Disney’s Galactic Star Cruiser, the much-anticipated immersive Star Wars experience at Hollywood Studios, has been cancelled and will close in September 2023.
Yes, you read that right – the brand new, immersive, absurdly expensive adventure is already done.
“But what’s the reason for the shutdown?”
“Did something go wrong with the Star Wars hotel?”
“Is it just a technical glitch or a strategic move?”
“Will Disney provide a refund for those who booked a trip?”
“How will this affect the future of immersive experiences at Disney?”
Stay tuned as we delve deep into the saga and answer all these questions – and more.
For every Disney aficionado or Star Wars enthusiast eager to explore the intricate details behind this news, brace yourself.
We’re about to take you through an interstellar journey of what went wrong with the Galactic Star Cruiser.
Plus I cover 7 ideas for what I think Disney can do next with the property they’ve spent so much time and effort building.
Before diving in, join our new private Facebook group, the Disney Park Advisor Community, for Disney enthusiasts to share their passion, seek advice, and make friends. Click here to join now!
Hyperdrive Failure: The Galactic Starcruiser’s Final Voyage
Did you feel that? That’s the collective gasp of Star Wars fans across the galaxy. Why, you ask? Well, brace yourself for a bit of a shocker, as we unpack Disney’s bombshell announcement regarding the Galactic Starcruiser.
On a day not so far, far away (just three days ago, to be exact), Disney announced its decision to close its doors on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
The unique two-day immersive experience that was part luxury hotel, part role-playing adventure that is cutting edge in terms of experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort, is coming to an end.
The Final Countdown
Just over a year since it first launched, Disney has decided to close its doors on the Galactic Starcruiser. Yep, you heard right. That luxury hotel-meets-space adventure, with its price tag as lofty as the Cloud City, will soon be a thing of the past. The final voyage is set to depart in late September. So, if you’ve been dreaming of that space-themed Halloween bash… well, time to hit the brakes on that.
Why Say Goodbye to the Galaxy?
Reason for the closure? Disney’s official line points to ‘business decisions’ and cost-cutting efforts. No huge surprise there, considering the Galactic Starcruiser experience carried a hefty tag of around $1,200 per person per day. Family packages could rocket to as high as $6,000 for the two-day journey.
Impact on Intergalactic Travelers
Now, what about the folks who’d already secured their tickets to the stars beyond September? Disney assures they’ll reach out to discuss modifications. So, keep a weather eye on your inbox.
Turbulence Ahead
In terms of fan reaction, it’s as varied as the creatures in Mos Eisley Cantina. Some folks express disappointment, while others share humorous remarks. Critics suggest that the high price point and limited narrative choices might have contributed to underperformance.
Not All Hope Is Lost
But here’s the kicker:
Despite the closure, Disney is optimistic about the future of its Star Wars experiences. They plan to use the lessons learned from the Galactic Starcruiser to create new adventures that can reach a broader audience. How’s that for turning a setback into a comeback?
So, while the Galactic Starcruiser may be closing, this is by no means the end of Disney’s journey in the Star Wars universe. The company remains committed to delivering unforgettable experiences for Star Wars fans.
Decoding the Shutdown: What Led to the Starcruiser’s Grounding?
Navigating through the cosmic whirl of speculation and opinion, let’s endeavor to understand the rationale behind Disney’s decision to pull the plug on the Galactic Starcruiser.
High Orbit Pricing: A Galactic Hurdle
Unpacking the criticisms the Starcruiser faced, its lofty pricing undoubtedly stands out. The experience, as enchanting as it was, could burn a sizable hole in one’s pocket, with costs reaching $4,800 for two guests. It was a luxury beyond reach for many enthusiasts, essentially turning the Starcruiser into an elusive star, visible yet unattainable.
Limited Scenarios: A Narrative Nebula
Adding fuel to the fire, the Starcruiser was challenged by its limited storyline options. Adventure-seekers could only align with either the First Order or the Resistance, which, for repeat visitors, may have cast a shadow of monotony on an otherwise exciting premise.
