Did you know you can make a custom lightsaber at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? Find out everything you need to know about Savi’s Workshop — Handbuilt Lightsaber experience.
This Savi’s Workshop post was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
“This is a really special moment.”
That’s what my husband told me as we entered Savi’s Workshop — Handbuilt Lightsabers at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort this past summer.
He’s been a Star Wars fan since he was a little boy.
What made the experience even more magical is that he was able to do it with our 5-year-old son, who is quickly becoming as big of a Star Wars fan as my husband.
That’s because he’s been obsessed with LEGO Star Wars since he was a toddler!
Now, my boys have seen a good handful of the “real” Star Wars movies and they have epic lightsaber battles in practically every room in our house.
So, when we decided to head to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort this summer, we knew we’d have to set aside time to hang out at Savi’s Workshop.
Here’s everything you need to know about doing Savi’s Workshop — Handbuilt Lightsabers at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland:
Savi’s Workshop–Handbuilt Lightsaber Experience at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
RESERVATIONS
Right now, the lightsaber experience at Savi’s Workshop is by reservation only. You can make a reservation using the Disneyland app.
When we went, reservations were pretty open and we were able to get some for 3 pm.
CHECK-IN
When you head to Savi’s Workshop at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll need to check in outside with a Gatherer about 15 minutes prior to your reservation time.
This is where you’ll decide what type of handbuilt lightsaber you want to make.
There are 4 available hilt themes:
PEACE AND JUSTICE
Materials include salvaged scraps from fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships to create Republic-era designs to honor the commitment of the devout life of the Jedi Order, who served as the guardians of peace and justice throughout the galaxy.
POWER AND CONTROL
Originally forged by dark-side warriors, this style features rumored remnants from the Sith homeworld and their abandoned temples. The designs are sharp in order to represent the brutality of the Sith and their dark desire to control the galaxy.
Of course, this is the one my 5 year old chose!
ELEMENTAL NATURE
Materials from this theme embody the Force—an energy created by all living things, like bits of Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones, and Rancor teeth to create unique lightsabers.
PROTECTION AND DEFENSE
Hilt materials bear mysterious motifs and inscriptions meant to connect the lightsaber holder with the ancient wellspring of the Force.
You’ll show your reservation confirmation, photo ID, and your credit card.
Then, you’ll pre-pay for your lightsaber and get a pin reflecting which type of lightsaber you’re going to create.
You’ll also receive a card showing your group number and you’ll be invited to hang out in the waiting area.
WAITING AREA
We waited about 15 minutes in a sectioned off area right outside the doors. There are a few places to sit and a couple of umbrellas.
Otherwise, there really isn’t anything to do besides people watch and translate some of the signs.
ENTERING SAVI’S WORKSHOP
When you enter Savi’s Workshop, you’ll see a large rectangular/oval Builder’s table set up with 14 lightsaber-building stations.
Look around and you’ll see displays of scrap metal and memorabilia from all across the galaxy.
PRESENTATION
I’m a huge fan of Disney experiences and I’ve been bummed that the Jedi Training Academy has been on hiatus at Disneyland.
But, I was pretty impressed with the awe-inspiring feeling I saw in all the participants as the different Kyber Crystal options were presented.
I mean, there were lights and powerful messages about the history of lightsabers and the famous characters who owned them that filled the little room. It was pretty cool.
After this presentation, the Gatherers will walk around and present the heart of your lightsaber: the Kyber Crystal.
KYBER CRYSTALS
When we were there, they offered 4 different Kyber Crystals: red, blue, green, and violet. They had everyone close their eyes and think about which one they were drawn to the most.
Of course, my 5-year-old picked red because he “likes everything Dark Side.”
ASSEMBLING YOUR CUSTOM LIGHTSABER
Now it’s time to actually put your handbuilt lightsaber together. Gatherers will pull out parts based on your theme and cloisonne pin.
The box of parts includes:
- 1 hilt
- 4 sleeves (you can choose 2)
- 2 emitters (you can choose 1)
- 2 pommel caps (you can choose 1)
- 2 sets of activation plates/switches (you can choose 1 set)
When you have completed your hilt, Gatherers will come back and return your unused parts to Savi’s inventory. You won’t get to keep them.
Finally, the Gatherers will complete your lightsaber by masterfully connecting your hilt to a 31 inch lightsaber blade in a magical moment.
Note: I want to make it clear that the Gatherers will help you every step of the way.
So, if you are worried that you won’t be able to make your own lightsaber because you’ll be busy helping your child, don’t fret! They will help both of you so you BOTH can get the experience.
What You Need to Know Before You Go:
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Because of the whole experience and the quality of the custom-built lightsabers, they cost $199 each plus tax.
ARE THERE DISNEYLAND ANNUAL PASSHOLDER DISCOUNTS?
No. Unfortunately, at this time, they aren’t offering any discounts.
WHAT ALL DO I GET?
You’ll get your customized handbuilt lightsaber and a carry case. Additional customization and accessories are available at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, for an additional cost.
DO I NEED TO BUY A PARK TICKET?
Yes, Savi’s Workshop is located inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in the Disneyland Park. You must have a valid Park ticket to enter.
If you have a 1-Park Per Day ticket, the reservation must be for Disneyland on the day of your reservation. Similarly, if you have a Park Hopper and your appointment is before 11 am, you must have Disneyland as the starting park that day.
