We recently announced how guests can support the U.S. Fund for UNICEF on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change starting this April at Disney Parks. Today, I’m delighted to share additional details about other new Star Wars products launching this month at both Star Wars Celebration 2017 and at select locations in Disney Parks. I caught up with merchandise product developer Cody Hampton who discussed his role at Disney Parks Merchandise, and offered a sneak preview of new items coming soon to this galaxy.
“I’ve been a Star Wars fan since I was two-years old,” explained Cody. “I feel like I have a dream role at Disney as I collaborate with the Lucasfilm team to create unique merchandise and immersive experiences you can only find at Disney Parks.”
Cody has been involved with developing Star Wars products found at Disney Parks for years. Most notably, he helped launch Star Wars Droid Factory, a build-your-own action figure experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2012.
This month, Cody is part of a team rolling out a limited release, boxed set with four Astromech droid action figures inspired by characters from the animated series, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”
Additionally, three limited release action figures are making their debut including C1-10P “Chopper” from Disney XD’s animated series “Star Wars Rebels;” a two-pack featuring R2-D2 and C-3PO celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope; and a red Protocol droid, R-3D0, that was briefly seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
“This is the first time we’ve introduced Protocol droids to the Star Wars Droid Factory collection,” continued Cody. “All of these pre-packaged figures have interchangeable parts that can be mixed and matched with action figures created at the Droid Factory.”
Other products include three emitters for the popular Star Wars Build-Your-Own Lightsaber experience at Disney Parks. These items were inspired by lightsabers seen in Star Wars Rebels.
Finally, look for a plush Ewok scout named Paploo as seen in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. This is the 12th character from the limited release Ewok plush collection, and was created especially for Star Wars Celebration 2017.
These products will debut in Booth 3463 at Star Wars Celebration, a Star Wars fan event coming to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from April 13-16, 2017. Please note select single day tickets are still available for this event.
On April 17, guests may find action figures and the Build-Your-Own Lightsaber parts in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.