The End of an Era: The Final Voyage of Disney’s ‘Star Wars’ Galactic Starcruiser Comes to an End
Today likely was a tearful one for those finishing their voyage on the Galactic Starcruiser.
When the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opened on March 1, 2022, Disney set out to do something that was unlike anything ever done before. This one-of-a-kind immersive experience promises to transport Guests to a galaxy far, far away, offering them the chance to live out their Star Wars fantasies. While no one doubts that the Starcruiser delivered in this way, other factors, including the hotel’s steep price, ultimately led to the announcement of its closure. Today, on September 30, the final voyage of the Galactic Starcruiser will be completed.
An Experience Like Never Before
The concept of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was born out of the success of Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an immersive land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Filled with heart-pounding attractions and detailed Star Wars theming, the land became an instant hit with fans since its opening in May 2019. The Walt Disney Company saw an opportunity to take the Star Wars experience to new heights with a boutique hotel offering an utterly immersive entertainment experience.
The Galactic Starcruiser, which resembles a massive starship, promised a two-night adventure like no other. Guests would embark on a “voyage” rather than a traditional hotel stay. Upon arrival, they would be ushered into a Launch Pod that would transport them to the Halcyon, the starcruiser itself. Once onboard, they would become active participants in their very own Star Wars story, interacting with characters, exploring the ship, and even learning the ways of the Force.
However, not all was perfect with the ship’s inception.
Immersive Entertainment Comes at a Price…
The major problem with the Galactic Starcruiser was the high prices that were associated with it. Building., upkeeping, and employing the staff of the Starcruiser cost a pretty penny for Disney. With only a couple hundred Guests staying there at a time, the price per Guest ended up becoming very high. Guests were paying around $5,000 for only a two-night stay, a price most fans could not justify.
Now, that final two-night voyage has returned for good. The final voyage, which was sold out, took off on September 28. It can be expected that this voyage was incredibly emotional for both the fans and the Cast Members on it. Even though it wasn’t a success, the impact that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser made will live on past its closure.
A final congrats to the amazing Cast Members responsible for making Starcruiser one of Walt Disney World’s most highly rated experiences in terms of guest satisfaction ratings. 👏🫡 pic.twitter.com/1Hha527Yqi
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 30, 2023
As the Galactic Starcruiser closes, fans can’t help but wonder what new adventures await them in the future. The Walt Disney Company is known for constantly innovating and creating new and exciting experiences for its Guests. Only time will tell what is to come for the building that once was the Galactic Starcruiser Star Wars hotel.