Streamlining the Galactic Fleet: Disney’s Cost-Cutting Measures
Beyond these criticisms, Disney’s broader cost-cutting strategies played a crucial role in the Starcruiser’s fate. For a company continuously seeking balance between financial efficiency and magical experiences, the Starcruiser’s operational costs may have tipped the scale unfavorably. Ultimately, the decision to shutter this immersive space adventure was rooted in economics, underscoring the stark realities of business in a fantasy-driven enterprise.
Looking Forward: Beyond the Starcruiser
So, what lies beyond this point for Star Wars enthusiasts? Is this the final chapter in Disney’s interstellar storytelling, or is there more to come?
What’s Next: The Future Beyond the Galactic Starcruiser
In the wake of the Galactic Starcruiser’s unexpected grounding, fans and industry insiders alike find themselves mulling over the same burning question: what’s next for Disney’s Star Wars-themed experiences?
As we stand at this crossroads, let’s move on from the bad news to some good news.
Just because they’re shutting it down doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a future at Disney!
Next up are some ideas I’ve come up with that Disney could use to transition the Halcyon from a learning experience to one that’s appealing to a wider audience, with even better experiences that could really make the initial failure of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Adventure into a rousing success.
Here are 7 ideas that Disney can use to repurpose the Halcyon into a full-fledged Star Wars Resort experience with all of the Disney magic baked in.
Themed Dinner Shows: Channeling the Force of a Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue
This was my wife’s first thought when we were talking about the closure.
Picture this: a Star Wars-themed dinner show. Sounds out-of-this-world, right?
You bet it does.
Now, if you’ve never experienced Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, let me tell you, you’re missing out. Here’s a quick rundown:
- A 2-hour romp of music, comedy, dancing, and interactive fun. Yes, interactive.
- Hearty helpings of BBQ ribs, fried chicken, and a plethora of side dishes. And of course, a strawberry shortcake finale. All-you-can-eat, people.
- Oh, and did I mention unlimited beer, wine, and sangria for those of us 21 and over? Count me in!
Imagine all of that, but set in a galaxy far, far away, with Star Wars themed fare and show to boot.
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is one of our absolutely favorite experiences at Walt Disney World in Orlando and it’s especially great when you’ve got a big appetite.
Now, let’s zoom in to the Crown of Corellia Dining Room. The lights dim, the music swells, and the room transforms into an alien cantina. You’re not just in any dinner show, you’re in the Star Wars universe.
Sounds like something out of a dream, doesn’t it?
Now, picture our favorite characters taking the stage. Chewbacca belting out roars, an R2 unit serving drinks. Maybe even a trivia contest with C-3PO. Could be the droids you’re looking for, right?
You’d be right in the middle of the action, not just a spectator. Ever fixed a hyperdrive while munching on cornbread? No? Well, there’s a first time for everything.
Betcha didn’t see that coming.
So, if Disney could pull this off (and let’s face it, they’ve nailed the dinner show concept before), the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser could become the ultimate dining destination.
And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to say they’ve had dinner in a galaxy far, far away?
Now that, my friend, is what I call a dinner show.
Galactic Getaway: The Starcruiser Resort Experience
What if the Galactic Starcruiser morphed into a full-fledged Star Wars resort?
Granted, the immersive storyline would be dialed back, but consider the broadened “bright suns” horizons.
Imagine making your way to the Galactic Starcruiser Resort. No First Order security checks, no intergalactic missions, just a hearty greeting from an amiable Wookiee… oops, receptionist.
The accommodations? Think a high-end resort with a sprinkle of Star Wars magic. Modern, luxurious facilities coupled with subtle echoes of that galaxy far, far away.
Pretty enticing, right?
(I have to admit – when I first heard they were doing the Star Wars resort hotel development, I thought this was what they were doing, but I digress…)
And here’s the clincher:
a room with a view that’s out of this world. Imagine waking up to a vista of alien stars and nebulae.
Your morning cup of java just got a whole lot more cosmic.
And here’s the sweet spot:
Transforming into a resort could lead to significant cost savings for guests.
Here’s why:
No expensive immersion packages, no lofty fees for space-age adventures. Just your regular room tariff plus any additional Star Wars-themed treats you fancy.
In simple terms?
