Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and More Iconic “Star Wars ”Characters Are About to Be Roaming Disneyland
- - Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and More Iconic “Star Wars ”Characters Are About to Be Roaming Disneyland
Marina WattsJanuary 16, 2026 at 12:53 AM
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Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker; grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy -
Disneyland is introducing original trilogy 'Star Wars' characters to Galaxy's Edge this year
Starting in April, Darth Vader, Princess Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo will join a host of other franchise figures who already wander the land
The land was originally said to be set between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker and the characters present reflected that time period, but it has since expanded its cast
Grab your lightsabers! Fan-favorite characters from a galaxy far, far away are coming to Disneyland.
The Star Wars characters from the original trilogy are slated to appear at the California destination starting in April, Disneyland Resorts announced on Disney Parks Blog on Jan. 14.
Galaxy's Edge visitors will soon find Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa as seen in A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi roaming the land.
The characters' presence represents an expansion of the timeline of the land, per Disney. When Galaxy's Edge first opened, its backstory dictated that it was set betweenThe Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker at the Black Spire Outpost (an original creation of the park) on the planet of Batuu.
With the addition of the original trilogy characters, Disney says, it will now incorporate eras including "the Galactic Civil War and New Republic, as well as the Age of the Resistance and First Order."
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While the characters don't typically have set times or exact locations where they appear in order to keep interactions spontaneous, Disney has shared where to keep an eye out for them.
Luke will be roaming the planet of Batuu, "seeking knowledge of the Force and artifacts related to lightsaber building, kyber crystals, and more." Leia, meanwhile, will be seeking volunteers to help keep Luke safe, lingering by the Millennium Falcon.
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Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford on the set of Star Wars: Episode IV
As for Han, he won't stray far from the iconic spaceship. But he may have Oga's Cantina on his mind.
Let's not forget Darth Vader and his Imperial troops, marching through Galaxy's Edge. He will be a force to be reckoned with.
These characters will join R2-D2, Chewbacca, Rey, Ahsoka Tano, the Mandalorian and Grogu, who can already be spotted throughout the Black Spire Outpost.
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Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland
In addition to the familiar faces, some famous sounds are coming to Batuu.
The beloved film scores composed by John Williams will play throughout the land, providing the perfect soundtrack for visitors.
Along with the "Main Title" and "Force Theme," guests — Jedi and otherwise — will recognize motifs such as "Han Solo and the Princess,” “The Desert and the Robot Auction,” and “The Emperor." Plus, Oga's Cantina band will be playing all their hits.
The rollout is slated to begin on April 29, 2026.
Other updates coming to Galaxy's Edge include a new set of artifacts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, along with Droid Depot working on a prototype for the BB droid.
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General views of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Opening Day, Disneyland, Anaheim, USA - 31 May 2019
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These enhancements to Galaxy's Edge are among the additions coming to Disneyland in 2026. Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland will open its family-friendly immersive celebration of Bluey in March.
Additionally, Disneyland Resort will continue its 70th Celebration through Aug. 9, complete with a "Paint the Night” parade, “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” and “Wondrous Journeys” entertainment. Plus, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and other characters will be dressed in special costumes in celebration.
As always, Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort return later this year, transforming Disneyland into a spooky site and winter wonderland.
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