Disney has unveiled an exciting new addition to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, just as another beloved interactive experience undergoes a new operational shift.
From March 28 through May 11, Disneyland Resort will host Season of the Force, an immersive limited-time event that brings even more Star Wars magic to the park. Guests can look forward to exclusive character interactions, brand-new merchandise, and thrilling experiences at Batuu’s most popular attractions.
One of the standout additions is the arrival of Luke Skywalker as a walk-around character, marking another step away from Galaxy’s Edge’s original timeline. Guests can also enjoy Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga, a stunning nighttime projection show that celebrates the legendary Star Wars narrative. Select evenings will also feature Fire of the Rising Moons, a dazzling fireworks display that can be enjoyed from multiple locations around Batuu.
On the merchandise front, fans can pick up new Star Wars-themed apparel, including a sleek Boba Fett sports jersey and an exclusive collection from Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe, available at The Star Trader and Star Wars Trading Post.
But before these new offerings arrive, Disneyland Resort is making a quiet yet significant change to one of its most interactive attractions.
Beginning March 17, 2025, the beloved Droid Depot will move to a walk-up-only system, doing away with the reservation requirement. Previously, guests could pre-book time slots to craft their own custom astromech droids, but Disney’s decision to eliminate reservations suggests a shift in guest demand or an effort to streamline park logistics.
Despite the change, Droid Depot remains a premium experience, priced at $99.99 plus tax. While Star Wars fans have long treasured the opportunity to assemble their own BB or R2 units, Disney’s shift raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such interactive offerings.
It’s important to note that this change only affects Disneyland Resort in California—at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, Droid Depot will continue to operate with a reservation system. Additionally, Savi’s Workshop, the ultra-popular lightsaber-building experience, will still require advance bookings at both locations.
However, Season of the Force will bring an exciting new twist to Savi’s Workshop. On May 4—Star Wars Day—guests can experience the all-new “Reclaimed and Reforged” storyline.
“Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers will debut a brand-new storyline called “Reclaimed and Reforged” for a limited time beginning May 4,” Disney Parks Blog announced. “Guests will be able to build their own Lightsabers from scraps that have been scavenged by different pirates throughout the galaxy and made their way to Batuu. Purchase is required and advanced reservations are highly encouraged for this experience.”
In recent years, Disneyland Resort has doubled down on major IP-driven expansions, from 2019’s Galaxy’s Edge to the opening of Avengers Campus in 2021. With an Avatar-themed expansion also in development, Disney continues to leverage its biggest franchises within the theme park space. However, balancing these expansions with crowd management remains a challenge.
Disney is also responding to outside competition. With Universal’s Epic Universe set to debut in Orlando, Disney appears to be reassessing its approach to guest experiences. At the same time, the company continues refining its Lightning Lane system and evaluating how premium, high-cost attractions fit into its broader strategy. Disney recently admitted it is still “learning” how to implement its Premier Pass effectively.
All of the first-time experiences coming this season are another sign of Disney’s evolving approach to guest experience, crowd control, and overall park operations.
Are you planning a visit to Disneyland Resort for Season of the Force? Let us know in the comments below!
Is the special lightsaber build experience only for Disneyland?