Sabre-making questions

[jekjones1558]

I am a frequent WDW goer but have never paid attention to Star Wars stuff. I will be at WDW in less than 2 weeks and want to bring home a light sabre for a 7 year old boy. I will probably use FaceTime to let him pick out the parts. Questions:
1) Where can I do this? If there are multiple venues, is there one that is better?
2) Will I have any trouble bringing any version of a sabre home on an airplane?
3) Any other advice?
TIA. I am clueless on this.

 

[bumbershoot]

Yesterday on my flight there were kids with full, non-collapsible, sabers onboard. The BYO ones collapse. I anticipate no problems for you.

Ask for help while building as it can be confusing. And you don't want to miss a step.

 

[BrianL]

There are a few locations to build a light saber that I know of. Tatooine Traders at the end of Star Tours is the most well know, and likely the busiest and there is staff there to assist. Mickey's Star Traders in Tomorrowland also has parts, but I've never seen anyone doing it there. Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs does as well. For the last two, I'm sure staff would help if asked, but they are not stationed there specifically.

There are probably others, but those are the ones I know for sure. I do not know if all parts are available at all locations.

 

[patster734]

I've made 3 over the past few years. Yes, I'm a big kid at heart. My wife tolerates it.

There are 3 places you can make them: Tatoine Traders at DHS, Once Upon a Toy at DS, and Mickey's Star Traders at MK. I never built one at Star Traders, so can't comment on it. Seems like there is a bigger line at Tatoine Traders than at Once Upon a Toy, but there is always a worker or 2 at Tatoine to assist.

The first time I brought one home, I had it in my carry-on without problems. But hearing that some people have experienced problems, the other 2 times, I packed them in my checked luggage without problem. The key is to disassemble them before packing, and then reassemble once home. But I don't completely disassemble. I separate the blade(s) from the handle. And I keep the parts together in a Disney bag.

 

[msmama]

You can also do it at wattos grotto until it closes. That may your best bet as its been the emptiest one I've seen lately (if you're going to be on the phone).

I've always put ours in checked luggage so no experience on the plane.

 

[norjack]

@patster734 is right. If you want to put it in a carry on, make sure it is taken apart so it cannot be mistaken for something else. But it would be best to put it into checked luggage.

As others have said here, we have found Tatoine Traders @ DHS the best because they always make sure the stock is replentished right away, and they have the most staff to assist. The only downside is that they can also get a bit busier than the others during the day. But that is where I get them built if I have the option.

 

[patster734]

One other piece of advice: The lightsaber is activated by pushing a button. Some of the accessories are placed on the handle to make it look different. You can cover the activation button with some of the accessories so that the saber doesn't accidentally activate, confusing TSA agents because of the sound.

 

[jekjones1558]

Thanks everyone for all this great info. You are helping me make one 7 year old boy very happy!