The Darth Vader meet-and-greet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has moved again, with the character now appearing at the former Jedi Training Academy stage near Star Tours.
Darth Vader had been greeting guests near the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue queue, including the nearby outdoor area often referred to as the Ewok Village, since September 25, 2025. That move followed the closure of Star Wars: Launch Bay, which previously hosted the character indoors.
The closure of Launch Bay came as part of a broader reimagining of the Animation Courtyard area. Disney has announced that a new experience, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is scheduled to open later in 2026.
Recent reports indicate that Darth Vader has now shifted to the former Jedi Training Academy stage, located adjacent to Star Tours. The move appears to provide additional space for guest flow in the area, particularly during the spring break travel period, when crowd levels are typically higher.
History of Jedi Training at the Park
The Jedi Training Academy and its later incarnation, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, operated for years as a participatory show where children, ages four to twelve, learned simple lightsaber sequences. Cast members guided participants through a short training session before the final confrontation with Darth Vader or Kylo Ren.
Darth Vader outside Star Tours – YouTube, Global Current
Each session lasted about 20 minutes and took place multiple times per day on a dedicated outdoor stage next to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. Due to its popularity, advance sign-ups were typically required earlier in the day, and space was limited for each performance. Family members and other guests could watch from viewing areas surrounding the stage.
The attraction closed on March 16, 2020, and did not return after the park’s reopening. Disney removed remaining signage for the experience in 2022, signaling a permanent end to the offering.
Context
Character meet-and-greet locations can change based on operational needs, crowd levels, and seasonal demand. With Vader’s move timed around the spring break crowds, he may return to the Star Tours queue within the coming weeks, though Disney has not confirmed this. Guests can check the official Disney mobile app for the most up-to-date times and locations.
David Prowse and James Earl Jones as Darth Vader and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983), Lucasfilm
For now, the move brings Darth Vader back to the Jedi Training stage for kids and adults alike to experience a little of the magic.
Is your family planning to visit Darth Vader this spring break? Let us know your thoughts about the meet-and-greet move in the comments below.
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