You’d enjoy more affordable access to the Star Wars realm. It could become a “moderate” or “deluxe” resort, and I have no doubt the bookings would fill up immediately.
You’d still be swept up in the fantastical Star Wars ambiance without needing to mortgage your landspeeder to afford it.
Cool deal, right?
Disney would still boast a one-of-a-kind, Star Wars-themed resort. Sans the high-drama role-playing, epic saga, and eye-watering price tag that went with it.
And this could potentially make the Galactic Starcruiser more accessible to a wider fanbase. More Star Wars enthusiasts could savor this fantastic destination.
Same excitement, less commotion.
The best part?
Freedom to explore at your own pace. Feel like a day trip to the Magic Kingdom? Done. Crave lounging by the pool with a cocktail inspired by Tatooine’s twin suns? Absolutely.
Turning the Galactic Starcruiser into a resort may just be the most exciting development in Star Wars tourism since Chewbacca discovered hair conditioner.
So, who’s ready for a vacation at the revamped Galactic Starcruiser Resort?
It’s like having your Death Star cake and eating it too.
Character Cuisine: Galactic Dining Delights
What if you could have your morning pancakes flipped by a Droid, or share a slice of blue milk cheesecake with Princess Leia?
Let’s dive into the idea of Star Wars character dining experiences.
You’ve probably know about Chef Mickey’s Character Breakfast at the Contemporary Resort, right? (If not, you’ve been missing out on some serious Mickey waffles.)
Imagine a similar setup, but in a galaxy far, far away…
Breakfast with the Ewoks. Lunch alongside rebel pilots. Dinner with a side order of droid conversation.
You’d never eat alone in the Galactic Starcruiser Resort.
See, character dining is nothing new in Disney circles, but bring Star Wars into the mix, and you’ve got an intergalactic feast like no other.
Not to mention, it’s a terrific way to meet your favorite Star Wars personalities outside of the usual park meet and greet sessions.
You could meet and take photos with Rey, Chewbacca, Storm Troopers, R2D2 and C-3P0, even the Sith lord, Darth Vader himself!
And, of course, all the action happens while you’re tucking into some delicious Star Wars-themed cuisine.
Blue milk pancakes, anyone?
You’d be interacting with these characters in a relaxed, more personal setting. Autograph books at the ready!
And if you think about it…
Character dining could offer a way to keep the Star Wars storyline alive within the Starcruiser, without the high-intensity role-playing. You’re part of the universe, but you’re also just enjoying a meal.
Sounds like a fair trade-off, right?
Imagine the thrill of your kids (and okay, you too) when Chewbacca casually strolls by your table. Or the surprise on their faces when Rey stops by to share tips on mastering the Force over dessert.
Epic mealtime stories to tell back home, guaranteed.
And let’s not forget the Instagram bragging rights. (Your #foodie followers won’t know what hit them.)
Bottom line?
Introducing Star Wars character dining could turn mealtime into another magical Disney experience. One where food and fantasy combine to create an unforgettable adventure.
A dining odyssey that’s light-years ahead of your average restaurant experience.
Galactic Starcruiser could serve up this out-of-this-world dining concept.
So, are your taste buds ready for a Star Wars culinary journey?
From Corellia to Coruscant: The Star Wars Culinary Odyssey
Ready for some culinary adventure? The next idea I have is to repurpose the Starcruiser’s dining areas to be provide a great wealth of different Star Wars themed dining experiences from counter service to fine dining with exotic luxurious dishes inspired by the Star Wars universe.
Want to taste a Bantha burger? Or wonder what the drinks in Chalmun’s Spaceport Cantina (the Mos Eisley Cantina for newbs) on Tatooine taste like?
This idea is to take you on an even deeper interstellar culinary adventure than that which you can get in the park.
Welcome to the Star Wars culinary experience.
Now, we’ve already covered character dining. But here’s the thing…
When you step onboard the Galactic Starcruiser, you shouldn’t just see and meet Star Wars. You should taste it too.
Imagine, for a moment, savoring dishes inspired by the Star Wars universe.
From quick bites at the counter service to fine dining experiences under the starlight, the Starcruiser has room for it all.
