Build Your Own Droid: Droid Depot Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Droid Depot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a must-visit for Star Wars enthusiasts and anyone looking to take home a truly unique souvenir. From assembling your own droid to watching it come to life, the experience is nothing short of magical. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect, including tips to make the most of your visit.
Planning for the Experience
Making an advanced appointment for Droid Depot is recommended, especially during peak times, but when we visited, there were plenty of spots available for walk-ins. Booking is easy through the myDisney App. Simply search “droid depot” to pick the date and time available. If you prefer spontaneity or decide last-minute to build your droid, there’s a good chance you’ll still get in. However, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out.
The cost to build a droid is $119.99, which comes out to about $127 after taxes. While this might seem steep for a theme park souvenir, the experience and the droid itself justify the price. Plus, there are upgrade options! For an additional $70 (around $85 after taxes), you can purchase a package that includes a backpack to carry your droid around the park and personality chips to customize its behavior.
Eli opted to carry his droid around the park, and it quickly became his favorite companion. The droid even has a permanent spot in his room now—it’s part toy, part keepsake, and entirely beloved.
The Experience
When you check in for your appointment, cast members guide you through the process. First, you’ll choose between two primary droid models:
• R-series (like R2-D2)
• BB-series (like BB-8)
Once you decide, you’re given a basket and directed to a conveyor belt area. This is where the fun truly begins!
The conveyor belt is a Star Wars fan’s dream—loaded with droid parts in a variety of colors and designs. A helpful blueprint is included in your basket to ensure you gather all the necessary components for your chosen droid.
If you’re unsure or overwhelmed by the choices, cast members are there to assist. Once you’ve collected all the parts, simply raise your hand, and a cast member will double-check your selections before moving on to the next step.
Next, you head to the workshop station, where the real magic happens. Each workstation is equipped with an electric drill, adding an extra layer of excitement for kids (and adults). Assembly is hands-on, but cast members walk you through every step to ensure your droid is perfect.
You can further personalize your droid by choosing different colors and accents, making it truly one of a kind. This part of the experience felt creative and empowering—watching Eli confidently screw in pieces and decide on colors was a joy to witness.
Once your droid is fully assembled, it’s time for activation. Watching Eli’s eyes light up as his droid came to life was the highlight of our day. The activation process is seamless, with lights, sounds, and movement bringing the droid to life right before your eyes. It’s an unforgettable moment, especially for younger builders.
If you choose to purchase the upgrade package, the personality chips add a whole new dimension to the droid. These chips determine how your droid behaves, from its “attitude” to the sounds it makes.
One of the coolest aspects of the Droid Depot experience is that the droids interact with each other. As Eli carried his droid around the park, it chirped and beeped whenever it encountered another droid. This interactivity extends the magic beyond the workshop and into the wider Star Wars galaxy of Hollywood Studios.
The entire experience, from check-in to activation, takes about 30 minutes. The process is efficient without feeling rushed, allowing you to savor every moment.
Play Area and Beyond
Once your droid is complete, there’s a small play area where you can test its functionality and let it roam. This is a great opportunity to experiment with the remote control and see how your droid moves and interacts.
After leaving Droid Depot, Eli carried his droid proudly throughout the park. The backpack upgrade made it easy to transport and kept it safe, while also letting him show off his new favorite toy.
Tips for Your Visit
1. Make Reservations if Possible: While walk-ins are available, booking ahead guarantees your spot.
2. Consider the Upgrade Package: The backpack and personality chips add extra value and enhance the experience.
3. Budget Wisely: The base price is $119.99, but with upgrades and taxes, it can quickly climb higher.
4. Get Hands-On: Encourage kids to take the lead in assembling the droid—it’s a confidence-boosting activity they’ll love.
5. Plan Time for Interaction: The droid’s interactivity in the park adds a fun layer to your day, so keep it with you as you explore.
Why It’s Worth It
The Droid Depot experience isn’t just about building a toy—it’s about creating memories. Watching Eli assemble, personalize, and activate his droid was a magical moment that will stay with us long after our Disney trip.
For Star Wars fans, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the galaxy far, far away. For families, it’s a bonding activity that sparks creativity and leaves you with a tangible reminder of your Disney adventure.
If you’re heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, don’t miss the chance to visit Droid Depot. Whether you’re a lifelong Star Wars fan or just looking for a unique experience, building your own droid is a journey worth taking.