

The Tattoine Traders store at the Disney Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World will soon have a build-your-own-droid option, along with a cardback box so that you can package it up to look like one of the original Star Wars figs. This is one of the rare times when the official Star Wars product is as interesting as the incredible, imaginative array of fannish creations.

[T]he Droid Factory has 71 different pieces to create the 3 ¾-inch figures! To get started, guests chose a dome, a body and legs offered in a variety of colors and styles (Cody said that availability of various parts and colors may change). There are optional third legs and novelty hats that can be added.

"We wanted lots of options for [the Droid Factory]," continued Cody. "There are literally thousands of combinations making each droid unique. Guests can also name their droids with sticker sheets provided at checkout."

Three domes – R6, R8 and R9 – were created exclusively for this experience at Disney Parks. Cody also told me the multi-colored ear hats were inspired by Jedi Mickey's Astromech droid, R2-MK. Four additional hats arrive later this summer including a Goofy hat, a pirate hat, a fedora and a Yoda cap.

