A brand-new addition has just been announced for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, arriving not long after Disney made a significant change to one of its most beloved interactive experiences.
Starting March 28 and running through May 11, the Disneyland Resort will host Season of the Force, a limited-time event that expands the park’s already impressive Star Wars presence. Fans will get to enjoy exclusive experiences, including fresh merchandise, new character meet-and-greets, and immersive attractions that further bring Batuu to life.
Among these new offerings is the introduction of Luke Skywalker as a walk-around character, reinforcing Disney’s continued shift away from the original Galaxy’s Edge timeline. Also debuting is Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga, a nightly projection show that celebrates the legendary Star Wars story. On select evenings, guests can also catch Fire of the Rising Moons, a firework display illuminating Batuu from various vantage points.
Beyond entertainment, fans can get their hands on all-new Star Wars-themed merchandise, including a sleek Boba Fett sports jersey and an exclusive new line from Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe, available at The Star Trader and Star Wars Trading Post.
However, before these exciting additions arrive, Disneyland is quietly making a major operational shift at one of its most interactive attractions.
As of March 17, 2025, the fan-favorite Droid Depot will transition to a walk-up-only system, eliminating the need for reservations. Previously, guests could pre-book a time slot to build their own custom astromech droid, but Disney’s decision to remove reservations suggests either a dip in demand or an effort to simplify park logistics.
Despite the shift, the Droid Depot experience remains a premium offering, currently priced at $99.99 plus tax. While many Star Wars fans still cherish the opportunity to construct their own R2 or BB unit, the move raises questions about the long-term popularity of the experience and Disney’s evolving strategy for in-park attractions.
It’s important to note that this change only affects Disneyland Resort in California—Walt Disney World’s Droid Depot at Hollywood Studios will still require reservations. Additionally, Savi’s Workshop, the highly sought-after lightsaber-building experience, will continue to operate on an advanced booking system at both parks.
But that’s not all. While Savi’s Workshop remains reservation-only, a fresh new twist is coming to the experience just in time for Star Wars Day. On May 4, guests can dive into 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.”
Over the past few years, Disneyland Resort has leaned heavily into its major IPs, from the grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019 to the debut of Avengers Campus in 2021. With an upcoming Avatar-themed expansion on the horizon, Disney continues to integrate its biggest cinematic universes into the theme park landscape. However, these expansions bring new challenges in managing crowds and maintaining the exclusivity of premium experiences.
Disney is also adapting to outside competition. With Universal’s Epic Universe preparing to open in Orlando, Disney appears to be re-evaluating its park strategies. At the same time, the company is fine-tuning its polarizing Lightning Lane system and adjusting high-cost immersive experiences to better match guest expectations. The Mouse House even admitted that it’s still “learning” how to implement its Premier Pass effectively.
Are you planning to visit Disneyland Resort for Season of the Force? Let us know in the comments below!