Think about it:
You could start your day with a quick breakfast at the counter service – perhaps a fresh pastry from Padmé’s Pantry.
And for lunch, how about a pit-stop at the Cantina for some intergalactic comfort food? Imagine biting into a crispy Porg wing, or slurping a warm bowl of Wookiee stew. Delicious!
But it wouldn’t all be casual dining.
In the evenings, the Starcruiser could transform into a beacon of luxurious dining.
Here’s where things get interesting…
Picture the elegance of a high-end restaurant like Victoria & Albert’s, but with a Star Wars spin.
You could enjoy the finest dining this side of the galaxy at The Galactic Gourmet, feasting on exotic dishes sourced from across the universe.
From fresh seafood caught in the lakes of Naboo, to the spicy meats of Tatooine, it’d be a dining experience you’d never forget.
But don’t worry, your evening wouldn’t be all strange alien foods (unless that’s your thing).
There would be familiar flavors too, like grilled steaks sourced from the finest sources in the galaxy, and desserts more tempting than a piece of Death Star chocolate cake.
Best of all, these dining experiences would add layers to the Star Wars universe, making it feel more real, more tangible.
This wouldn’t just be dinner. It’d be a culinary journey through the Star Wars saga.
And hey, it’s Disney. You can bet they’d have a unique cocktail list featuring drinks like Dagobah Daiquiri or Tatooine Tequila Sunrise.
So, ready for the Star Wars feast of a lifetime?
Cantina Transformation of the Sublight Lounge: From Starcruiser Chill to Cantina Thrill
What about a lounge that actually DOES serve droids?
Ever wondered how the Sublight Lounge could vibe to a different beat?
Let’s change gears and take a plunge into an interstellar realm of rhythm.
Picture this: the Sublight Lounge morphs into a lively cantina with nightly live music performances. Not just any music, mind you. We’re talking about the “dueling pianos” concept that gets everyone’s toes tapping. Intrigued yet? Let’s delve deeper.
Meeting Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes
You remember Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes, right? The Bith band with a style as unique as their interstellar origins? You’re about to become their biggest fan.
Imagine this interstellar ensemble taking center stage each night, their infectious music transforming the Sublight Lounge into the hottest spot in the galaxy.
When Keyboards Clash: Dueling Pianos in Action
Now imagine a second act or stage, with another band set up in “dueling pianos” style. The bands go head-to-head in a friendly competition that thrills the audience, their melodies intertwining in a stellar symphony that fills the entire Lounge.
Becoming a Part of the Galactic Culture
But here’s the real kicker…
You don’t just watch the dueling bands; you become a part of the experience. You’re not just another face in the crowd. You’re part of the interstellar audience, living in the moment, swaying to the rhythm of the Star Wars galaxy.
An Atmosphere as Exhilarating as Hyperspace Travel
As the bands hit their stride, the excitement in the Cantina reaches a fever pitch. It’s as exhilarating as jumping into hyperspace, as thrilling as dodging asteroids in an asteroid field.
While you’re here, interacting with the locals (and perhaps even the occasional wandering droid) is part and parcel of the Cantina experience. It’s all about immersion, about living the Star Wars story in a way you’ve never lived it before.
And what’s a Cantina without drinks? Picture a new selection of cocktails, each a tribute to the planets, characters, and cultures of the Star Wars universe.
So, are you ready to see the Sublight Lounge transform into an unforgettable Cantina? Ready to feel the beat of the galaxy, right here in the heart of the Halcyon Starcruiser?
Final thoughts
In the end, who knows what Disney will do?
While one chapter is closing in the Starcruiser saga, there’s no doubt in my mind that Disney will find something awesome to do with all the incredible stuff they’ve created.
Only time will reveal the path Disney chooses. But remember, even in galaxies far, far away, as one star fades, another begins to shine. For now, keep your eyes on the skies and your hope set on hyperspeed – the next Star Wars adventure could be just on the event horizon.
Next Steps
Want to talk to other annual pass holders? Join the Disney Park Advisor Community group to connect with other Disney fans and get tips and advice and feedback on your Disney experience. Simply click the link below to request membership and become a part of our community.
