Even though BB-8 is technically a machine, he’s one of the most loveable characters from the most recent Star Wars Episodes. If you love BB-8, we have good news: you can meet him in person on your next family vacation to Walt Disney World in central Florida.
Where can you meet BB-8 at Disney World? Below, read about where you’ll find BB-8 greeting guests in the parks and resorts. There are also a few other must-do experiences and attractions for BB-8’s biggest fans.
Finally, we’ve included helpful tips and tricks for character meet and greets in Disney theme parks.
Where To Find BB-8 in Walt Disney World
Where can you meet BB-8 at Disney World? The best place to meet BB-8 in Walt Disney World is Star Wars Launch Bay in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars Launch Bay
You’ll find Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard, near the center of the park, close to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Take note of the location since it’s not close to other Star Wars attractions.
BB-8 isn’t the only Star Wars star meeting guests at this location. You can also meet Darth Vader and Chewbacca. Sometimes, Boba Fett and Kylo Ren also appear to greet parkgoers.
This attraction has separate queues for each character, so you choose who you want to meet and stand in line for that experience. While it can be time-consuming to wait in multiple lines, it’s better than the old system, where Disney wouldn’t guarantee who you’d see at the end of the queue.
BB-8 tends to have the shortest wait, but that’s not necessarily because he’s less popular. Unlike most character experiences, BB-8 isn’t a costumed cast member. Instead, he’s an actual droid!
Disney created a fully interactive audio-animatronic robot for the BB-8 meet and greet. That means the line has less downtime since the robot doesn’t need breaks like the actors. BB-8 will look, sound, and behave even more like the real deal.
Let’s look at some questions guests often ask about meeting BB-8.
Can you get close to BB-8?
Yes–even though he’s a droid, you can approach him, pose for pictures, and even gently touch him. Feel free to take photos and videos!
Does BB-8 talk and move?
Yes! BB-8 is interactive and looks, sounds, and acts as he does in the films. Talk to him; he’ll even answer your questions.
Does Disney guarantee BB-8 meet and greets?
Disney doesn’t guarantee much, and all policies are subject to change without notice. At the same time, they go out of their way to ensure your visit to the park is worth it.
Disney has closed the Star Wars Launch Bay experience during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
More Star Wars in Galaxy’s Edge and Beyond
If you’re researching meeting BB-8, it’s probably safe to assume you’re a fan of the Star Wars franchise. If so, don’t miss Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This 14-acre land immerses you in the outer reaches of the legendary galaxy far, far away.
If you love BB-8, you’ll feel his presence throughout the land. Visit the Droid Depot to make your own interactive droid. Don’t skip Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
And pay attention to details; if you look at the pavement in Galaxy’s Edge, you might see some BB-8 tracks left in the wet cement!
Tips and Tricks for Meeting Characters in Disney World
Before you go, let’s examine some expert tricks to make all your character interactions in Walt Disney World memorable.
Plan, Plan, Plan
You’ll probably spend more time planning your Disney vacation than taking it! As a family, make a list of characters you must see as well as those you wouldn’t mind meeting. Use our website to find out where and when they appear.
Remember that Disney constantly reimagines all aspects of the guest experience, which means everything is subject to change without notice. Check for updates on attractions in the days before your departure.
Utilize Genie and Genie+
To ensure you don’t miss out on anything you want to do, utilize the Genie feature in your My Disney Experience smartphone app. You can add attractions and experiences to your wish list, and Genie alerts you when wait times drop. It’s one of the free features of the service.
You can reserve return times for many of the meet and greets–including BB-8 at Star Wars Launch Bay–using Genie+. Everyone in your party must upgrade their ticket for the day (the price varies). But you can use it to make Lightning Lane reservations that allow you to skip wait times.
Do’s for Meeting Disney Characters
When you meet your favorite Disney stars, follow these tips:
- Keep an eye on wait times throughout the day, but be aware that lines drop in the afternoon and evening.
- Get your camera and family ready while waiting in line. You’ll have limited time with the character; don’t waste it!
- Let Disney’s PhotoPass photographers snap a few pictures and scan your MagicBand. They’re fun to look at even if you don’t buy them!
- Ask questions, talk to the characters, and have fun! Try asking BB-8 how Rey is doing, where’s Po Dameron, or what he thinks of Kylo-Ren.
Finally, always follow cast members’ instructions regarding touch, hugs, and other interactions.
Don’t for Meeting Disney Characters
You’ll want to avoid the following:
- Forgo Lightning Lane reservations for character meets.
- Forget to prepare kids that their favorite characters will look slightly different than they do on screen.
- Be pushy or obnoxious. The cast member accompanying the character will shut it down immediately.
- Be shy! The more into the experience you get, the better.
Meet BB-8 on Your Family Vacation
So, where can you meet BB-8 at Disney World? As you can see, the best place to meet BB-8 is Star Wars Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios. If you love BB-8, you’ll also enjoy Galaxy’s Edge.
Character meet and greets are one of the things that make a trip to Walt Disney World so memorable. Meet BB-8 and all of your favorites on your next family vacation!
More about our TFVG Author
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