DO I NEED A RESERVATION FOR SAVI’S WORKSHOP?
Yes, you’ll definitely need a reservation for Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers. You can do it on the Disneyland app up to 14 days in advance.
Additional same-day reservations will be made available each day at 7am PST for visits that day.
Depending on how busy it is, you might be about to head to Savi’s Workshop in person and see if you can make a reservation.
Just be sure to show up for your reservation or you will be billed.
Reservations are nontransferable and may not be sold or bartered.
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HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN FIT INSIDE SAVI’S WORKSHOP?
The lightsaber building stations are set up for 14 people. Each of those participants can bring a guest.
And there are about 5 cast members.
CAN THE WHOLE FAMILY GO?
In our experience, yes. But, we built two lightsabers.
Each lightsaber builder can bring one guest. However, we did see a couple of families in Savi’s Workshop who only built one lightsaber.
IS IT KID-FRIENDLY?
Yes, to an extent. We brought both our 2.5 year old (who napped in the stroller) and our 5 year old, who participated.
We were only allowed to bring our stroller in because our toddler was napping. Otherwise, they ask that you park it outside due to space.
The Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsaber experience is geared for kids ages 5 and older. Our son was the youngest participant in the group when we went.
CAN I WEAR A JEDI ROBE?
I know it’s super tempting to bring a jedi robe to wear for the full experience. However, adults ages 14 and older aren’t allowed to wear jedi robes in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
But, you can still do a Star Wars Disneybound outfit inspired by your favorite Star Wars character!
Kids are welcome to dress up, just like they do anywhere else in the Park.
HOW BIG ARE THE LIGHTSABERS?
They are pretty big! Each lightsaber blade is 36 inches tall, plus the hilt is another 8-10 inches.
They also weigh 2-3 pounds.
HOW CAN I GET MY LIGHTSABER HOME?
That was my biggest concern, especially since we had two of them.
Thankfully, all lightsabers from Savi’s Workshop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are TSA approved. That means you can bring it on the airplane as your personal item.
We were able to fit them in the back of the overhead compartments on our flight home.
They do not fold down and you will not be able to fit it in your checked luggage.
What Else to Do at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
So, I’ve been to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland many, many times. Once during the reservation period and several times when it was fully open.
They really have hit their stride and there are quite a few things to do.
DROID DEPOT
Besides building a custom lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, the other popular thing to do is to create a droid at the Droid Depot nearby.
We built two droids and it was a fun process!
Basically, you choose all your droid’s pieces off a conveyor belt and then assemble them at a little station with power tools.
Then you activate the personality chip and your droid will start talking and interacting with other droids.
GO BOUNTY HUNTING
On our most recent trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, we were able to go bounty hunting because we had Magic Bands.
Basically, you scan your band and you’ll get a mission. You run around to checkpoints all across Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and try to capture the fugitives.
My kids had a blast and we had to pull them away from bounty hunting in order to do some rides!
TRY THE BLUE AND GREEN MILK
This seems to be the “it” item to try at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The reviews are all over the map, and that’s kind of half the fun!
I’d describe it as a fluffy, icy milkshake that kind of tastes like the milk at the bottom of the cereal bowl mixed with Gatorade.
It’s a great drink to share with people so you can all get a taste and debate what it tastes like.
PHOTO OPS
You won’t be able to stop gawking as you walk around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. They did an amazing job creating Batuu and everywhere you turn, it’s an epic background.
Thankfully, there are a lot of Disney PhotoPass photographers around to take photos of you in iconic spots as well as more everyday spots.
But even without a Disney PhotoPass photographer, you’ll never run out of cool details to photograph as you walk around.
INTERACT WITH THE CHARACTERS
What makes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge a bit more unique compared to the other lands is that there aren’t really character meet and greets in the sense that they pose for photos or sign autograph books.
Instead, they have created opportunities for characters to blend in and interact with guests on a more intimate level.
While we were there, my 5-year-old got to hang out with Rey and play tricks on some Stormtroopers.
Later in the day, he was recruited to join the Stormtroopers as they marched off (he was dressed as a Stormtrooper.)
And my husband tried to give Chewbacca some mechanical advice.
MILLENNIUM FALCON: SMUGGLER’S RUN
This is the first ride that debuted at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
My oldest has done it probably 20 times so far and I have to admit that it’s one of my favorite rides at Disneyland!
There’s lots of stuff to look at while you wait in line. And there’s even a game you can play on your phone. If you have the Magic Band, you can even do some Bounty Hunting there.
The ride itself is interactive and more like a simulator, and I had no idea I would get such a kick out of it! I even rode it 3 times in a row on our first trip!
Our toddler (who barely made the height requirement) was a pilot on his first trip!
RISE OF THE RESISTANCE
Of course, the big talk of the land is the newer attraction Rise of the Resistance.
It’s a completely immersive experience that includes interacting with stormtroopers before getting inside a vehicle where you’ll try to escape Kylo Ren.
There’s a little drop, so just be prepared.
BE IN THE MOMENT
I’m including this last because it’s what I want you to remember the most.
More than any other land at Disneyland, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge wants to transport you completely to another world where you get to become a resident for a while.
I urge you to let yourself get absorbed in all the amazing details, and the nuanced language, and become part of this epic universe.
I hope this helps you understand what to expect at Savi’s Workshop and whether or not the lightsaber experience is right for you and your family.