If you have a trip planned to Walt Disney World and plan to visit Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, you need to build a droid! On our last visit to Batu we added a Lightsaber building at Savi Workshop and Droid Building to our plans. While both were a little pricy, we think the experience is worth it(and then some).
Come Assemble a Custom Astromech Unit With Us!
Reservations for Droid Depot open up 60 days in advance online and can be booked through the Disneyland or Walt Disney World website. You will need a credit card to hold your booking but payment is not collected until you check-in. *If you don’t show up for your reservation or cancel 24 hours prior, you will be charged the full price.
When you arrive for your droid building appointment you will check in with one of the Cast Members. They will then use their “datapad” to find your reservation. You can bring in one guest to observe while you build. Once you choose your droid style you will be directed to visit the cashier to pay in full before you begin.
Custom droids come in three styles, BB-series, C-series or R-series. All three options are $99.99 per astromech droid unit, plus tax. The shop is themed to look like an old droid recycling plant. Droid parts and pieces circle your head on conveyor belts, and decommissioned robots sit silently along the walls.
Personality-affiliation chips that determine your droid’s behavior and sounds are also chosen at this time. These chips come in six options total, two Rebel, two First Order, and two Scoundrel. For instance, if you choose one of the First Order chips, your droid will take on a more menacing tone and react apprehensively to the Resistance area of Galaxy’s Edge.
First Up: Parts Station
Select from a colorful variety of components to customize your droid as they roll by on the shop’s conveyor belt:
BB-Series
- Dome
- Dome Connection Plate
- Body Sphere
- Motivator
C-Series
- Dome
- Body
- Center Leg or Center Wheel
- Set of Side-C Legs
- If using Extender with Body, pick up Set of Side-R Legs
R-Series
- Dome
- Body
- Center Leg or Center Wheel
- Set of Side-R Legs
Head to the Build Station
Once you choose your parts you will be taken to a build station with a Cast Member there to help you put together your droid. They usually start with two guests at a time. Here you’ll follow simple “placemat” instructions or graphic monitor displays to assemble your droid in the proper sequence.
The whole building process is a lot of fun. There are parts you snap together and with the guidance of a Cast Member, use the powered screwdriver to lock in certain parts like the R-series unit’s legs or the BB-series unit’s head panel. This is easy to do at any age (no problem for big or little kids).
Once your droid is all put together the Cast Member will take over and make sure all parts are correctly assembled. They will then place your newly assembled droid into a special activation chamber along with remote control. This is the most fun step as you are instructed to hit the “activate” button and watch as your droid goes through diagnostic checkups. As your droid passes these checkups a row of lights begins to illuminate moving up to your creation until it’s suddenly brought to life!
When your droid is complete it will light up, move, and be ready to go! The droids use Bluetooth technology to not only connect to the controller but also react to the land of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and even other droids. This Bluetooth function can be turned off by a switch next to the droid’s power button. Each controller has buttons for movement in all four directions as well as a button for lights/sounds, one for head movement, and one to activate any attached accessories.
Your purchase includes a cardboard box to tote your droid around. (Think Build-a-Bear box). However, Droid Depot also sells a number of accessories and add-ons for an additional charge. These include canvas backpacks made specifically for carrying droids, stickers, Mickey ear hats and more.
When you’re done building you can bring your droid home to play for hours or display for all to see!
To book your Droid building make sure you choose a day you are in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, have a park reservation*if needed, and check the website 60 days out to ensure you get your reservation choice! Booking your travel through a travel advisor is the best way to ensure you have the best chance at grabbing the perfect time/day to build your new friend!