How Do You Build A Lightsaber At Savi’s Workshop?
Want to build your own lightsaber? Whether you are a Star Wars fan or not, you must know of or at least have heard about lightsabers before. These majestic glowing weapons are a huge part of the Star Wars community and it’s impossible to find a fan who doesn’t want a customized lightsaber for themselves. Speaking of which, do you know about Savi’s Workshop handbuilt lightsabers in Hollywood Studios?
Savi’s Workshop is an interactive experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where you get to build your own lightsaber. You can even choose your own parts for the custom-built lightsaber including your own kyber crystal.
I know how excited you are and how badly you want to get on a plane and go get your own right now. But before you buy your ticket, let’s take a deeper look into Savi’s Workshop and find out all about how things work there.
What Is Savi’s Workshop in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?
According to Wookiepedia, merchant Savi appears first in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, where he along with a bunch of other gatherers established a salvage yard in the Black Spire Outpost. In the beginning, they used to collect the scraps of metal found in the nearby junkyard and then make better use of them.
However, The Gatherers were deeply inspired by The Jedis and like them, they deeply believed in the restoration of balance to the force. As a result, soon the salvage yard became a clever front for a secret workshop in the back where worthy travelers could find and make their own lightsabers.
The lightsabers made in this secret workshop were of the highest quality as they were personally customized. The gatherers themselves collected the necessary materials from nearby fallen Jedi civilizations, fallen jedi temples, starships, etc. And as for the crystals, that’s a whole different story.
By now, everything about the origin of Savi’s Workshop should be as clear as day to you. And if you know Walt Disney World, you already know that they love to bring in new attractions that have a special meaning for a special fandom. This is also why you get a burst of nostalgia every time you go to visit Disney.
Savi’s Workshop is no different. The workshop made its debut in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge-themed land in Disney Parks only a few years ago. However, people loved the immersive lightsaber-building experience so much that it ended up becoming a regular attraction at the theme park.
Later on, Savi’s Workshop was added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well due. Ever since then, it has been recognized as one of the must-have experiences at Walt Disney World for all Star Wars fans and science fiction geeks in general.
How to Find Savi’s Workshop in Walt Disney World?
Here’s where it gets really interesting. Like most other attractions, you’d think that Savi’s Workshop would be right in your face. But nope, that’s not the answer to “where is Savi’s Workshop?”
Remember how the actual workshop was cleverly hidden by using the establishment as a salvage yard? Bingo! Like you, Walt Disney World didn’t forget that tidbit and that’s why to make it more interesting, they hid the workshop in plain sight.
It’s to ensure that only the travelers who are “worthy” enough; find the secret workshop. Another subtle tribute to the movie plot. However, it’s hard to keep it that secret as the crowd and long line outside the secret door kind of gives it away quite easily.
Here’s how the finding process usually goes. First of all – make sure to have a reservation beforehand. The workshop is not open for everyone, but only the chosen travelers. It’s the truth that always finds you, not the other way around, remember?
Your reservation helps to prove your worthiness to the guardian gatherers. Once you manage to find your way to the Black Spire Outpost, the gatherers will find you and lead you to the secret workshop in the back. They will also give you a collectible pin i.e., the regal cloisonné pin to make sure that you aren’t a First Order Spy.
However, because it’s an in-demand attraction, it can take a while before you can get in. It usually takes about an hour and a half, like most other Disney attractions. Even though that sounds a little daunting, don’t let it demotivate you. The experience is well worth the wait.
Furthermore, while you’re waiting, you can do a bunch of other stuff. You can check out the other attractions in Galaxy’s edge, do some shopping or stop by Ronto Roasters and get a Ronto Wrap.
Plus, Savi’s Workshop is decorated on the outside and resembles the salvage yard from the movies. Even the Gatherers, will entertain you by enacting different scenes from the movie. You can easily spend over an hour exploring the place and take lots of pictures while you’re at it.
How to Make A Reservation at Savi’s Workshop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Savi’s Workshop is a reservation-only attraction so you definitely need to make one before you drop by the workshop. It’s important to remember that the secret workshop is not open to the general public or visitors at all. So, if you don’t make a reservation beforehand, all your lightsaber-building dreams will go straight down the drain.
