Darth Vader is on the move again at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Dark Lord of the Sith has relocated to a new (and honestly very fitting) spot: the former Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple stage near the entrance to Star Tours in Echo Lake. Here’s what you need to know before planning your visit.
The New Location
Vader now greets guests on the old Jedi Training Academy stage, situated near the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue entrance in the Echo Lake area of Hollywood Studios. The stage itself has been sitting unused since Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic — and the show never returned. Repurposing it as the backdrop for a Darth Vader meet-and-greet is a clever use of the space, and honestly a pretty great fit for the character.
A Quick History of Vader’s Wandering Locations
This marks the second relocation for the Darth Vader meet-and-greet in recent months, which tells the story of just how much the Hollywood Studios experience has been shifting.
For years — from 2015 all the way through early 2025 — Vader’s home base was Star Wars Launch Bay, which served as the central hub for all things Star Wars at the park. When Star Wars Launch Bay permanently closed earlier in 2025, Vader relocated to the Star Tours outdoor queue area in September 2025. Now, just months later, he’s moved again to the Jedi Training stage.
When to Visit
Meet-and-greet times vary by day, so always check the My Disney Experience app before your visit for the current schedule. As of the most recent sightings, hours have been running from approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM — but this can shift, so don’t rely on that as a guarantee.
Worth the Stop
Whether you’re a lifelong Star Wars fan or just a parent trying to get a photo that will blow your kid’s mind, a Darth Vader meet-and-greet is one of Hollywood Studios’ genuinely great character experiences. The character interaction tends to be theatrical and in-character, which makes for memorable photos and moments. The new Jedi Training stage gives the encounter a proper dramatic backdrop — far better than a queue area.
If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios soon, swing by Echo Lake near Star Tours and check for showtimes in MDE. The Force is strong with this new setup.
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I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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