The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Disney World, which offers a two-day hotel experience, is set to conclude its operations this September, despite being open for just over a year.
This unique adventure combines elements from Disney’s resorts, cruise lines, and theme parks to create a 48-hour space-themed escapade. Initially introduced at Disney’s D23 Expo in 2019, the Galactic Starcruiser was launched near the Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, in March 2022.
The voyage comes at a cost of approximately $1,200 per person per day, with family packages reaching up to $6,000 for the two-day excursion. This price tag may seem daunting, particularly when compared to a typical week-long Disney vacation for a family of four, which can cost a similar amount, depending on accommodation and dining choices.
However, the Galactic Starcruiser has been hailed as a dream come true for die-hard Star Wars fans seeking the ultimate experience. The two-day adventure includes a hotel room, all meals (excluding alcoholic and specialty beverages), a visit to the Hollywood Studios park, a Magic Band, and valet service upon arrival.
The Galactic Starcruiser is more than just a hotel; it offers an immersive experience. Guests spend their time aboard the Halcyon interacting with new characters and choosing to align themselves with the light or dark side of the Force.
The overarching story revolves around passengers embarking on a two-day journey aboard the starcruiser. During this voyage, a First Order officer and several stormtroopers board the ship in search of Resistance spies. The story also features spies, musicians, rebels, and reluctant heroes—everything that makes up a classic Star Wars narrative.
Additionally, some familiar faces from the Star Wars universe, such as Chewbacca, Rey, and Kylo Ren, make appearances.
The experience has garnered extremely high guest satisfaction ratings, setting a new standard for innovation and immersive entertainment at Walt Disney World. It even received a Thea Award for outstanding achievement in themed entertainment.
Unfortunately, the high price of this boutique hotel has proven to be a deterrent for many Star Wars enthusiasts.
“Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most ambitious projects to date and has received praise from our guests while being recognized for its groundbreaking innovation and immersive entertainment,” the company stated. “This premium boutique experience allowed us to explore new ideas on a smaller scale with 100 rooms, and as we prepare for its final voyage, we will apply the lessons learned to create future experiences that can accommodate a larger number of guests and fans.”
Reportedly, Disney invested $2 billion in constructing its two immersive Star Wars parks in Florida and California, although it remains unclear if the cost of building the Starcruiser is included in that figure.