One of the most exciting things about Disney’s plans for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland resort is the fact that this new land will be both immersive and interactive. One of the most exciting new features of this new land is how guests will be able to make their own, customized, in-universe lightsabers. Instead of simply putting together plastic pieces (like guests used to be able to do outside of Star Tours) Disney has crafted an entire new experience for guests that will allow them to create their own story surrounding their lightsaber. And now Disney has dropped some amazing new details about exactly how that experience will go!
Welcome to Savi’s Workshop
Image: Disney
Considering Lightsabers are said to be rare in the Star Wars universe, Disney had to make a backstory for how these valuable and hard to find objects could be available to everyone visiting the planet of Batuu. The answer? Savi’s Scrapyard, a special place run by a group of people called the “Gatherers” a group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of the Force and the ancient ways of the Jedi. The Gatherers guide those who seek their assistance in creating their own unique customized lightsaber.
The story goes that the Gatherers have amassed a great collection of stories, kyber crystals, and other lightsaber parts from around the galaxy. As “keepers of the Force,” they have passed down their knowledge from generation to generation, striving to keep the flame of hope alive. Savi was one of the original Gatherers and a friend to Lor San Tekka (whom we met briefly at the beginning of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”). Like Lor, Savi was a believer in the ideals of the Jedi Order and helped to pass on his knowledge of Jedi lore. He created a salvage business as a front to hide his clandestine mission of guiding the next generation of Force wielders and helping them create their unique lightsabers.And of course, when guests enter this establishment, that will naturally be them!
Entering the shop
Image: Disney
Much like the Olivander’s wand choosing experience at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will need to go through a bit of a process before they’re ready to craft their lightsaber. Guests will first need to find a symbol displayed on the front of the workshop indicating that they are in the correct location and then must give a secret phrase to the Gatherers to gain entry.
Once inside the workshop, the Builders will be surrounded by various odds and ends, pieces and objects. These pieces become key elements in the building and refinement of their lightsabers. At the center of the room is the Builder’s Table, a large oval-shaped table assembled from ancient pieces salvaged from across the galaxy that can accommodate up to 14 builders at a time to choose their crystal and craft their lightsaber. Guests will then be able to work on their lightsaber, along with a Gatherer, who will help guide their experience, explaining what each lightsaber part does and what makes each weapon unique and special for each guest.
Expanding the Star Wars universe
Image: Disney
Most Star Wars fans know all about the Jedi and the Sith, and the types of lightsabers that characters associated with each side of the force use. However, Disney is looking to build on the Star Wars lore established in the Star Wars films and will allow guests to build lightsabers that fall into one of four special categories:
Peace and Justice: Salvaged from fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships, these lightsaber pieces were created for Force wielders of the Republic era. The simple designs reflect the commitment to the devout life of those whom they were created by – the Jedi Order – the once guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy.
Power and Control: Reclaimed from the ashes of the rumored Sith homeworld and abandoned Sith temples, these lightsaber pieces were originally forged by the Sith of their time. Characterized by sharp and strong forms, these pieces showcase the brutality and relentlessness of the Sith’s insatiable desire for power and control.
Elemental Nature: As we have been told, The Force is an energy field created by all living things; it surrounds us, penetrates us and binds the galaxy together. These lightsaber pieces are born of that same Force. They are as unique as the user and as the elements of nature: the wood from a Brylark tree, a bone of the Cartusion whale or even a tooth from a Rancor.
Protection and Defense: Cultivated from a time forgotten, these earliest lightsaber pieces contain designs and inscriptions that are shrouded in mystery. Believed to be created for protection and defense, conferring anonymity and symbolizing emotional detachment, a lightsaber made from these pieces reconnects the user with the most ancient wellspring of the Force.
Image: Disney
Though Disney dipped a toe into the interactive souvenir world with the Banshee adoption experience at Pandora – The World of Avatar, it looks like they are really going for an immersive experience with this new lightsaber building experience looks like it will take things to the next level! This shop will open at Disneyland in just a few weeks, and will come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios August 29th.
