Disney World Relocates Star Wars Villain Without Warning, Effective Immediately

Darth Vader just can’t seem to stay in one place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Sith Lord, one of the most recognizable characters in the entire Star Wars franchise, has been moved again, and this time he’s leaving the extended queue area of Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. As of Wednesday, October 28, Darth Vader’s meet-and-greet has been relocated away from the Star Tours queue and back to his original spot near the stage between Star Tours and Backlot Express, right by the AT-AT statue.

For Star Wars fans who plan their Hollywood Studios visits around meeting characters, these moves can be confusing. Darth Vader has bounced between a few different spots over the past year, and every time he moves, guests have to relearn where to find him. It’s part of a bigger pattern at Hollywood Studios, where the park has been constantly changing, from the closure of Star Wars Launch Bay to the replacement of Animation Courtyard with Walt Disney Studios Lot.

This isn’t the first time Darth Vader has relocated this year. Back in April, we reported that Vader had moved to a spot just outside Star Tours near the former Jedi Training Academy stage. At the time, it looked like he had found a permanent home. Now, after spending more time in the Star Tours queue, he’s back at that same stage area. Here’s a look at what changed, how we got here, and where you can meet Darth Vader today.

Where to Meet Darth Vader From Star Wars Now

On Wednesday, October 28, Darth Vader was spotted meeting guests at his original location by the stage between Star Tours – The Adventures Continue and Backlot Express, near the AT-AT statue.

The sign that once read “Encounter Darth Vader” at the entrance to his Star Tours queue location is now gone, another sign that the character has moved out of that area.

Guests can meet Darth Vader daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at various times between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

How Darth Vader Ended Up in the Star Tours Queue

To understand this latest move, it helps to look back at how Darth Vader got here.

For years, the Star Wars Launch Bay served as the main home for Star Wars character meet-and-greets at Hollywood Studios. The Launch Bay operated in the building that originally housed the park’s animation experience, giving fans a dedicated place to meet characters, browse merchandise, and enjoy interactive Star Wars elements outside of Galaxy’s Edge.

When the Launch Bay closed, Darth Vader lost his main meet-and-greet location. In September 2025, he moved into the extended Star Tours queue, meeting guests in the shade of the Endor set near Tatooine Traders.

The First Move in March

In March 2026, Darth Vader was seen greeting guests at the stage area between Star Tours and Backlot Express. That’s the same spot where he’s meeting guests now.

When we covered that change in April, the move seemed like a settled solution. The location near the former Jedi Training Academy stage felt like a natural fit for a character whose story is so closely tied to the Jedi. However, that March relocation turned out to be temporary, and Vader later returned to the extended Star Tours queue.

Now he’s back at the stage once again, which raises the question of whether this move will stick.

Is This Move Permanent?

Disney hasn’t said whether this latest relocation is temporary, as the prior one, or a more permanent change. The removal of the “Encounter Darth Vader” sign at the queue entrance could suggest a longer-term move, but nothing has been officially confirmed.

For now, guests heading to Hollywood Studios should look for Darth Vader at the stage near the AT-AT statue rather than inside the Star Tours queue.

Why the Star Wars Launch Bay Closed

The Star Wars Launch Bay building is returning to its animation roots. The space is being converted for The Magic of Disney Animation, an experience that invites guests into the process of creating animated films.

That building has gone through several identities over the years. It started as an animation experience, was turned into the Star Wars Launch Bay as Star Wars grew in the parks, and is now heading back toward animation.

A Changing Hollywood Studios

Darth Vader’s moves are happening while much of Hollywood Studios is being reshaped. The Animation Courtyard has been transformed into an area inspired by The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

Changes in that area have included:

• Repaving and fresh landscaping
• Newly planted trees and green spaces
• Removal of the courtyard’s familiar awning and wait time signage
• A repainted Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure building
• New and returning experiences, including The Magic of Disney Animation and a new Disney Jr. show

With so much happening around the park, character locations shifting is not a huge surprise.

Tips for Meeting Darth Vader

If Darth Vader is on your list, here are a few tips:

• Head to the stage near the AT-AT statue. That’s where he was meeting guests as of October 28.
• Don’t look for him in the Star Tours queue. The meet sign there has been removed.
• Check the My Disney Experience app. Meet times can vary between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
• Visit earlier in the day. Lines can grow as the park gets busier.

The Sith Lord Is on the Move Again

Darth Vader’s journey around Hollywood Studios has taken a few twists this year, from the Launch Bay to the Star Tours queue, to the stage, back to the queue, and now back to the stage again. Whether this move becomes permanent or turns out to be another temporary stop, fans can still meet him every day.

Have you met Darth Vader at his new spot?