Hi there, Jennifer,
We aren't quite as familiar with the dark side of the Force here at planDisney. But maybe I can still offer a few tips that can help you and your Darth Vader fans have an out-of-this-galaxy experience at the Disneyland Resort.
To find out which characters are appearing in the theme parks, make sure you have the latest version of the
Disneyland mobile app. From the map view, select "Characters" to display the names, locations, and times of appearance of many of the characters you can expect to find during your visit. It's best to consult this resource at the beginning of your day at the parks because characters will drop off the list after their appearances have concluded for the day.
If you are a Disney Visa cardholder, you won't want to miss the
Disney Visa Cardmember Star Wars Photo Opportunity in Tomorrowland. Characters are subject to change, but you never know if you will get a chance to meet a
certain Sith Lord in this unique experience. This special character event takes place between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM daily. Although not Star Wars-themed, you may also be interested in a Disney Visa Cardmember Photo Opportunity that takes place in Disney California Adventure Park's Hollywood Land earlier in the day. Ask one of the Cast Members, especially those wearing special buttons indicating they have information about characters, for details.
Guests visiting
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will find that the characters who pass through the
Black Spire Outpost are true to the
timeline associated with that corner of a galaxy far, far away. The setting of Galaxy's Edge is after the events of
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI). So you won't find Anakin Skywalker or Darth Vader roaming the marketplace on the planet Batuu. But there is a good chance you may cross paths with Anakin's grandson,
Kylo Ren, or some of his First Order Stormtroopers. Note that characters appearing in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge generally try to avoid being tracked by their adversaries. So they don't usually post schedules of their visits in the Disneyland mobile app. I recommend stopping by the land a few times throughout the day to increase the chances of coming across various members of the First Order or the Resistance.
Tony's Tip: Be sure to download the free
Play Disney Parks app to use during your visit to the Disneyland Resort. This is a separate app from the essential Disneyland mobile app. The Play Disney Parks app includes the amazing
Star Wars: Datapad, which will take your Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge experience to a whole new level. Also, Guests who purchase a MagicBand+ can find an even more immersive adventure when using it to earn credits in
Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters.
May the Force be with you, Jennifer!
~Tony