At the Destination D23 event at Walt Disney World, Disney showed off its “real lightsaber” to a live audience for the first time.
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s Parks, Experiences & Products division, held the “Star Wars” weapon. Notably, when he handed it back to a technician, the saber did not retract.
Here’s video of Josh D’amaro and the “real” lightsaber shown at Destination D pic.twitter.com/0x31UOyo2a
— Guy Selga (@guyselga) November 20, 2021
The lightsaber reveal was part of a segment detailing experiences coming to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the high-end simulated cruise opening in 2022. While onboard the starcruiser Halcyon, guests can take part in lightsaber training, evoking the training of Luke Skywalker in the original 1977 film. The lightsaber used in the training video, which starred D’Amaro himself, did not appear to match the “real lightsaber” that he had held onstage.
Another experience was on the Halcyon’s bridge, where guests can play an interactive game targeting and shooting TIE fighters.
In other Disney World announcements, Glenn Close will be featured in the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster coming to Epcot. D’Amaro also narrowed the coaster’s opening timeframe to summer 2022.
(Disney)
Disney revealed new concept art for the coaster’s queue area.
(Disney)
D’Amaro also confirmed more returning entertainment for the resort, saying that Fantasmic will come back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2022, as will the Festival of Fantasy parade at Magic Kingdom.