Do You Want to Build a Lightsaber at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?

Okay, I’m probably going to talk about this on my Stonemaier Games blog soon, but I’m just so giddy with excitement that I have to share this video here too.

Some context: Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge recently opened at Disneyland. The Westworld-style full immersion area isn’t available yet, but the Millennium Falcon ride/game, several restaurants, and the various stores are ready.

I’ve been watching videos about all of them, but one in particular really blew me away. It’s 10 minutes of people building their own lightsabers. They’re not “real” lightsabers, but they’re mostly made out of metal, and each one is unique based on components you choose.

I’d highly recommend watching the video if you like Star Wars, but a quick summary is that the host introduced you to lore about the lightsabers at the beginning and throughout. They talk to you as if you are really in the Star Wars universe. You pick your crystal color and a combination of 6 different parts. Then there’s the magical moment at the end where the sabers come to life.

In my opinion, the entire presentation is incredibly well done. I love the immersion, the high-quality components (as far as I can tell), and the intimacy of it all. It costs $200, but I would be awfully tempted to participate if/when I go to Galaxy’s Edge.

Would you build a lightsaber if you went to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge? Is the wand-selection process at the Harry Potter world anything like this?

8 thoughts on “Do You Want to Build a Lightsaber at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?”

  1. Hey Jamey,
    I have to say, I almost didn’t finish the video…. I didn’t want the experience to be spoiled. I grew up with Star Wars. I was 7 when it came out and saw it 5 times in the theater with my Dad. Seriously, when was the last time you saw anything in the theater more than once? My whole childhood was Star Wars ( and Indiana Jones too…. Listen to the song “Luke Skywalker and Indinana Jones” by Phil Pritchett). Anyway, I’m not a rabid super fanboy, I don’t argue over the small details ( well, ok the Force should have been left a mystery, Han DID shoot first and I treasure my original theatrical release DVD), but I do love Star Wars….it is so nostalgic, such a reminder of the magic that is so real to children. The magic that, as an adult, you need to remember is possible.

    Anyway, I started and stopped the lightsaber video several times…. not wanting to spoil the end. But resistance was futile…. I watched and saw the reveal… when the sabers lit up. Chills went down my spine. I might have teared up ….

    Will I get a lightsaber for myself? No. My two children cannot wait to build their own, and seeing the wonderment in their eyes…that is good enough for me.

    Reply
    • It’s rare that I see movies more than once in the theater, but the last two were Infinity War and The Force Awakens.

      I’m glad you enjoyed that magical moment near the end too, and I hope your kids have the chance to build their own someday!

      Reply
  2. To be honest, I’m a huge Star Wars fanatic but most of what I’ve seen from Galaxy’s Edge seems ho-hum to me. However, the lightsaber portion looked amazeballs and I would be so stoked to build one. Hopefully they add a couple more attractions soon though as it’s missing a lot of character.

    Reply
  3. Do I want to, yeah. Will I be able to afford to…probably not. Disney’s expensive enough already. Still can’t wait to see Galaxy’s Edge in Florida this November.

    Reply
  4. On the one hand, yes. I’ve built lightsabers at Disney World before and we have quite a few of them. It is definitely a fun experience.

    On the other hand, no. When you have kids it’s not a $200 lightsaber. It’s $200 * number of children (+ 1 for parent). For me that’d be $600, which is a solid chunk in the middle of an already expensive vacation. I couldn’t very well build one for just me and not the kids, nor could I build one for one kid without building for both (at least not at the current ages of 9 and 4).

    Reply
  5. It looks great fun, though I think I’d prefer to see a firmer blade and I’m not sure there is a saber clashing sound, but I’d be sorely tempted to get one (or 4) with the family if we ever go. I like that they give you a sheath, as carrying that around the park would be a bit cumbersome.

    Reply

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