Walt Disney World has done some pretty incredible things over the years.
From launching jaw-dropping attractions to creating full-blown themed lands, the resort has long been seen as the gold standard in theme park innovation. But every now and then, even the most carefully calculated plans go way off course.
And out of all the curious choices Disney has made in Florida, there’s one that stands out as the most over-the-top, over-budget, and over-before-it-even-started: Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
Let’s paint the picture. This was supposed to be Disney’s crown jewel of immersive storytelling—a two-night “space cruise” where guests lived out their own Star Wars saga, complete with missions, lightsaber training, character interactions, and themed food. It was a bold idea, no doubt. But bold doesn’t always mean brilliant.
The starting price? Around $5,000 to $6,000 per family. That got you a windowless room that looked like a spaceship cabin, pre-scheduled activities from morning until night, and no traditional hotel amenities like a pool or ability to wander the grounds. For superfans, it may have been a dream. But for most families planning a Disney trip? It just didn’t make sense. Especially when that kind of money could’ve covered a weeklong stay at a deluxe resort and park tickets.
Then came the bigger problem—people weren’t booking it. Despite heavy marketing, impressive Imagineering, and a tie-in with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the demand just wasn’t there. Bookings slumped, prices were discounted, and eventually, the plug was pulled. The Galactic Starcruiser closed in September 2023, barely a year after opening. And what’s become of the high-tech building now? According to reports, it’s being converted into office space.
So let’s sum this up: Disney spent hundreds of millions of dollars building a next-level hotel that only operated for about 18 months and is now being used for cubicles and meetings. That’s not just a misstep—it’s the most foolish decision Walt Disney World has ever made.
