If you've ever dreamed of becoming a Jedi and having a lightsaber of your own, you will definitely want to stop by Savi's Workshop at Hollywood Studios. This unique shop is not only a place where you can build and take home your very own Lightsaber, but you'll experience a Jedi ceremony that is unlike anything else.
Here I will talk about how Savi's Workshop works, the pricing, and my review of this one of a kind experience.
To build a lightsaber you will first want to make advanced reservations. This is an extremely popular stop in Hollywood Studios, and spaces are limited. You can make a reservation in advance on Disney Website. Reservations can be made 60 days in advance.
You will be required to use a credit card to hold your reservation, but you will not be charged at the time of booking. However, you will be charged the entire price of the lightsaber if you are a no-show to your reservation. So if you can't make it be sure to cancel online, call Disney to cancel, or stop by Savi's in person to cancel.
If you are unable to find any open reservations, you can check for availability in person. There will be a number of walk up spots open, but they are first come first serve and are not guaranteed. I would recommend you arrive to the park early if you plan on trying to do a walk in Lightsaber build.
Keep in mind your reservation is for one person plus one guest. Your entire party will not be allowed to watch the build. Cast Members will make exceptions for small children who would otherwise be left unattended, but it is at their discretion.
Building a lightsaber at Savi's Workshop costs $249.99 plus tax. There are no discounts with Disney annual pass or DVC for this experience, but you can use those discounts for any of the extras or accessories that you purchase.
The price above includes the building experience (which I'll go over below), the customized lightsaber, and a carrying case.
You can also purchase a stand for your lightsaber for $25 or a belt clip for $18.
You will pay for your experience and these optional extras when you check in for your reservation.
When you arrive for your reservation at Savi's Workshop you'll be given a menu of options to chose from for your lightsaber. Your options include:
Once you make your selection you are asked to pay for your lightsaber in advance. You are then given a pin to wear that symbolizes the theme of lightsaber that you have chosen. You are also given a color coded card that will represent the group of builders you are with.
Once your color card is called you are brought inside the workshop and given a work station. You are guided by The Gatherers (the Cast Members working in the shop) in the building process. This part is more a show. You hear the story of Jedi masters before you. And learn about the building process and why it is so significant. Any Star Wars fan would greatly appreciate the attention to detail and story.
Then it's time to start building. The Gatherers working the shop will bring you a tray of parts that were "salvaged" for you in order to build this lightsaber. They help you chose a kyber crystal (which is what brings your lightsaber to life, and essentially determines the color and sounds your lightsaber makes). They then help you assemble based on the pieces that you chose.
The Gatherers will then have you place your lightsaber in a special docking station. Moments later the top of the station opens and your lightsaber is revealed with its blade lit. The blade is 31" long and is made of glass.
You can pick any number of combinations when you are building your lightsaber. And chances are every builder around you will have a different and unique lightsaber.
Any unused pieces are returned (you do not keep the unused pieces that you did not pick in the building process). You remove your lightsaber and are then given a travel case.
If you want to ship your lightsaber home, you can have it shipped from Disney World to your house.
You have a few options to do this. If you are in Galaxy's Edge you can head over to the Droid Depot to have them ship it for you. You can head over to Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities to have it shipped. Or you can head to your resort's gift shop location. Rates vary, but we paid $18 for shipping from Orlando to the Chicago area.
If you decide to try and bring your lightsaber on your flight home, the TSA does allow them. But you'll want to double check with your airline before you go.
Building a lightsaber at Savi's Workshop is an amazing experience for any Star Wars fan. This is definitely more of an adult experience. While Disney only requires builders be 5 and up, I personally would not recommend this for children under the age of 10 (give or take depending on your child).
The lightsaber itself is NOT a toy, and would not be appropriate for a child looking for a lightsaber that they can play with. This would be an experience more for someone looking for a display piece. Toy lightsabers can be purchased at a number of stores in Hollywood Studios at much cheaper prices.
If you are looking for an alternative that is more child friendly, or something that you can play with more, I would recommend building a droid at the Droid Depot instead.
When you build your lightsaber you pick a theme, and are given a variety of parts based on that theme. But what do you do if you are torn between two different parts or styles? Or if something happens and you need a replacement part for your lightsaber?
If you want additional pieces for the hilt (or base) of your lightsaber, you can head back over to Savi's Workshop and ask to see their junk pieces.
You can also go to Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities to purchase additional Kyber Crystals to change the color of your lightsaber.
My husband Kurt and I went to Savi's Workshop to build a custom lightsaber. We had our 2 year old with us, and although the rules are only one builder and one guest per reservation, the Cast Members let us bring her with for our reservation.
We chose the Peace and Justice themed lightsaber. We were given a pin to wear to show our choice, and a card for entry in to the workshop. We then waited to be called for our turn to build.
While we sat and waited, we saw Kylo Ren and a group of Storm Troopers walking towards Savi's Workshop. The Cast Members at the workshop shouted that Kylo Ren was coming, and any and all discussions of lightsabers ceased. Kylo Ren commented to his Storm Troopers that it was "nothing but a junk shop" and they left.
I found that level of detail to be incredibly fun. This was more than just a souvenir. This was an entire experience that included Cast Members working outside the shop, characters roaming the land, and the guests as builders.
We were then called in to the shop, and were given a work space. All builders are placed in a workspace that circles the room. The Cast Members working in the shop, called Gatherers, then tell a dramatic story of the history and importance of building your own lightsaber as a part of your Jedi training. This story is more than just a background on lightsabers. It is a full on show. There is music and lighting, and the telling is very fun and dramatic. It truly builds anticipation for the experience.
Once we were familiar with the importance of this ritual, we were guided by The Gatherers in the building process. We placed the purple Kyber Crystal we chose in the hilt, and then select pieces to complete the build. We were then told to place the hilt in a station, and the Gatherers built up anticipation as we waited for the final step of the build.
The station then opened and our lightsaber, complete with lit purple blade, were revealed. Everyone then lifted their lightsabers at the same time, which was amazing to see in person.
Overall this experience was unlike anything else. It was part show, it was building a custom piece, it was a childhood dream fulfilled. It was everything we hoped it would be. And I am not someone who ever thought that I would spend $200 on a lightsaber.
With a price tag that high, you might be wondering if it's worth the price for you. I would say it's worth it if you are a hug Star Wars fan, if you dreamed of building or having your very own lightsaber since childhood, if you have always wanted a cos-play or collector level piece, or if you love these truly unique and one of a kind type experiences. Because truly each guest is getting a difference experience with a lightsaber build at Savi's Workshop.
If you want more information on Galaxy's Edge, including information on rides, food, touring, and more, check out the full guide to Galaxy's Edge
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