Bright suns! It’s Lily here, just helping out my Frog Fam by sharing the inside scoop on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World. We’ve already told you about one of its build-your-own experiences — be sure to check out how to build a custom droid! Now, it’s time to chat about building your own LIGHTSABER at Disney World. Yes, you read that right, fellow padawans. And I thought it couldn’t get any better than drinking blue milk and seeing my favorite "Star Wars" character, Rey!
Savi’s Workshop at Disney World gives you an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. Be fully immersed as you customize the different pieces of the saber hilt and choose your color. These are high-quality sabers for the Jedis and Siths in your family! Tad already built a lightsaber in Disneyland Resort with Dad, so it was my turn to be the builder with Mommy Frog this time.
Savi’s Workshop is a popular experience (it's about 20 minutes long) at Disney World’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Advanced reservations may go quickly (though the demand has become much more relaxed since it opened in 2019) — yet we still recommend planning ahead if it's a must-do for when you visit Batuu. Read on to learn what you can expect!
Savi’s Workshop Pricing and Logistics — Building a Lightsaber at Disney World
At first glance, the cost of a lightsaber might cause a bit of sticker shock. At $249.99 plus tax, it’ll certainly take a chunk out of your (or in my case, Mommy Frog's) wallet. Know that you’re paying not only for the lightsaber itself but also for the experience of building it in the workshop. Is it really worth the price? If you’re a "Star Wars" fan and can fit it into your budget, we absolutely think so. However, it’s important to note that only one other person can attend the experience with the builder. If you have a larger frog family, you’ll need to think about the pros and cons.
Here are several other important details that you need to know:
- The Savi's Workshop lightsaber experience can only accommodate one builder and a guest.
- The guest may not build their own lightsaber, only the designated builder.
- The age recommendation is 5 and up.
- At least one guest must be 14 or older.
- You'll pay when you arrive at the location.
- A carrying case is included with the purchase.
- Additional parts and customizations can be bought from Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities.
- Custom lightsabers are not refundable or eligible for annual passholder or other discounts.
How to Make Savi's Workshop Reservations at Disney World
If you want to be sure that you'll be able to visit Savi's, make a reservation. Savi’s Workshop at Disney World is popular, and it's subject to availability. Walk-ins are not always guaranteed. Disney (and super-planner Mommy Frog) recommends that you book a reservation, which can be made up to 60 days in advance. You can check availability and make Savi's Workshop reservations on Disney's website.
When booking a reservation, have a valid credit card ready. It will not be charged until you arrive at Savi's Workshop. However, if you fail to cancel the reservation at least a day before and do not show up, you will face a "no-show" fee. The "no-show" fee is the cost of the experience at $249.99 per builder. That would be a costly boo-boo! Late arrivals may not be able to enter and could face the same fee. Keep this in mind when picking out your reservation time. You'll need time to arrive at Disney's Hollywood Studios, get through security and the turnstiles and walk to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at the back of the park.
Where to Find Savi’s Workshop at Disney World
Located in Black Spire Outpost, finding Savi’s Workshop at Disney World can be a bit hard. Signs are written in Aurebesh, so you’ll likely need a park map for reference. Savi’s Workshop is sandwiched between the Droid Depot and Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities and is across (and down the stairs) from Ronto Roasters. It doesn’t help that lightsaber-building is a covert operation at Disney World and the shop is top-secret. Don't ask if you can build a lightsaber, or you'll quickly be corrected! Savi's deals in "scrap metal."
If you have a reservation and need to check in, arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to your assigned time. There will be a check-in location in front of the shop. Each person in your party must be present upon checking in and entering Savi's Workshop. Be prepared to show your reservation confirmation, valid photo ID and the credit card you used to book. Once again, cancel your reservation at least a day in advance (if you need to), or don't be late! Otherwise, you'll risk having to pay the hefty "no-show" fee.
Don't have a reservation? You can still check to see if the workshop is taking anyone from standby. Ask the cast members about the standby list first thing in the morning, because if they are taking down names, those spots will fill quickly. There are still no guarantees, but sometimes times can open up for later in the day, depending on no-shows and cancellations.
Warning — the rest of this post contains some spoilers!
