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If you are a Star Wars fan, you have probably dreamed of wielding a lightsaber at some point in your life. The iconic weapon of the Jedi and Sith has been a staple of the sci-fi saga since its debut in 1977. Until now lightsabers have been confined to the realm of fiction and fantasy. That is about to change.
At this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, Disney showed off a real life lightsaber that can retract and extend just like in the movies. The device was part of a presentation on Disney’s latest innovations and technologies for its theme parks and entertainment products.
According to reports, Disney filed a patent for a real Star Wars lightsaber back in 2018. The patent described a system that uses motorized spools of LED-lit flexible material to create a blade that can emerge from and retract into a hilt. The patent also mentioned sound effects and haptic feedback to simulate the feel and sound of a lightsaber. Disney has been working on bringing this technology to life ever since, and it finally unveiled it to the public at SXSW 2023.
Disney has been tight-lipped about the details of its real life lightsaber, but it seems that the patent was indeed accurate. In a video circulating social media, you can see Disney’s chairman of parks, experiences and products Josh D’Amaro holding up a hilt and activating it with a flick of his wrist. A bright blue blade emerges from the hilt with an unmistakable hum and glow. The audience was stunned by the sight of the glowing blade emerging from the hilt, which looked very similar to the ones seen on screen.
Where Can you Buy Disney’s Real Life Lightsaber?
The video is short and blurry, but it is enough to make any Star Wars fan gasp in awe and envy. The reaction online has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people expressing their excitement and curiosity about how the device works and when they can get their hands on one.
Unfortunately, Disney has not announced any plans to sell its real life lightsaber to the public. For now, it seems that the only way to see it in action is to book a stay at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel, which is set to open in 2024 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
The hotel will be more than just a place to sleep. It will be an interactive adventure that will transport guests to a starship called Halcyon for two nights. Guests will be able to dress up as their favorite Star Wars characters, interact with other guests and cast members, participate in missions and activities, visit iconic locations like Batuu (the planet featured in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), and yes, wield lightsabers.
Disney has promised that its real life lightsaber will be more than just a prop. It will be an integral part of the story and gameplay of the hotel experience. Guests will be able to learn how to use it from masters like Yoda or Luke Skywalker, engage in duels with other guests or enemies like Darth Vader, or simply admire its beauty and craftsmanship.
Disney’s real life lightsaber is undoubtedly one of the most impressive feats of engineering and entertainment ever created by the company. It is also one of the most anticipated attractions for Star Wars fans around the world. Whether you are on the light side or dark side of the Force, you cannot deny that this is something truly special.