The reservation slot depends upon availability. And since the workshop is in a constant state of high demand, it can take a while to get a slot. As for any queries on how to reserve for Savi’s Workshop, visit the Disney World website, and then book your slots accordingly.
Usually, it’s best to book two-three months in advance so that there won’t be any complications later on.
Another important thing to remember about the Savi’s Workshop reservation – you are allowed to take only one guest with you. And one of you has to be over the age of 14. The guest can be anyone from an age of 5 and up but it’s best to bring kids more in the preteen or teenage bracket.
So, keep that in mind while making the workshop reservations. Savi’s Workshop isn’t a family attraction so don’t try to bring your whole family in there as guests. You can, however, enjoy the rest of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with all of them. If it’s important to everyone in your group then make sure you make reservations for everyone accordingly.
Credit: Disney
When Do You Pay for Savi’s Workshop?
Fun fact – even though you have to make reservations for both Disney World and Savi’s Workshop months in advance, you don’t have to pay for everything at once. During booking, you only have to pay the necessary reservation fee with your credit card.
You won’t have to pay for the lightsaber at the time of booking. All the costs for lightsaber parts, scraps, crystals, etc. including other items that you might buy from the workshop will come into play later.
You will pay for them when you show up for your scheduled reservation. However, you’ll need to confirm your credit card for these added costs at the time of booking itself.
Also, if you feel the need to cancel the reservation for any reason, you have to do it at least a day before the event. That way you’ll get a full refund for your reservation.
On the other hand, if you fail to cancel your reservation in time, you’ll be charged fully including tax fees.
Remember that these reservations are monitored closely and are non-transferable. That means you can’t sell, give away or exchange it with anyone else.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Lightsaber At Savi’s Workshop?
Other than the hour-long waiting period at the start, the actual lightsaber-building program lasts no longer than 20-30 minutes.
There’s also a 5–10-minute speech at the start where the head of the gatherers will let you know the history of Savi’s Workshop, and how, why, and where to find the necessary materials for the lightsaber.
Making of A Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop
All the lightsabers that you will find at Savi’s Workshop are the very best replicas from the Star Wars movies. Normally, you will have access to only the custom-built lightsabers in there. To get a legacy lightsaber, you’ll have to peek inside the Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities right down the street.
As for Savi’s Workshop, here’s a complete rundown of the full experience in a step-by-step guide.
Selection of Theme
Since it’s a customized lightsaber-building experience, it’s no wonder that it includes the opportunity to express yourself. You select the parts that bear a close meaning to you. Similarly, you select the theme that describes your aura the best.
Of the four available themes, the first one is ‘peace and justice.’ Made from the lost Jedi relics, this theme is a tribute to those fallen heroes who had righteousness and utmost serenity in their hearts.
The next one is ‘power and control’, which directly contradicts the Jedi teachings. These lightsabers are made from the Sith relics and forged for warriors with darkness in their hearts.
Up next, the theme ‘elemental nature’ is for those travelers who feel an overwhelming connection to nature. They embody ‘The Force’ itself in them, and can channel their energy within to strengthen themselves.
And finally, the last available theme is ‘protection and defense’. For those who love to figure out the mysterious events around them, this theme represents them perfectly.
Every element/theme will result in a different build-up of your lightsaber, so choose wisely. Once you are done with the selection, you will receive a cloisonné pin from the gatherer that will set you apart from the rest. This pin is your gateway to the secret workshop in the back.
Oh, another little thing. As mentioned before, there’s a brief waiting period before the event. You’ll be given a card with the pin and then you have to wait with your fellow elemental buddies for the program to start.
The Ceremonial Speech
Once the waiting period is over, the Gatherers will guide you toward the secret workshop arena. You’ll find tables i.e., workstations laid out all over the room where you’ll build your lightsabers. So, camp at the station you want to work at alongside your guest.
But before that, the chief gatherer will start the program with a ceremonial speech that depicts the rich history of Savi’s Workshop. They will also inform you about the four different themes and their significance in building a lightsaber.
Every element i.e., theme corresponds to a separate color that describes them best. The colors for peace and justice, power and control, elemental nature, and protection and defense are blue, red, green and violet respectively.
