The galaxy might not be as far, far away as fans thought, as Disney is now able to bring the Star Wars Universe to life with the introduction of a real, working lightsaber.
During a virtual event called "A Special Look Inside Disney Parks," Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D'Amaro transported viewers to Galaxy's Edge to tease the creation of a real-life lightsaber. As part of the presentation, D'Amaro claimed that fans will "never know what we're going to come up with next" and then turned on a lightsaber hilt to reveal a true light blade. "It's real," he said.
Attendees of the event were not allowed to take any photos or videos so there is not a lot of information regarding the lightsaber. However, viewers did reveal that the lightsaber looked and worked very much like the ones used in the Star Wars movies. Fans have also been circulating a patent that Disney filed in 2017 for a "sword device with a retractable, internally illuminated blade." Although this may not be the blade that D'Amaro introduced during the virtual presentation, it provides some information on how Disney was able to recreate the technology.
Little is know about Disney's plans for the lightsaber, including whether they'll be available for the public to purchase. Some believe it will be added as a feature in the lightsaber training remote experience aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort. The luxury hotel is expected to open later this year and its website teases an experience where fans can wield a lightsaber.
Source: Attractions Magazine