I think we can all agree, Disney have done an amazing job on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. When you first walk into Batuu it’s easy to forget that you’re in a Disney park. The detail that has been put in to this land is nothing short of incredible. From the droid tracks in the concrete to the full scale Millenium Falcon parked outside Oga’s Cantina… it is a place where you can forget magic and pixie dust, because now you’re a tourist on a planet far, far away. Beauty aside, one of the first things you will notice is that the First Order run a pretty tight ship around here. Any suspected rebellion activity will result in a questioning from Storm Troopers – this is all in good fun and only adds to the immersion. Tucked away at the heart of the Black Spire Outpost lies Savi’s Workshop. A place that, for the benefit of the First Order, sells ‘scrap metal’. But for those of us in the know, it’s a place that gives you the opportunity to build the most powerful handheld weapon in the galaxy: the lightsaber.
Overview
As mentioned above, Savi’s Workshop is place that is kept on the down-low by the locals (cast members) of Batuu. For instance if you ask a local, “I have a reservation to build a lightsaber, do you know where the shop is?”, don’t be surprised if they give you a cryptic answer. There are several stages to the experience which I will outline below. You start off in a holding pen, allowed to choose your parts and then led to the build by the gatherers. This is more than just building an iconic piece of memorabilia, this is an experience. One that I will never forget, and I don’t think you will either.
How much?
Like I said before, this is the ultimate immersive experience. But, of course, this does not come cheap. This experience is going to set you back $199 + tax. Meaning this is probably going to be one of the most expensive pieces of merchandise you pick up in the parks. The lightsaber is a high quality collectors piece and not a toy! However it is important to remember that the $199 + tax you are paying is not just for the lightsaber you’ll walk away with. It’s for the experience as a whole, which for a Star Wars fan is well worth the money.
Making your reservation
So you’ve done your research, you’re happy (as you can be) with the price and you’re going for it! How do you book? Disney have made it super simple to do this through the My Disney Experience app. Guests can make reservations for Savi’s Workshop up to 60 days in advance. To make a reservation you will need to put a credit/debit card on file, however payment is not due until you check in for your booking. It is important to note that if you don’t turn up Disney will charge your card the full $199. So make sure you cancel at least 24 hours in advance if you change your mind or can’t make the reservation. Walk-ins are available but very limited, so if you know you want to do this experience be sure to book in advance.
The reservation is limited to 2 people. This is the builder and a plus one. The reason behind this is because the workshop itself is a fairly small, intimate location. The atmosphere just wouldn’t be the same if everyone had a large party of people with them. This rule is for the best, trust me! There isn’t a strict age limit on the builder, however someone in your build party must be at least 14 and Disney recommends guests be aged 5 or above.
Attending the booking
On the day of the booking you should check in at Savi’s Workshop no more than 15 minutes prior to your reservation time. Once you have found the shop, it’s fairly simple process. Head up to the counter and the cast member will get you all set up. They may want to see some sort of confirmation (email, reservation number etc) and then you’re good to go. Once you’re checked in you will be led into the holding pen with other guests from your time slot.
Here there are many things to look at – scrap metal parts, a photo opportunity with a speeder and a set of drawers that houses all the different parts you can choose to build your lightsaber with. So get thinking! If you’re lucky enough, while you are in the pen you may get a visit from the Storm Troopers asking what’s going on here… but don’t worry, the locals are pretty good at spinning them a story to quickly move them on!
The menu
Whilst you are in the holding pen, you will be given a menu. This will have the different types of lightsaber you can build. The four different types are: 1. Peace and Justice – This is your standard Jedi lightsaber 2. Protection and Defence – An antique looking saber, for the more mature Jedi (this is the one I chose!) 3. Elemental Nature – A natural look, parts resemble animal horn and ivory. 4. Power and Control – Last but not least your standard Dark Side saber. You will be given time to make your decision, then a cast member will call out your name and you can head up to the front counter. You can tell them what you have chosen and they will give you a really cool pin that identifies your choice for the gatherers later on (you get to keep this pin!)
** if you don’t want any spoilers about the actual build please skip to the summary!**
The build experience
When your group is called you will be lead into the build room by the gatherers. The is an oval room with work benches that you will complete your build. Take a moment to look around the room as it is filled with props and easter eggs that the big movie fans will notice. Once everyone is settled at their station the main gatherer will enter. They will act as your guide. The other gatherers will then place a box in front of you, this will contain a selection of pieces (the same type you chose earlier identified by your pin).
But before you can get your hands on those pieces and start building, your guide is going to welcome you. They will tell you stories of the lore of the Jedi and the history of their famous choice of weapon: the lightsaber. You will be told the story of the kyber crystal – the life force of the weapon and what gives the saber its colour. Your guide will take you though the different colours and tell you stories of the famous Jedi that wielded that specific colour.
Your guide will then ask you to close your eyes and think of the colour that calls to you. When you open your eyes you will see a selection of crystals that have appeared in front of you. You’ll select one and this is when you begin your build. This is a fairly simple process, however should any young Jedi need help, the gatherers are there to assist you. Once you have finished your hilt, you will place it on the bench, and the gatherers will take away the none selected pieces. And that’s it! You now have your very own, personal lightsaber hilt. Only one more thing to do… activate.
The activation ceremony
So you’re all done, looking at the beauty in front of you, dying to turn it on and take someones hand off. But activating a lightsaber is a tricky process, needing to be done by only those with years of experience. In this case the gatherers. They will come around to your benches and place your sabers in their activation pods. The guide will will begin telling you a story only to be interrupted… by the force ghost voice of a very famous Jedi. Then is the moment, you’ll be asked to place your hand on the hilt, the lights will go down and 3, 2, 1… *Lightsaber Noise* The entire room lifts their completed sabers high into the air. A room full of bright colours and the gentle hum of 12 lightsabers. This is really a ‘hair stand up on the back of the neck’ moment and one of the most memorable of the entire experience, although there are so many. Take this moment in because it’s awesome. Once the ceremony is over, lightsabers are off, you will be thanked by the guide and are free to go. On the way out don’t forget to pick up a lightsaber bag (included in the price) to carry it around the parks and keep out of sight of the first order!
Summary
For me, Disney have out done themselves with this. Yes, its expensive. At $199 + tax this is not something to just jump in to and should be considered ahead of time. But if you are a Star Wars fan and are on the fence about this, my advice would be to do it. If you can afford it, do it. Try not to think of this as just spending $199 on a toy. High quality display piece aside, this is an experience, one you will never forget. It will be the standout moment of the holiday and an amazing story to tell. Although, and I speak from experience in writing this piece, you can never explain just how good the whole thing is.
To learn more or make a reservation visit https://www.disneyworld.co.uk/shops/hollywood-studios/savis-workshop-handbuilt-lightsabers/
So have any of you guys done this? What did you think? Would you recommend it? We would love to hear about your experiences and what you thought. See you real soon, Josh & Becky
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