A familiar frustration could be returning for Star Wars fans next week, as a new virtual queue prepares to launch with strict rules and limited opportunities to participate.
Visitors who remember the early days of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge know how competitive Disney's boarding group system could become. Securing a spot sometimes required quick timing, and missing the initial opportunity could leave guests disappointed.
Beginning November 17, that familiar process will return to Disney's Hollywood Studios, bringing another set of requirements for visitors to navigate.
A Familiar Frustration Makes Its Comeback
Virtual queues played a major role in the early days of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
When Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened in December 2019, Disney required guests to secure boarding groups rather than enter a traditional standby line.
Demand was enormous, and boarding groups sometimes disappeared within minutes.
Disney eventually eliminated the virtual queue requirement, allowing guests to experience Rise of the Resistance through a regular standby line.
Now, nearly seven years later, a similar system is returning to Galaxy's Edge, though visitors will use it for something other than an attraction.
November 17 Introduces a Different Kind of Challenge
Disney is bringing Batuu Adventure Buddies to Droid Depot at Hollywood Studios on November 17.
The collection features three interactive Star Wars companions:
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Grogu
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An Ewok
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A Huttlet
Unlike traditional plush toys, these companions feature animated eyes, character-specific sounds, and touch-triggered reactions. They can also interact with nearby buddies.
However, guests won't be able to walk into Droid Depot and purchase one while the virtual queue is in effect.
Disney will require visitors to request a boarding group through the My Disney Experience app.
Two opportunities will be available daily:
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7 a.m. EST: First opportunity to join.
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1 p.m. EST: Second opportunity after entering Hollywood Studios.
Guests must have valid theme park admission.
Disney has also established several restrictions:
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Each virtual queue party may include up to two guests.
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Both guests must appear in My Disney Experience.
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Both guests are eligible to purchase a companion.
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No standby line will operate while the virtual queue remains active.
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Standby access may become available after all boarding groups have been called.
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Joining the virtual queue does not guarantee a purchase.
With limited opportunities available, visitors hoping to purchase one should prepare before arriving.
Three Characters Come With Unexpected Surprises
Each Batuu Adventure Buddy offers interactive features inspired by its personality.
The Huttlet includes Appetite Echo, activated by double-tapping its belly. The feature produces giggles, animated eyes, and a deep Huttese laugh.
Triple-tapping its head activates Cunning Deal Maker, revealing a mischievous expression and animated coin.
The Ewok features Endor Dance Party, which produces rhythmic eye animations, chanting, and drumming when guests triple-tap its head. Nearby Ewoks may join the celebration.
Double-tapping its belly activates Forest Call Chain, allowing nearby companions to respond.
Grogu offers Snack Surprise, which produces a belch and satisfied sigh after guests use his feeding accessories and double-tap his belly.
Triple-tapping his head activates Force Play, producing special eye animations that excite nearby buddies.
Additional reactions are described on each companion's packaging.
The Experience Doesn't End With One Purchase
Disney is also offering three themed accessory collections for an additional charge.
Guests can choose from:
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Endor Gear Set: Spear, horn, grilled fish, and poncho.
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Mandalore Gear Set: Mythosaur axe, nummies, beskar chest armor, and shoulder cape.
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Batuu Gear Set: YT-1300 Freighter model, all-kit tool, ronto wrap, and poncho.
Each accessory attaches to the companion's left hand and activates additional sounds or animations.
Inside Droid Depot, a cast member will help guests select their buddy and accessories at a dedicated wall bay.
Visitors will then participate in an activation experience before taking their companion into Galaxy's Edge.
More Adventures Await Beyond the New Restrictions
While Batuu Adventure Buddies introduce another interactive offering, Galaxy's Edge already features several experiences for Star Wars fans.
Visitors can build customized lightsabers at Savi's Workshop, assemble astromech droids at Droid Depot, pilot the Millennium Falcon on Smugglers Run, or join the Resistance on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Character encounters, themed dining, and specialty shopping provide additional opportunities to explore Batuu.
However, beginning November 17, guests hoping to purchase one of the new companions will need to follow Disney's virtual queue requirements.
With only two daily opportunities and no guaranteed purchases, planning ahead will be especially important.
