Our recent trip during the 2020 holiday season included a visit to Droid Depot at Black Spire Outpost, on Batuu. This fun experience is located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Attendance was low during this particular time due to the COVID-19, so we took a chance at walking in without a reservation. Typically, it is recommended you make a reservation online for up to 180 day’s prior to your visit. We were able to walk right up to the register and discuss with the Cast Member what we wanted to do. We wanted to build a Droid! We were asked which type of Droid Series we wanted build. Our options were the R-Series or a BB-Series. The R-Series is the type that look like R2-D2, which was what we requested.
The picture below was prior to COVID-19. They were very strict about wearing a mask at all times during our recent December 2020 visit.
You will need to pay the fee of $99.99 plus tax at this point. You are offered a chance to purchase a backpack for the droid for an additional amount of $49.99. We decided not to purchase that at the time, and just went with the free carry box that comes along with the Droid purchase. Annual Passholder Discounts are not valid on the Droid itself but was available for the backpack accessory kit.
Next step during a visit to Droid Depot, after you choose your droid type, you are given a basket to hold parts. You are also provided with a blueprint for that type of droid. You then move to a conveyor belt area for that style droid. You are presented with various parts for the series Droid you chose. Since we chose the R-Series, we needed to choose a dome, body, side legs, and a center leg piece.
We went with purple and white. There were many colors to choose from, but we did notice they were limited which colored pieces you could pick. For example, we could choose a purple dome, but they didn’t have purple legs. Apparently you can purchase additional pieces in your special colors afterwards. You can also buy personality chips for your Droid too, for additional cost. In fact, there is a fair amount of merchandise and premade Droids to choose from if you prefer to purchase something already constructed.
Once you have the needed pieces, you were directed to the build station. Here a Cast Member, who was fully masked and wearing a face-shield, can assist you in building your Droid. You are given directions/blueprint but they can offer hints as needed.
They were constantly wiping down and cleaning any areas you touched so we were never worried about COVID concerns during the experience. After you complete the building of your Droid, a visit to the Droid Depot includes activating your Droid. This is super fun! The Cast Member helps you place the Droid on the Activation Station and your Droid comes to life. The Cast Member will then provide you with the remote control and explain how things work!
Once complete, your Droid is packaged up for departure. You can leave the Droid turned on in the box while you walk around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and it will begin to interact with the environment. You are not allowed to take it out and use it in the park, however. It will beep and do certain things while exploring Batuu in the box, and when in close encounters with other Droids too.
There is an online app for both Android and iPhone that you can download. It connects with your Droid and will enable you to play games with your Droid and do other fun things, once you get home!
This was an enjoyable experience. It is not as immersive as building a custom Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, but still a fun experience. Just remember when planning to participate, you will need to carry your Droid around for the rest of the day, so plan accordingly!
Have you built a droid? Would you like to? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter!
Did you like this article? Make sure to share it with your friends! Check below for easy ways to share!
Want to visit a Disney Destination? Contact The Magic for Less Travel for more information and a free, no-obligation quote.
Incoming search terms:
- droid depot
This is actually some really cool merchandise!