What Will Lightsaber Training REALLY Be Like at Disney World's Star Wars Hotel?

Disney World’s new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience (a.k.a. the Star Wars hotel) is set to open in March of 2022, and we’ve already gotten some exciting details about it.

So far, we’ve gotten a sample itinerary, sample pricing, details about some of the experiences guests can enjoy, and more. But now we’ve got some more information about one of the hotel’s most exciting activities…lightsaber training!

During your stay at the Star Wars hotel, you’ll get the chance to train with a lightsaber, the dream of many Star Wars fans!

The experience is limited to guests ages 7 and up and will allow guests to face off against a “remote training device.”

While we’ve seen some concept art showing what this experience is meant to look like, you might be wondering what it’ll really feel like to train with a lightsaber. We haven’t gotten the chance to try out lightsaber training ourselves just yet, but recently some new details have been revealed about it.

In terms of how the system works, here’s a peek at what Disney has shared. When you enter the training space, you’ll find multiple stations (which will likely be those “remote training devices” mentioned above) built into the walls. These will then be used for your lightsaber target practice.

The walls will feature some unique items that will cause effects during your training. The main way you’ll train is through a laser. Based on what has been shared, the laser will come out from the wall and point in a specific direction. It’s then your task to move through the space and take your lightsaber to where the laser is. You can think of it sort of like an arcade-type game design where you’re trying to “hit” an object quickly after it appears.

According to StarWars.com, the session begins with guests using “practice sabers” to deflect bolts coming from the training droid. The activity intensifies and gets more difficult as you improve, and eventually, guests are handed special deflecting shields to protect themselves and the others in the back of the room.

As part of your training, you may also get the chance to use “the Force.” There will be fiber optic effects built into certain areas that will indicate where the next laser will be coming from. This can help you anticipate what your next training move should be!

IGN also had some interesting things to say about the lightsaber training experience, noting that “it starts off slow, letting you get a feel for how it works, and then it ramps up to Jedi level where you’re forced to block attacks without even seeing the lasers. The lightsaber used in this activity feels about on par with a Force FX lightsaber, though it is a tad shorter, but it’s only meant to be used for lightsaber training and won’t be available for sale.”

And if you’re hoping to use the incredibly cool “real” lightsaber that we saw a glimpse of a while back, well, we’re sorry to disappoint you. Those are only used onboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser for performers, not for regular guests.

©Disney

That’s just a small peek at the Star Wars hotel lightsaber training experience. There’s still a lot left to be revealed including just how the experience will be arranged and more. We will be checking out the Star Wars hotel as soon as we can and testing EVERYTHING we can, so be sure to check back with us for more updates.

Are you excited about the lightsaber experience? Tell us in the comments!