Not long ago we reported that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is failing (we even said we know why). Now more evidence to support our theory has come to light. The hotel, which cost more than a billion dollars to build is struggling. It’s struggling to fill rooms, it’s struggling to keep staff and it’s struggling to turn a profit.
To combat this, Disney recently offered a first of its kind discount, but it was the wrong discount. Rather than discounting the hotel itself, Walt Disney World is offering a discount on a stay at an additional hotel stay, either before or after your Starcruiser experience. When I said, “If Disney wants this resort to be a success, they are going to need to make significant changes: either by lowering the price or finding a reason for guests to return,” that wasn’t what I meant.
This Star Wars hotel isn’t cheap. $6,000 for a two-night stay is outside the realm of possibility for most families. While that price does include theme park admission to Hollywood Studios, where guests can explore Galaxys edge, a galactic Starcruiser adventure is simply of reach for most. As a result, the Star Wars hotel has suffered from chronically low occupancy. Many “voyages” (as Disney calls the 2-night hotel experience) have seen less than 25% occupancy. The fact that nearly same-day reservations are available for (what should be) the most in demand Walt Disney World Resort hotel on property…isn’t a good look:
Credit: Disney
Because of the inability to fill rooms, Disney has begun canceling voyages. Affected guests have been offered up to a 50% discount to rebook their voyage. So far, the affected dates are:
- July 4, 12, 17
- August 1, 7, 15, 27
- September 4, 12
Considering this is the height of the “busy season” at Disney World, that’s a problem.
It’s also speculated that Disney is having a hard time keeping the resort staffed. In addition to a lack of ability to hire enough Cast Members to fill roles (a problem currently faced by employers everywhere), already established staff are quitting. GottaGoOrlando reports that two actors who were pivitol to the experience (a d helped develop it) have quit. These actors portrayed Sandro Alamander and Sammie the Mechanic. Without staff and performers, the Galactic Starcruiser concept cannot fully function.
Will Disney right this ship or will the Star Wars themed hotel become another abandoned Disney Park attraction alá River Country and Discovery Island? That remains to be seen, but we are hopeful that prices may lower in the future which could bring this incredible resort the attendance it deserves!
If you want to immerse yourself in the very best Disney experience money can buy, book your own Galactic Starcruiser adventure by contacting your favorite travel agent or book directly the Walt Disney Travel Company here.