*Please note this review was written before the reservation system was implemented.
During our first trip to Galaxy's Edge my husband, Jason, and I missed out on building our own lightsabers at Savi's Workshop - Handbuilt Lightsabers. We quickly learned that if this was something we wanted to do, that we needed to make it a priority to get in line as soon as we entered Batuu on our second visit and that is exactly what we did. We were really anxious to experience this unique activity together and I'm so thankful the Force was with us!
Savi's Workshop is located between Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities and the Droid Depot. You'll know you're in the right place once you see a large blue banner with a unique lightsaber symbol hung on the building and several Gatherers (keepers of the Force) guarding the entrance.
Once you've made your way through to the line you'll be handed a green card which confirms your spot and group number. Only the people in your party who are building a lightsaber will need to hang onto this card. If you have a family member or friend who are with you and they wish to watch, that is fine! In fact, it is the only other way you're allowed inside Savi's Workshop. But keep in mind that only two guests can accompany you and at least one person in your party must be fourteen years old.
Soon after, the next Gatherer (Cast Member) will come around and offer those with green cards another that represents the theme of the lightsaber you have chosen. The themes are: Power and Control, Peace and Justice, Elemental Nature, and Protection and Defense (you can see the pieces that are available with each theme here). There are charts available that display the components for each theme as well as a cart with drawers that contain all of the pieces to browse in person near the check-out area. I chose "Power and Control" and Jason decided on "Peace and Justice". Are you surprised?
Like the rest of Batuu, there's a lot to observe while in line. You'll also find a fun photo op! Neither of us could resist hopping on the speeder for a photo especially since we didn't know when we'd make another trip to Savi's. I'm sure overtime new themes will be added which will probably warrant for another lightsaber building session, especially since the pieces are interchangeable!
(Left: Power and Control | Right: Peace and Justice)
Once you reach the check-out area, you will turn in both of the cards you've been holding onto. Each lightsaber making experience is $199.99 before tax (Annual Passholder Discount not accepted) and includes all the parts necessary to construct a full lightsaber as well an enamel pin (which represents the theme of your lightsaber) and a padded carrying bag that you can wear over your shoulder (this will be given to you after the lightsaber making process is complete).
After paying, you will be given a time to return to get in line for the ultimate Star Wars fan experience! We were told to return in thirty minutes but I'm sure this can vary. You will also be asked to wear your pin in a visible area so that once you're inside, the Gatherers will know which lightsaber pieces to give to you.
When the time comes for your appointment, you will be guided into a large workshop with fourteen other anxious fans and instructed where to stand at the circular table. You'll find a place for your kyber crystal and lightsaber hilt in front of you. The experience begins with an instructor explaining to you what is about to happen and the meaning behind it along with familiar Star Wars themes playing in the background. You may even hear a certain Jedi Master speaking to you at one point! This is the one part of Galaxy's Edge that made me teary-eyed. It was both an exciting and emotional experience and one I'll never forget.
Choosing a kyber crystal is the first step in constructing your lightsaber. Jason chose green because he was hoping it would sound like the Jedi lightsaber that Luke constructed (which it did!). When I chose red, the assistant made a remark about my choice and implied he'd be keeping his eye on me. The colors you can choose from are: Red, Blue, Green and Purple. If you were hoping for more options, you can actually purchase additional kyber crystals for $12.99 (before the Annual Passholder discount) at Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities. But I'll be saving that for a new Galaxy's Edge merchandise post.
(Top: Peace and Justice | Bottom: Power and Control)
Having the ability to choose from a tray of various lightsaber pieces (this includes: Sleeves, Emitters, Pommel caps and Switches) to complete your hilt was such an incredible feeling. The first time you get to touch the pieces and feel the weight of them is honestly astounding! This isn't some lightsaber you pick up from the toy aisle. The pieces are made of metal and once they're all in place, you've got yourself one heavy duty Force user weapon!
If placing the pieces together is difficult, don't hesitate to ask for assistance. Be sure to speak up if something doesn't seem right or if you notice any imperfections on the pieces as well! You're paying $200 for this lightsaber, so you should be happy with the product you're getting. At one point Jason noticed that the speaker in his chassis was not working properly and they swapped it out for a new one. I myself found a piece with an imperfection on it and they quickly replaced it for me.
Every little detail from inserting the kyber crystal and seeing it react and glow to igniting your lightsaber for the first time was, as everyone has described, a completely immersive experience. Even the sound of the lightsaber varies depending on what color kyber crystal you have chosen (we would recommend replacing the three AAA batteries with new ones, preferably lithium ion, to get the best sound). It's like the first time you've ever held a lightsaber as a kid - it was probably made out of plastic but it transported you to another world and you were in awe.
These lightsabers are durable enough to engage in a moderate duel and create that iconic green flash when hit against each other. We absolutely love this feature and were so surprised by it when we first used them. If you notice that your blade gets scratched, take a small amount of Goo Gone and apply it to a microfiber cloth. Gently rub the blade and it'll remove them completely. Good as new!
If you're interested in seeing more of our experience at Savi's, please watch our Galaxy's Edge vlog below.
If you haven't yet built your own lightsaber, are you planning to at some point? Let me know and please drop any questions you might have in a comment below!
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