Hi, Kristin!
Wow, your Walt Disney World Resort visit is just around the corner! I hope you and your family are getting excited for all the magic that awaits you.
Yes, Darth Vader, Chewbacca and the Stormtroopers are only available for official meet and greet opportunities during
Star Wars Weekends, which will occur between May 17 and June 9 this year.
However, if your visit doesn't coincide with those dates, you may want to sign your son up for the
Jedi Training Academy, a 20-minute interactive show in Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Jedi Master and his assistants work with Jedis-to-be in a light saber training course, and your son will get a close encounter with some of his favorite characters! Children between the ages of 4 and 12 are invited to sign up for this experience at the ABC Sound Studio, and 12 participants are selected per show. It's very popular, so arrive early for the best chance at a spot. Sign-ups begin when the park turnstiles open, including Extra Magic Hour mornings. It’s best to be at the park entrance at least 15 minutes prior to the official opening time and go straight to the sign-up queue.
I hope this helps, Kristin! Please feel free to ask me any other questions you may have as you continue to plan.
Wishing you magic,
Courtney