Savi’s Workshop Unveils an Updated “Protection and Defense” Lightsaber and Major Blade Upgrades

Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers has refreshed one of its core offerings. As of October 5, 2026, an updated “Protection and Defense” hilt series is available on Planet Batuu at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, along with an enhanced lightsaber chassis and blade for every hilt theme.

The New Hilt Design

The updated series pairs bold white finishes with rich gold detailing, and each hilt carries ancient Jedi iconography. The look draws on the High Republic era, a time when the Jedi Order was a symbol of peace and hope, and the design pays tribute to those who devoted themselves to protecting others.

Upgraded Blade and Chassis Features

The new technology is not limited to the new hilt. Every lightsaber built at the workshop, regardless of theme, now includes:

• A thermal cutting effect
• A spinning effect
• Deflection effects
• Smoother blade activation
• Higher-quality audio

Guests who pair their build with a special “cracked” Kyber crystal can also unlock a color-change effect with a flick of the wrist, representing the struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force.

How the Experience Works

The process has not changed in its basic steps, and it remains a guided, story-driven build:

1. Choose a theme. Guests meet one of Savi’s Gatherers outside the workshop and select a hilt theme.
2. Assemble the hilt. Inside, parts are provided based on the chosen theme and the guest’s cloisonné pin. In the 2025 “Reclaimed and Reforged” set, for example, each box held one hilt, four sleeves (pick two), two emitters (pick one), two pommel caps (pick one), and two sets of activation plates and switches (pick one set).
3. Return unused parts. Leftover pieces go back to Savi’s inventory.
4. Add the blade. The chosen Kyber crystal determines whether the blade ignites red, blue, green, or violet.

Year-Round Themes

Four hilt themes are available year-round: Peace and Justice, Power and Control, Elemental Nature, and Protection and Defense. Limited-time themes, such as the 2025 “Reclaimed and Reforged” release built from scavenged scrap, have rotated in alongside them.

Purchase is required, and reservations are highly encouraged at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Because availability for hands-on experiences like this can be limited, booking ahead is the safest approach.

As always, make sure you’re following ThrillGeek across all of our social media platforms for the latest updates from Disney World and Disneyland.

Clint Gamache

Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83