At the end of a virtual news conference Thursday, Disney showed off what is being described as a “real” lightsaber.
Bet you’d like to see it, right? Well, too bad — Disney won’t let reporters invited to the event to show it.
Attractions Magazine summarized the reveal made by Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products chairman Josh D’Amaro at the end of the presentation:
Josh D’Amaro closed out the “A Special Look Inside Disney Parks” virtual event by turning on Luke’s lightsaber, with the laser sword coming out of the emitter in person, and said “it’s real.” And then it ended.
— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) April 8, 2021
Other respected theme park reporters who got invites to the virtual event had a similarly shocked reaction:
🚨OMG THEY MADE A REAL LIGHTSABER Y’ALL WHAT THE FUCK
— carlye wisel 🍭 hosts Very Amusing! 🍓✨🙃 (@carlyewisel) April 8, 2021
For those wondering, it’s very likely the lightsaber I saw during the Disney presentation was retractable, but it looked like the light just appeared from the hilt. Again it was so quick. https://t.co/vNSxu3PpNb
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) April 9, 2021
And its existence was confirmed by Disney Imagineer Scott Trowbridge, one of the leaders behind Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
A lot of questions today about whether the lightsaber that Josh D’Amaro revealed today was real or CGI, and, whether I’d share photos or video.
Yes it was/is really real, and….. not yet. #Bringingagalaxyfarfarawaytolifehttps://t.co/lMc964tn8Y
— Scott Trowbridge (@strowbridge) April 9, 2021
Multiple reporters confirmed that Disney told media outlets that they were not allowed to record video from the presentation, a common restriction placed on the press by Disney in exchange for privileged access.
Theme Park Tribune was not invited to the event, and therefore is not beholden to any agreement with Disney on what can or cannot be shared. We will share photos or videos of the lightsaber reveal (once we’ve verified they’re legit) if they are sent to us at john@themeparktribune.com. Sources will be protected.
When and where this lightsaber will be available to guests is unclear, though Disney was granted a patent in 2018 for a “sword device” providing an “energy sword effect.” Concept art for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel has shown a lightsaber training experience reminiscent of scenes from the original 1977 film.
The lightsaber reveal — even to such a limited audience — overshadowed the announcement that Avengers Campus, an all-new land at Disney California Adventure, will be opening on June.

Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure (Disney)
Delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney’s first-ever land themed after the Marvel Cinematic Universe will feature a new attraction, Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure, along with the “Ant Man”-inspired Pym Test Kitchen and an area centered around Doctor Strange. The existing Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout will also be a part of the new land.
“At this fully immersive land inside Disney California Adventure park, you will be invited to team up with the Avengers and their allies and live out your Super Hero dreams,” Disneyland public relations director Gabriel Gibaldi wrote on the official Disney Parks Blog. “Avengers Campus is comprised of several heroic locations, each hosted by a different Avenger to share their unique powers, technology and knowledge with recruits.”

A “Doctor Strange”-themed area within Avengers Campus (Disney)
Disneyland Resort’s two theme parks will reopen on April 30, ending their year-long pandemic-induced shutdown.
Disney noted on Twitter that, as of right now, the Avengers Campus opening will only be available to California residents due to state restrictions on theme parks. Out-of-state residents may be allowed back after June 15, the tentative date that California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said most restrictions on business operations in the state could be lifted.
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