A New Lightsaber Experience is Coming to Hollywood Studios
The Force Strong with This One?
Star Wars fans, prepare your wallets (or Galactic Credits, if you’re fully committed), because at Disney’s Hollywood Studios a new immersive lightsaber experience is soon to be unleashed. This could rival even the craftsmanship of the great Jedi Masters.
If you’re anything like me, you got goosebumps the first time Luke ignited his father’s saber, held your breath when Rey saber flew into her hand on Ilum, or more recently, felt your jaw drop when Ahsoka faced off against Vader. Then this new experience will probably be for you.
But what exactly will it involve? And more importantly, how will it compare to Savi’s Workshop? Let’s dive in, my young apprentice.
A Hands-On Star Wars Experience Like Never Before
Disney is no stranger to creating fully immersive experiences. From your chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon to enjoying a refreshing blue milk, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has brought the galaxy far, far away to life in a way fans never dreamed possible.
Now, this new lightsaber experience is set to take things a step further. While Savi’s Workshop is a build your own lightsaber experience designed for those willing to pay for a custom crafted saber (something my daughter and I are yet to do), this new addition sounds to focus more on training and interaction.
So, What Can You Expect? Change this to a Star Wars reference
Disney remains as secret as the Jedi Council, here’s what we do know so far:
- Interactive Lightsaber Training – Padawns will be able to test their reflexes and combat skills in a way that goes beyond just swinging a glowing stick around.
- Haptic Feedback and Sound Effects – Expect immersive technology that enhances every parry and clash, making you feel the force flow through you.
- Different Fighting Styles, Whether you favour the elegant precision of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the raw power of Darth Vader, or the unpredictable energy of Ahsoka Tano, this experience might allow for different techniques and styles.
- Themed Storyline, hey it’s Disney, so there’s likely to be a fully immersive story woven into the experience. Will you be training under a Jedi Master, duelling a Sith Lord, or testing your skills against fellow Padawan? Only time will tell.
How Will It Compare to Savi’s Workshop?
Will this new experience replace Savi’s Workshop, don’t fear (the dark side of the force), your custom lightsaber dreams are still intact. However, while Savi’s is primarily about building your very own lightsaber (the final test for any Jedi and Sith) this new experience seems it will focus on the actual use of the elegant weapon.
Savi’s Workshop vs. New Experience
This little table breaks down what we know.
Feature | Savi’s Workshop | New Experience |
| Build Your Own Lightsaber | Yes | No |
| Interactive Combat | No | Yes |
| Themed Storyline | Yes | Likely |
| Cost | $$$ | TBD |
| Take-Home Lightsaber | Yes | Unconfirmed |
It’s entirely possible that anyone who already purchased a legacy lightsaber from Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities or a Savi’s custom build could bring their own for this training, although that’s purely speculation right now.
How Much Will This Cost?
Not going to sugarcoat it, Disney isn’t exactly known for its wallet friendly experiences. Savi’s Workshop is already a $249.99 per lightsaber experience (Jedi mind tricks might work on the weak-minded, but they won’t get you a discount at Disney), so it’s safe to assume this interactive lightsaber training won’t be cheap either.
That said if Disney angles this more towards the concept of an interactive attraction (think Galactic Starcruiser style experience) rather than an expensive souvenir building experience, the price could be more reasonable.
While waiting for official pricing, if this sounds like something you would brave the icy terrain of Hoth for then now’s a good time to start saving or to check out some more budget friendly lightsaber options if you’re looking to train at home before your trip.
Affiliate Opportunity: If you’re a Star Wars fan but can’t make it to the parks just yet, check out these high-quality replica lightsabers that won’t break the bank. Some even feature duel-ready blades and customisable sound effects!
Where Will It Be Located?
Speculation is that the new experience will be inside Galaxy’s Edge, though its exact placement is unknown.
Possible locations include:
- A reworked space near Dok-Ondar’s (since this already serves as the go-to hub for lightsaber collectors)
- A possible existing hidden area in Batuu (similar to Savi’s Workshop)
- An expansion into another section of the park
Disney could also make it a temporary or rotating experience—much like the Jedi Training Academy, which was a fan favourite before its closure.
Is This a Must-Do for Star Wars Fans?
If you’ve ever dreamt of wielding a lightsaber in a realistic duel or becoming adept in the ways of the Jedi then this new Hollywood Studios experience is shaping up to be a must-do.
While Savi’s Workshop lets you create your lightsaber which is truly yours, this experience sounds like it will bring it to life in a way fans have never experienced before.
And let’s face it, who hasn’t dreamed of training like a Jedi? Whether you see yourself as a noble guardian of peace or you’ve always had a bit of a dark streak, this will be a welcome and exciting addition to the Star Wars experience at Disney World.
Final Thoughts: Will You Answer the Call?
Lightsaber dueling has been a missing piece of the Star Wars puzzle at Galaxy’s Edge, and this experience could be the thing that takes Hollywood Studios to the next level.
So, will you step up to the challenge and train in the ways of the Force? Or will you stick to flying the Millennium Falcon and sampling Ronto Wraps? (No judgment—those things are delicious.)
Either way, we’ll be keeping a close eye on updates, so stay tuned for more details on pricing, booking, and what kind of legendary battles await.
May the Force (and your vacation budget) be with you!
