Building A Lightsaber In Savi’s Workshop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – A Review
The Force is present in Savi’s Workshop, but at $200 a pop, parents/kids may want to stick to more traditional toys.
To be truthful, I was very much afraid of my first trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. And much of that fear was concern about a let-down. Would Batuu, and its individual attractions live up to the Star Wars name?
I needn’t have been….
The folks at Disney/Lucasfilm made “Savi’s Workshop” one of the top Star Wars destinations in our galaxy.
Choose Your Path
The official site describes the attraction as a place to “Build your own custom lightsaber at this secret workshop and continue the way of the Force—now open.”
The site adds:
Travel to Black Spire Outpost, where a group known as the “Gatherers” ushers you into a covert workshop packed with unusual parts, whimsical pieces, and miscellaneous memorabilia collected from the far reaches of the galaxy.
Under their guidance, you can construct your very own lightsaber and bring it to life through the power of kyber crystals. Builders beware—you must protect the shop’s secrecy to avoid being discovered by the First Order!
Once your lightsaber is complete (purchase required!), you’ll be ready to embark on incredible new adventures—from the far reaches of Wild Space to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
Important Details
- $199.99 per lightsaber, plus tax
- Payment will be due upon arrival at the location
- One lightsaber per builder per experience
- Carrying case included
- Additional customization items can be purchased at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
- Age Recommendation: 5 years or older
- The experience area is limited to the builder and one Guest—at least one person in the party must be age 14 or older
- Guest of the builder may not build a lightsaber when accompanying the builder
- Custom lightsabers are nonrefundable and are not eligible for Annual Passholder or other discounts
For my building day at Batuu, I arrived amid a tropical storm. This added to the other-worldly feeling of Galaxy’s Edge, kept the crowd level down, and heightened the inherent “realness” of the whole place. But it was wet, and “Thank The Maker!” the cast members at the door were able to move up my appointment with Savi’s. So, my guest and I were ushered into the workshop quite quickly.
Attended to by “The Gatherers” — you never see Savi — the character Kembe takes you through the process of the build; explaining the parts in your tool kit, and the crystals. When you signed in outside, you receive a lapel pin, which explains your chosen path and determines your lightsaber crystal.
Kyber Crystals
The official site explained the “regular” pieces:
- Peace and Justice
Salvaged scraps from fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships in these Republic-era designs honor the galaxy’s former guardians. (Green crystal) - Power and Control
Originally forged by dark side warriors, this style features rumored remnants from the Sith homeworld and abandoned temples. (Red crystal)
- Elemental Nature
This theme embodies the Force—an energy created by all living things, like Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones, and Rancor teeth. (Green crystal)
- Protection and Defense
Hilt materials bear mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect users with the ancient wellspring of the Force. (Violet crystal)
Again, you can purchase extra parts, crystals elsewhere in Galaxy’s Edge.
The “starter” parts include:
- 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)
A Word About Kembe, Cost
But beyond the parts and the crystals and the tactile nature of the build, it was the character of Kembe that really made the attraction into an experience or a show, rather than an attraction or a store.
Kembe was portrayed by an actor, or at least by somebody very adept in immersing himself (in this case) into the character. #CastCompliment: My Kembe made my experience at Savi’s Workshop special and worth the high price tag.
Welcome! My name is Kembe and I’m part of small group known as, the Gatherers. It is our purpose to search the galaxy for ancient relics… and what we find, we bring here to our workshop. What you see here may look like old junk… but let me assure you… some of it is new junk. We do this to hide our findings… So where those who would do us harm see only worthless clutter—those who know, see priceless history. And in these troubled times, preserving our past may ensure our future. And that is why you are here. To build a lightsaber. The lightsaber has been wielded by some of our greatest heroes, and darkest enemies. It is elegant, and enigmatic. The saber is a reflection of its builder, with the Force flowing between them. Today, you will feel that connection. But enough of me talking. Let us begin.” – Kembe, Savi’s Workshop
Kembe, Savi’s Workshop — the whole shebang — fit perfectly into Galaxy’s Edge and Star Wars lore.
With that said, I don’t think I can recommend the experience or the lightsaber for anyone under 10; save your money and take them to the Droid Depot (review coming soon) and one of the traditional lightsaber toy building stations around Walt Disney World.
However, for anyone who has grown up with the Star Wars saga and has dreamed of constructing a lightsaber, Savi’s Workshop is a MUST DO during your Disney Parks vacation.