Savi's Workshop Lightsaber Options at Disney World
When you meet one of the “Gatherers” outside the workshop, the Gatherer will explain the four themes for the hilt, or handle. If the Force within you is guiding you toward a specific one, choose it! Then, you’ll receive a cool pin that represents your selection.
Your lightsaber hilt theme options include:
- Peace and Justice
Salvaged scraps from fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships in these Republic-era designs honor the galaxy’s former guardians. - Power and Control
Originally forged by Dark Side warriors, this style features rumored remnants from the Sith homeworld and abandoned temples. - Elemental Nature
This theme embodies the Force — an energy created by all living things, including Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones and Rancor teeth. - Protection and Defense
Hilt materials bear mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect users with the ancient wellspring of the Force.
Once you go inside the build room, the lead Gatherer will welcome you and explain who they are: a group of lightsaber-building experts who have traveled all over the galaxy to collect ancient relics, pieces and “junk” that will be forged into the lightsabers.
When begin with choosing the heart of your lightsaber — the kyber crystal. The crystal determines the color of your blade. The available colors are red, blue, green and violet. You can purchase additional kyber crystal colors at Dok-Onder's Den of Antiquities next door, including white and yellow, when available.
After selecting the kyber crystal, you’ll start building your hilt. Savi’s Gatherers will provide the parts based on the theme that you chose previously.
The box of Savi's Workshop parts includes:
- 1 hilt
- 4 sleeves (pick 2)
- 2 emitters (pick 1)
- 2 pommel caps (pick 1)
- 2 sets of activation plates and switches (pick 1 set)
Assembling Your Lightsaber Inside Savi’s Workshop
Now that you've got all of the parts in front of you, the first step is placing your kyber crystal inside the chassis. Then, assemble the rest of the hilt from your choice of sleeves, emitters, pommel caps and activation plates. Parts of the building process can be a bit tricky, so feel free to ask for help! The Gatherers are there to help you if you have any trouble. Don't worry if you're the last one to finish building ... nobody gets left behind! Upon completion, the Gatherers will collect the unused parts and return them to Savi’s inventory.
When all of the hilts have been built, you'll take a step back from the building station as the Gatherers walk around and insert each of the hilts into separate stabilization chambers. Inside the chamber, the hilt is forged to its blade!
The lights dim, the room turns green and Master Yoda talks to the group, announcing that it's time to forge the bond between lightsaber and builder. The lead Gatherer asks all of the builders to step forward, place their hands on their hilts and activate the lightsabers. The stabilization chamber opens, and all together, everyone raises their own lightsaber. This is hands-down the best part of the experience. Music is playing, and the lightsabers are humming. The lead Gatherer reminds everyone that you can change the galaxy — it only takes a spark!
Before you depart, you deactivate the Disney World lightsaber. Each builder receives a saber sheath on the way out in order to protect their lightsaber (and keep it out of sight from the First Order). However, you'll definitely want to take it out for some photo-ops around Batuu. Plus, they look super cool lit up at night!
If you're spending more time in the park and don't want to carry it around with you, you can ship it home for an additional cost. Home shipping is the only current package option offered, but any merchandise location can process the shipping if you want to take some froggerfic photos first.
Taking Your Lightsaber Home
The saddest part of any Disney trip is, of course, the trip home. If you're driving home or live locally, getting your lightsaber home is easy-peasy. However, if you'll be flying home, you may have some questions about what that transport is like.
TSA states that sabers are toadally safe and permissible for air travel in either your checked or carry-on luggage. A TSA agent may ask you to remove the lightsaber from the padded sheath for additional screening (we were not asked, but it does hoppen). It can head through the screening area just like any other carry-on luggage.
Where air travel gets a little tricky is actually with your airline. On Southwest, for example, your lightsaber counts as one of your carry-on items. Be sure to check with your airline to see what their policy is before you travel so that you don't end up with extra bag fees!
Lightsabers do fit into the overhead compartment, but be sure to check with a flight attendant in case they have a preferred place to store them during the flight. If helpful, the blade and hilt can be separated when packing.
Are you excited to build your own lightsaber inside Savi's Workshop at Disney World? What kyber crystal or hilt theme would you pick? Don't froget to check out our full guide on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney World.
Related: Our Galactic Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney World
Love,
