Building a lightsaber at Hollywood Studios is a must for any Star Wars fan. And our son Drew, who is a huge fan, wants to build one for his birthday. And since we are already planning a trip to Disney, we made plans to do this “enchanting extra.” Find out all you need to know about this unique experience building a lightsaber at Hollywood Studios!
Making Reservations to Build a Lightsaber
To build a lightsaber, it’s easiest to make a reservation at: Savi’s Workshop Handbuilt Lightsabers at Hollywood Studios. Though walk-ins may be accommodated, we made a reservation in advance. We had our choice of times and picked 11:05 on this Saturday morning. Remember you still have to have a valid park ticket and reservation for the day. The good thing about making the reservation is you can add 1 guest as part of the experience. And Drew picked his dad to tag along, which is good because I am paying. We originally thought this experience was $199 plus tax but found out it went up to $219.99. But we already committed to do this for Drew’s birthday, so we’re doing this!
*Note price has increased to $249.99 October 11, 2022.
Checking In to Savi’s Workshop
Our confirmation says to check in no earlier than 15 minutes. But we are rushing to get to the park to get there. We recommend giving plenty of time to get into the park and walk to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Since this new Star Wars land is in the back of the park, it takes a little while to get there. Savi’s Workshop is easy to miss as well. Once you enter Galaxy’s Edge, you pass Rise of the Resistance and go past the market. Right past the ramp to Ronto’s Roasters, Savi’s is on the left.
You could easily walk past Savi’s as there are no signs. There is a small wall around it and cast members at the entrance. They check you before letting you into the waiting area. There is a podium with another cast-member who will check you in. When you check in you also pick one of four themes for your lightsaber. Drew chooses the Elemental Nature theme and they give him a cloisonné pin to identify his selection. Though we were on time, we had to wait for the next experience. After about 10 minutes they call us and tell us to stand on a spot in line. About 5 minutes later they call us in to the workshop.
Building the Lightsaber
Once in everyone stands around the room facing the middle. A cast member comes out as one of the “Gatherers” who explains the importance of building a lightsaber. He is our guide through the experience staying in character the whole time. He explains the importance of choosing the kyber crystal which is the power source for the lightsaber.
Someone comes around with a container of kyber crystals first and everyone gets to choose one. You can choose one of 4 colors, red, blue, green or violet. Drew picks green for the heart of his lightsaber. Next, they bring a box of parts based on the theme chosen. The box of parts includes 1 hilt, 4 sleeves, 2 emitters, 2 pommel caps and 2 sets of activation plates and switches.
Drew gets to pick 2 sleeves and 1 of each of the other parts to assemble his handle. Once complete, he puts it on a holder. Someone comes around to check it and assist anyone as needed. Our guide tells everyone to put their lightsaber in the tube to the right and ignite it. Around the workshop, you can see everyone’s lightsabers light up.
The tube opens and the lit lightsaber can be lifted. Drew just looks at it checking it out. The guide then tells everyone to lift their lightsabers together. It’s like a secret ceremony and everyone has been initiated.
Drew loves his new lightsaber and he gets a nice carrying case to put it in. This is great for carrying it around the parks. You can also buy additional kyber crystals and parts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
Summary of Building a Lightsaber at Hollywood Studios
Not only do you get to build your own awesome lightsaber, but the experience building it is great. It’s also great having a guest allowed for each builder so we could share this experience together. And this 12 minute experience was more than just going into a store. Not only did Drew get to build and keep his custom lightsaber, but it’s a special experience. Though it’s expensive, and not something we plan to do again soon. However, we enjoyed building a lightsaber at Hollywood Studios!
Check out our other family adventures and experiences at Disney World.