially during peak hours. While the droids do not stop for posed photos, they often pause to engage with the crowd. Disney has not confirmed whether the droids will remain in Florida beyond the August end date. For now, this two-month window provides a rare opportunity to witness robotics and storytelling come together in a fully themed world.
Have you had a chance to interact with the BDX droids at Walt Disney World? Do you hope they will come permanent residents of Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments!
