You’re standing in a dimly lit, cluttered workshop that looks like it was cobbled together from scrap metal and hope. The air smells slightly like ozone and old engine grease. A "Gatherer" leans in, whispering about the Force while the low hum of a starship idles somewhere in the distance. This isn’t just a gift shop.
Honestly, Galaxy's Edge lightsaber building at Savi’s Workshop is one of the most polarizing things you can do at Disney World or Disneyland. Some people walk out feeling like they’ve had a religious experience. Others look at their credit card statement and wonder how they just spent roughly 250 bucks on a heavy flashlight.
It’s expensive. It’s loud. It’s incredibly theatrical. But if you're trying to figure out if it’s for you, you’ve got to look past the Disney marketing fluff and see the actual nuts and bolts of the experience.
What Actually Happens Inside Savi's Workshop?
You don’t just walk in and grab a hilt off a rack. That’s for the "Legacy" sabers over at Dok-Ondar’s. At Savi’s, the process is basically a secret ceremony. You have to make a reservation—often 60 days in advance—and if you’re even ten minutes late, you might lose your spot and your money. They don't mess around with the schedule.
Once you’re checked in outside the workshop (look for the scrap metal symbol, because there are no big "Savi's" signs), you choose your "path." This is the core of Galaxy's Edge lightsaber building. You aren't just picking colors; you're picking a vibe.
- Peace and Justice: This is your classic Jedi look. Think Republic-era, clean lines, very Anakin or Obi-Wan.
- Power and Control: Straight from the Sith playbook. Sharp edges, black chrome, and a lot of industrial, aggressive styling.
- Elemental Nature: My personal favorite. It uses "natural" materials like Brylark tree bark and Rancor teeth. It feels very "Wookiee Jedi" or High Republic.
- Protection and Defense: These parts have an ancient, almost mystical feel to them, often featuring shorthand inscriptions or temple-guard aesthetics.
After you pay and get your "scrap metal" pin, you're ushered into the room. The Gatherers tell a story about the history of the Force, the resistance, and why building these things matters. It’s high-tier immersive theater. If you aren't a Star Wars fan, it might feel a little cheesy. If you are a fan? You’ll probably have a lump in your throat when the music starts.
The Hardware: Heavy, Metal, and Kind of Clunky
Let’s talk about the actual saber. These aren't the plastic toys you find at Target. They are heavy. Like, surprisingly heavy. The hilts are made of solid metal components that you slide over a plastic "chassis."
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You get to pick one kyber crystal—blue, green, violet, or red. This crystal is the "brain" of the saber. When you drop it into the chassis, it glows and makes a noise, which is honestly the coolest part of the whole build. Then you assemble your sleeves, emitter, pommel, and switch.
The build quality is... interesting. Because the parts are interchangeable "scrap," the tolerances aren't always perfect. Sometimes a sleeve might feel a tiny bit loose, or the switch doesn't align perfectly with the grip. It’s part of the "built from scavenged parts" aesthetic, but for $250, some people expect aerospace precision. You won't get that here. You get character.
The blade itself is a 31-inch polycarbonate tube with LEDs inside. It’s not meant for heavy dueling. If you go out in your backyard and start whacking trees with it, the LEDs will break. It's a display piece that you can occasionally swing around for photos.
Why the Kyber Crystal Matters More Than You Think
Disney is smart. They give you four colors in the room, but if you want yellow or white, you have to go buy those separately at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
Also, the crystals have RFID chips. If you buy a holocron (another $50 purchase), you can drop your crystal into it, and it will play voices of famous Star Wars characters. A red crystal might give you Vader or Maul. A blue one might give you Obi-Wan. It’s an ecosystem designed to keep you spending, but the tech behind it is actually pretty sophisticated.
The Logistics of Carrying a Weapon Through a Theme Park
Here is the thing no one tells you about Galaxy's Edge lightsaber building: carrying the damn thing.
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Once the ceremony is over, you’re handed a padded carrying case (a "slinger"). It’s about three and a half feet long. Now imagine trying to get on Space Mountain with that. Imagine trying to navigate a crowd of 40,000 people during a parade while a giant glowing stick is strapped to your back.
It’s a literal pain.
If you're staying at a Disney resort, you can sometimes have it sent back to your room, but that service has been spotty lately. Your best bet? Book your Savi’s appointment for late in the evening. Building your saber at 9:00 PM means you only have to carry it for an hour, and you get the best photos of it glowing against the spires of Batuu at night.
The "Is It Worth It?" Reality Check
Is it worth it?
If you look at the raw materials, no. You can buy a "Neopixel" saber from independent builders online that has better electronics, more features, and a slimmer hilt for a similar price.
But you aren't paying for the metal. You're paying for the 20 minutes in that room. You’re paying for the moment the lights go out, the John Williams score swells, and 14 lightsabers ignite at the exact same time while a voice tells you to "raise your lightsaber." It is a memory-maker, plain and simple.
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Quick Comparison: Savi's vs. Legacy Sabers
Some people skip the build and go for the Legacy Sabers. These are replicas of the ones used by characters like Luke, Ahsoka, or Rey.
- Savi’s: You build it. It’s chunky. It’s "yours." The experience is included.
- Legacy: It’s more movie-accurate. It’s often thinner and easier to hold. No "ceremony" included. You buy the hilt and the blade separately.
If you want a display piece that looks exactly like the movies, go Legacy. If you want the "I was there" feeling, go Savi’s.
Essential Tips for Your Build Day
- Watch the clock. Arrive at the check-in podium at least 20 minutes early. They have a strict "no-show" fee that is the full price of the saber.
- Pick your guest wisely. You are allowed to bring one guest into the room with you. They can't build, but they can film. Make sure they know how to use your phone's camera, because you'll want video of the ignition.
- Check your blade. Before you leave the area, turn it on. Shake it gently. If it flickers or the color looks off, tell a Cast Member immediately. It’s much harder to get a replacement once you’ve left the park.
- Ship it home. If you flew to Orlando or Anaheim, don't try to cram this in an overhead bin. Most airlines allow them as a "personal item," but it’s risky. You can go to First Order Cargo or the Droid Depot and have them ship it directly to your house for a flat fee. It’s worth the peace of mind.
Final Steps for the Aspiring Jedi
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on Galaxy's Edge lightsaber building, your first move is the Disney app. Check for reservations exactly 60 days out at midnight EST (for Disney World) or 6:00 AM PST (for Disneyland). They disappear fast.
Once you have your slot, spend some time looking at photos of the four "scrap metal" themes. You have to pick your theme before you enter the room, and you can't change your mind once you're at the table. Decide if you’re a "Peace and Justice" traditionalist or an "Elemental Nature" rogue.
Finally, budget for the extras. You’re going to want a stand to display it ($25), and you’re probably going to want a different colored kyber crystal ($18). Factor those into your "Star Wars tax" and you'll have a much better time without the sticker shock.