Stormtroopers Report for Duty at Disney Springs to Ensure Social Distancing

Disney has employed some guards from a galaxy far, far away to remind visitors to keep moving and wear a face mask at the newly reopened Disney Springs.

Two Stormtroopers from Star Wars were stationed on a balcony, watching over the property known for shopping and dining, in Orlando, Fla., pointing out people’s face masks and engaging in some "workplace banter."

“Hey you, with the face covering,” a male stormtrooper pointed, according to a video capturing the encounter.

“They all have face coverings,” his female counterpart responded. "Nice and orderly, keep moving."

Of their new security detail Disney wrote in a blog post, "If you do see them, it’s probably best to snap a photo from afar and 'move along,' as Stormtroopers may not appreciate you getting too close. And, if you’re feeling particularly brave, sport some of the Resistance gear you may have picked up on a visit to Batuu!”

Disney Springs began a phased reopening on May 20. While guests have been welcomed back, social distancing is required and masks must be worn.

Next month, Disney World will begin a phased reopening of its theme parks, starting with the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11, and followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15. That follows the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland on May 11.

When Orlando’s theme parks do reopen, face coverings will be required for guests and cast members and physical distancing will be enforced, including through a "significant reduction” in capacity. Disney will also implement temperature checks for guests and put up plastic barriers -- though there’s no word if the galaxy force will be there to enforce that too.

When it comes to cast members’ safety (and visitors from Star Wars), Disney will hold monthly worker safety meetings, increase cleaning at the parks and facilities, and offer paid time off for staff who become ill with COVID-19.