Disney’s Josh D’Amaro Gives Sneak Peek of Lightsaber Training in Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts, Hollywood Studios, Uncategorized

Amid all the excitement and curiosity surrounding the forthcoming Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort, there’s one thing we’re looking forward to: lightsaber training. 

When this first-of-its-kind vacation experience begins welcoming Guests aboard the Halcyon starcruiser on March 1, 2022, they’ll finally know what it’s like to feel the Force and wield a lightsaber as they square off against a training remote, similar to Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: A New Hope. It’s one of the many immersive activities that comprise this two-night adventure where Guests will see, feel and live Star Wars.

This morning at Destination D23, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro gave a sneak peek at this much-anticipated moment aboard the starcruiser. Let’s take our first step into a larger world and watch as Josh tests his skills with a lightsaber.

Josh also stopped by the starcruiser’s bridge, where Disney Imagineer Sara Thacher taught him how to defend the ship using some trusty blaster cannons. Guests will learn these skills, too, during their adventure … which may come in handy should anything unexpected happen. Because everything always goes according to plan in that galaxy far, far away, right?

This is just a taste of what’s to come for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, so stay tuned as we hurtle toward March 1 like we’re jumping to lightspeed. Earlier this week, for instance, we revealed a few of the new characters Guests may meet onboard.

So until next time, just remember … the Force will be with you, always.

Disney Releases Video of Newly Created Lightsaber

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

If you’re a fan of all things Star Wars, well this is especially exciting news for you! Disney has released a first look video at their newly created lightsaber… and we’re in awe of the technology! Check out the short video and details as shared below by Disney.

As shared by Disney: “Yes, that’s a new type of lightsaber Rey is holding in her hand, created by Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development. Guests who experience Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be the first to see it in action – along with so much more – starting in 2022 when this amazing new two-night adventure debuts. Watching that lightsaber activate right before your eyes will be just one of the countless ways that, from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart, you’ll be plunged into a Star Wars story where your decisions and actions – or even the casual conversations you may have – determine how your personal journey unfolds.”

How Disney Parks’ New “Real” Star Wars Lightsaber Works

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

A few days ago, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro stunned viewers of “A Special Look Inside Disney Parks” by wielding a “real” Star Wars lightsaber. Thanks to VR/AR/Web developer Ben Ridout on Twitter, we now have an idea of how this “real” lightsaber works.

As Ridout points out, what makes this lightsaber real is not an ability to slice and dice, but the ability to extend and retract an illuminated blade. His animation in the tweet above showcases how the lightsaber works similar to a tape measure.

Ridout took a look at the lightsaber’s patent, filed back in 2018, to figure out that the technology would work like connecting two tape measures. The lightsaber’s “blade” is made of semi-transparent flexible plastic that is wound flat into two spools when inside the hilt. A circular cap at the end of the blade keeps it curved when it extends.

A third spool inside the hilt holds a strand of flexible LED tape that is also attached to the circular cap and extends inside the hollow blade, making it illuminate from the inside. The hilt holds the three spools, a motor, and a battery.

Disney has not yet announced how these “real” lightsabers will be used in the Disney Parks, but it’s possible they will be part of the immersive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel experience.