Credit: Jeremy Thompson, FlickrA new offering has been announced for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge not long after Disney changed the operation of one fan-favorite experience.
Beginning on March 28 and lasting through May 11, the Disneyland Resort will host the popular Season of the Force. The event, which expands the theme park’s Star Wars offering, allows fans to experience limited-time offerings, including new merchandise, new character interactions, and new experiences at the popular attractions found in Batuu.
These include a Luke Skywalker character introduction–which further cements Disney’s distancing from the original canonical timeline of Galaxy’s Edge–and a nightly projection show called Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga. Joining the latter on select nights will be the continuing Fire of the Rising Moons firework display, which can be viewed from various locations around Batuu.
Along with the above comes new themed merchandise, such as the Boba Fett sports jersey as well as a new collection from Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe brand (found at The Star Trader and Star Wars Trading Post). Prior to these announcements, Disneyland Resort is making a quiet yet significant change to one of its interactive experiences.
Starting March 17, 2025, the beloved Droid Depot in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will no longer require reservations, shifting exclusively to a walk-up-only system. Previously, guests could pre-book a time slot to design and build their very own astromech droid. The removal of reservations signals a shift in how Disney is managing its in-park experiences, potentially hinting at a decline in demand or an effort to streamline operations.
Currently priced at $99.99 plus tax, the Droid Depot experience remains one of the pricier add-ons in Disneyland Park. While Star Wars fans have long cherished the chance to assemble their own R2 or BB unit, its popularity may be waning, leading Disney to reconsider how guests access the attraction.
That said, the change only applies to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California—the Droid Depot at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios will continue requiring reservations for the foreseeable future. Additionally, Savi’s Workshop, the highly sought-after lightsaber-building experience, will still require advanced booking at both parks.
But, that’s not all. While Savi’s looked exempt from any operational changes, the Season of the Force brings with it a new offering for the popular destination. From May 4 (AKA Star Wars Day), guests visiting Savi’s Workshop can experience the “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 wrote. “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.”
Recent years have seen Disneyland Resort embrace Intellectual Property (IP)-driven expansions, from 2019’s Galaxy’s Edge to the 2021 debut of Avengers Campus. The park’s upcoming Avatar-themed addition will further cement Disney’s commitment to leveraging its cinematic universes within the theme park space. However, with these expansions comes the challenge of managing crowd flow and ensuring premium experiences remain accessible.
Disney is also adjusting its operations in response to external pressures. With Universal’s Epic Universe set to open in Orlando, Disney is facing increased competition, seemingly making them to rethink their park strategies. Simultaneously, the company continues to fine-tune its divisive Lightning Lane system and assess how its high-cost, high-immersion experiences align with visitor expectations–the Mouse House recently said it was still “learning” how to use its pricey Premier Pass option.
While the Droid Depot reservation change may seem small, that, along with the broader Season of the Force offering, are just some of the many signs that Disney is continuing to evolve its approach to guest experience, crowd control, and overall theme park strategy.
Are you heading out to Disneyland for the Season of the Force? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!