For Star Wars fans, the opportunity to build a lightsaber is a dream come true. I have to say though, with Savi’s Workshop, Disney’s nailed this experience so it’s fun for anyone. Savi’s is the Galaxy’s Edge lightsaber build opportunity that doubles as the ultimate souvenir and an interactive show.
I’m sharing tips to snag your reservation, make the most of it and whether the $200 price tag will be worth it to you. Plus, if you’ve got sticker shock, I have some other lightsaber building alternatives at Walt Disney World for you!
Related: Read About A Kid’s Lightsaber Build That Isn’t $200
All About Savi’s Workshop Galaxy’s Edge Lightsaber Build
WATCH THE FULL EXPERIENCE:
Before you arrive on your Walt Disney World vacation, you’ll need to make a reservation for the experience via My Disney Experience. There are a limited number of spaces available (14 to be exact), on the half hour time slots, that you can reserve up to 180 days prior to your actual build day.
Every reservation for Savi’s Workshop requires a credit card guarantee. Disney does not charge your card unless you miss your reservation time. There’s one reservation per builder and each builder is allowed to have one guest to watch. A custom-built lightsaber from Savi’s Workshop costs $199 plus tax ($212). Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
There’s So Much Hype Before You Actually Build
Imagineers have done a fantastic job to ensure that Galaxy’s Edge is a complete immersive world and everything mimics the films. Upon check-in, each builder will have to wait for the rest of their building party to arrive. You can look at all of the different build pieces prior to going in the room where the build takes place.
Savi, who is a Jedi supporter runs this workshop with fragments and parts for lightsabers he gathers from around the galaxy. He wants to keep the Jedi hope alive and so he’s passing on this knowledge of how to build a lightsaber to you!
You’ll receive a reservation card with Aurebesh words on it – which is the Star Wars writing system used to transcribe Galactic Basic (one of the most used languages in the galaxy).
Builders also get a souvenir pin that signifies which type of lightsaber build hilt you picked. There’s also a really cool photo opportunity, with a speeder, while you wait.
Categories Of Lightsabers To Pick From
The “Gatherers” bring you into the secret workshops, which is filled with unusual parts and pieces they’ve collected from all over the galaxy.
They are going to help you to build your own lightsaber customizing it with these various parts which will prepare you for your very own journey to the farthest known places in the galaxy! There are four different hilt categories to pick from when you start your design:
- 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 home world and abandoned temples.
- Elemental Nature: This theme embodies the Force—an energy created by all living things, like 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.
Every category has a high-quality build feel to it. There aren’t cheap plastic parts and it doesn’t feel like a child’s toy. You’re building a hyper realistic lightsaber. I recommend that you pass on letting young children build one, as they are breakable when dropped onto a hard surface.
Kyber Crystals: The Heart Of Your Lightsaber
What makes your lightsaber have color? Your Kyber Crystal choice. In total, there are four Kyber Crystal choices to pick from. They are all nods to the Jedi and Siths from the past:
- Blue: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Rey
- Green: like that of Luke Skywalker, Yoda, Qui-Gon Jinn and Ahsoka Tano
- Violet: Mace Windu
- Red: Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and Kylo Ren
During the experience, each builder forms a unique bond with their saber in a special ceremony. It’s a truly unique part of building your lightsaber that you can watch in the video below (or wait until you experience it yourself).
You can buy different Kyber Crystals after your build (at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities) for $12.99 each. Builders can also hunt for the mysterious Black Kyber Crystal, available in random Red packs.
The blade you receive are universal fit.
Lightsaber Accessories To Personalize It Even More
When you’re putting together your lightsaber, the “gatherers” will bring you a box of accessories. Each accessory box is depended on what category you picked. You can preview every piece of accessories before going into the final build room. The box of 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)
Once you’ve connected the pieces that you want, the “gatherers” will connect a 36″ blade and double check that everything is aligned.
If you want to change out your accessories, you can do that as an extra purchase. Head outside of Savi’s Workshop and tell them you are looking for “scrap metal” and they will then show you the extra hilt pieces from the 4 different kinds of lightsaber styles (Peace and Justice, Power and Control, Elemental Nature and Protection Defense).
Each piece of scrap metal costs $19.99.
PRO TIP: if you’re unhappy with any part of your lightsaber, and you’re still in the parks, you can stop by Savi’s Workshop again for it to be corrected. That happened to us and the Cast Members did a great job taking care of us. They replaced a part for us, free of charge. The Galaxy’s Edge lightsaber build experience should be positive for the price tag.
Is Savi’s Workshop Worth The Cost?
While this isn’t a an easy question to answer, I think it really depends on your level of fandom. At $199 ($212 USD with tax), it’s a hefty price tag for a Galaxy’s Edge lightsaber build. My personal opinion is that this experience should be reserved for older kids and fans who can appreciate the meaning behind the experience. There are a few things that should be noted with the cost of your lightsaber:
- A Carry Case Is Included
- Custom Lightsabers Cannot Be Refunded
- No Annual Passholder Or DVC Discount Available
- Additional customization items (different colored kyber crystals) can be purchased at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
- Age Recommendation Via Disney Parks: 5+
Beyond Galaxy’s Edge Lightsaber Build Options
So let’s say that you’re not ready to spend the money or your child wants their own lightsaber. There are other lightsaber options available for purchase. At Hollywood Studios, in the Tatooine Traders gift shop, there’s a plastic lightsaber build experience that’s designed for kids. In Disney Springs, at Star Wars Galactic Outpost, kids can do the same build experience. Both are $40 and do not require a reservation. I recommend this for kids who want to “battle” with their lightsabers. It accompanies the Jedi Training Academy experience nicely too!
If you didn’t get a chance to reserve Savi’s Workshop, but you’re looking for the same high quality lightsaber, head to Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. The Legacy Lightsabers are the most sought after product in Dok Ondar’s, coming from Jedi and Sith legends such as Darth Vader, Mace Windu, Luke Skywalker and more.
Mr. Savvy purchased an Asoka Tano legacy lightsaber and voice actress Ashley Eckstein signed the lightsaber case!
Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities is easy to find. It’s located right in the center of Black Spire Outpost in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Fair warning: sometimes there is a wait just to access the store. It was 90 minutes when we were there in the late morning hours.