Disney’s most “real” lightsaber yet is simpler in its design than some Star Wars fans might think. Developed in conjunction with Walt Disney World’s newest resort, Galactic Starcruiser, Disney Imagineers further showcased the iconic pop culture weapon and its fully retractable blade during SXSW 2023. While it’s rather remarkable in its function, the patented process does have its drawbacks.
A legendary weapon used by the Jedi Knights and Sith Lords, lightsabers are some of the most recognizable pieces of sci-fi pop culture. As such, replicas and lightsaber toys have been popular items since 1977 with A New Hope. This includes the ability to create a unique lightsaber of one’s very own, which is an experience guests can enjoy at Disney Parks’ Star Wars-themed land known as Galaxy’s Edge. However, Disney’s latest version of the lightsaber is the most accurate yet, having the ability to actually extend the glowing blade from the hilt just like in the movies set in the galaxy far, far away.
Disney’s “Real” Lightsaber Is Simpler Than You’d Think
Featured in Disney Imagineering’s patent for their new lightsaber, the internal mechanisms within the hilt are easy to understand. Powered by a motor, the flexible coiled blade separated into two parts is extended vertically out of the hilt itself. Likewise, a coiled LED strip is installed between the two halves which provides the classic glowing effect of a lightsaber. By flipping the activation switch, the wielder can extend and retract the blade by having the motor coil it back. As seen in a video from Twitter user @Benridout, the blade function is essentially two tape measures with LEDs in between. Check out the video below:
Despite the simple concepts of the mechanisms involved within the lightsaber, the process itself is still quite ingenious. Featured on the SXSW stage in the hands of Disney Parks and Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, the blade looked just as real as if he was wielding the actual elegant weapon for a more civilized age. As confirmed by Leslie Evans, the head of R&D for Disney Imagineering, the project was reportedly quite challenging in terms of getting said processes and internal mechanisms to seamlessly work all within the hilt, making sure that the blade still resembled the iconic weapon Star Wars fans know and love.
The Drawbacks Of Disney’s “Real” Lightsaber
That being said, there are some drawbacks to Disney’s “real” lightsaber. Firstly, the hilt itself is a little wider and taller than what’s typically seen on-screen. This undoubtedly comes from the need to make everything fit inside while still having the right blade length. Additionally, the necessity for the blade to be flexible to coil within the hilt means that it’s not as durable as past lightsabers with blades that can’t retract.
While the new lightsaber may look incredibly realistic, it can’t be used for dueling, as evidenced by the culminating performance on Galactic Starcruiser where guests watch Rey and Kylo Ren battle. While Rey arrives by igniting her lightsaber, she then has to swap the saber for a more durable, non-retractable saber before dueling with Kylo can actually begin. As a result, the effect is certainly diminished somewhat as the blade is just for show.
Apart from SXSW, the new Disney lightsaber has almost exclusively been used as part of Galactic Starcruiser, a resort experience that has been less than a success for Disney Parks. This is largely due to its high cost and limited features, leading to an increase in cancelations and overall lower occupancy levels. As such, the “real” lightsaber has yet to be featured in places where more Star Wars fans can actually see and appreciate it.
Will You Ever Be Able To Buy Disney’s “Real” Lightsaber?
Unfortunately, the odds are incredibly slim that Star Wars fans will be able to get their hands on their own “real” lightsaber anytime soon. Not only would the cost probably be quite high, it seems as though Disney has elected to keep their newly designed lightsaber as an attraction rather than a commodity for purchase (for now). At any rate, here’s hoping the new lightsaber starts being used elsewhere with other Star Wars experiences beyond Galactic Starcruiser (like Galaxy’s Edge).
