Roaming droids in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge could become a reality soon, as an R2-D2 has been seen roaming through the lands at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Hollywood Studios) and Disneyland.
According to The Orange County Register (TOCR), the droid is being used in “play tests” as part of an ongoing process which looks at new ways for guests to experience and interact with Disney Parks.
HOWEVER! According to Disney officials, the experiences being tested may or may not end up in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (SW: GE).
R2-D2 was seen roaming near the entrance of Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run at Disneyland and around the land at Hollywood Studios.
One of the first revealed offerings for SW: GE was roaming droids, even though they didn’t make it to the final version when the lands opened this year at both parks.
Roaming aliens were also suggested in pre-opening footage at D23 Expo 2019, however those didn’t make it to the final version of the lands either.
At this time, unless you happen to stumble upon one of these tests, you can only interact with Artoo inside Droid Depot at SW: GE, and BB-8 in Star Wars Launch Bay at Hollywood Studios.
These “play tests” are the droid’s first time outside of Droid Deport at both parks. According to TOCR, the test at Disneyland saw Cast Members walking alongside Artoo as he made his way around SW: GE.
For now, there are no set plans to use these roaming droids in SW: GE at either Disneyland or Hollywood Studios. However, it’s very cool to see!
Source: The Orange County Register
Ecstatic to see R2-D2 finally roaming free in Galaxy’s Edge, Hopefully this is the start of seeing more characters come to the land! Next can we please get the Hondo Ohnaka that we saw at the media event opening at WDWs GE, or Harkos the Bounty Hunter in Cantina that was teased before the land open, or maybe some Jawas walking around bartering with guests.
https://www.change.org/p/bob-iger-have-roaming-aliens-and-droids-at-star-wars-galaxy-s-edge