Whenever talking about a certain theme, the room and the ceiling fill up with the corresponding color which makes for quite a thematic appearance. For example – while talking about the brevity and righteousness of the Jedi warriors, the ceiling emits a shade of bright blue as a tribute to them. There’s also a sound effect in the background that makes the experience even more immersive.
Selection of Kyber Crystal
Kyber crystals are the heart and soul of a lightsaber. They are why each lightsaber emits a different glow. Even though these crystals come in various colors nowadays, you’ll only find the main four in Savi’s Workshop.
By now, it’s evident that the kyber crystals come in blue, red, violet, and green. Each color signifies a plethora of Star Wars characters. For example – Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker wielded a blue lightsaber while Yoda and Luke Skywalker wielded theirs in green.
So, if you have a favorite character, and if you want a similar lightsaber as them, this is your chance. Remember to select the theme correctly from beforehand as that will determine the color of your Kyber crystal.
Selection of Different Parts
Now it’s time to select the materials that will build up the structure of your lightsaber. Based on the theme choice, everyone will receive a separate box full of the necessary parts. You’ll then have to sort them out personally and select the ones you’d like in your lightsaber.
Keep in mind that a gatherer will always remain by the station to guide you and if you need any help, you can ask them questions. Here’s a brief overview of the customizable materials to help you understand the overall process.
- Hilt – Only one. Not interchangeable.
- Sleeve – Four options in total. Choose only two.
- Emitter – Two options in total. Choose only one.
- Pommel Cap – Same as Emitter.
- Activation Plate & Switch – Two sets in total. Pick only one.
As for queries regarding ‘how big are the lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop‘, well since it’s customizable, you can choose from a variety of lengths. But from a general perspective, the lightsaber is about 36-inches in length where the hilt itself is about 31-inches.
A short reminder that even though you have access to extra pieces during the selection period, you cannot take them home with you. You’ll also not be able to exchange them later on. However, if you want more customizable accessories, you can visit the Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities and buy them separately.
Final Construction
Finally, it’s time to bask in the glory of your very own lightsaber by putting all the bits and pieces together. If you know what you are doing, you can construct the lightsaber yourself which is more fun. But on the off chance that you cannot, the assigned gatherer will help you through it or do it for you.
Once everyone’s done, you’ll place all of your lightsabers inside a special slot on the station. You’ll find that the lightsaber will instantly attach itself to the respective slot.
Now here comes the most magical part of Savi’s Workshop. The moment that redefined everyone’s childhood. All the lights in the rooms are turned off, and then amidst the suspense and heavy breathing, all the lightsabers light up at once and flood the darkroom with their bright glow.
This is a scene that cannot exactly be described unless you personally get to experience it. But I’ll say this – this specific moment is what that makes all the trouble of waiting absolutely worth it.
And with that, the workshop is officially over. At the time of leaving, you’ll receive a soft padded carrying case alongside the lightsaber so that you can carry it easily.
Credit: Disney
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Lightsaber At Savi’s Workshop?
Even though it doesn’t cost a fortune, Savi’s Workshop still doesn’t come cheap. The cost of Savi’s Workshop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has increased recently.
From the beginning, the handbuilt lightsabers cost $199, but they now cost $249.99 for experiences booked going forward.
Again, if you want it shipped to your resort, you’ll have to pay an extra fee for that as well.
A Trip to Savi’s Workshop – Worth It or Not?
It’s definitely worth it. Only a true Star Wars fan knows the significance of lightsabers and how precious they are. And there are very few places in the world that can provide such an authentic lightsaber-building experience.
Furthermore, the quality of the lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop is pretty high as well. While the knock-off stores come up with a cheap version of the lightsabers, Savi’s Workshop provides almost a replica of the ones used in the movies.
So, that’s a great incentive to visit the workshop. At the end of the day, it boils down to how immersive the experience was and how much fun you had. And I have to say, the joy in building your very own lightsaber and seeing it glow up right in front of your eyes – is something that makes Savi’s Workshop a really worthwhile experience.
Conclusion
What are your thoughts on Savi’s Workshop? If you are as passionate about lightsabers as I am, you’ll check out this workshop for yourself. So jot it down on your must do list for Walt Disney World right now and make sure you visit Savi’s the next time you go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
