By David Laguerre
A Long Time Ago, In a Hotel Not So Far Away: The Rise and Fall of Disney’s Galactic Starcruiser
As a lifelong Star Wars fan who’s collected more lightsabers than I care to admit, the announcement of Disney’s Galactic Starcruiser felt like a dream come true. Finally, we would have the chance to live out our Star Wars fantasies beyond just wearing Jedi robes at conventions or making “pew pew” sounds with our collectible blasters!
The Galactic Starcruiser, which opened its airlock doors in March 2022, wasn’t just another themed hotel – it was pitched as a fully immersive two-night Star Wars adventure. Imagine stepping into your own Star Wars story, complete with character interactions, lightsaber training, and bridge operations on a “space cruise ship.” For many of us nerds, this was the closest we’d ever get to actually being in that galaxy far, far away.
The Experience (or “What 4,800 Credits Could Buy You”)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the Bantha in the docking bay. At $4,800 for a minimum two-night stay for two people, this wasn’t exactly priced for your average Outer Rim moisture farmer. But what did that hefty sum get you? A fully scripted Star Wars adventure where you could:
- Train with a lightsaber
- Help the crew operate the ship’s systems
- Interact with Star Wars characters
- Enjoy themed dining experiences
- Participate in secret missions
- Take an excursion to Batuu (aka Galaxy’s Edge)
The Good, The Bad, and The Mandalorian
The upsides were clear: unprecedented immersion, exclusive experiences, and the chance to live out your Star Wars dreams. The attention to detail was reportedly incredible, with cast members staying in character 24/7 and storylines that adapted to guests’ choices.
However, the downsides proved too significant to ignore. The astronomical price point put it out of reach for most fans. The location, requiring shuttle transport from the main park, created logistical challenges. And perhaps most critically, the experience was so specific and intense that it struggled to attract repeat visitors – a crucial factor for any Disney attraction.
The Final Chapter
Sadly, the Starcruiser’s journey was shorter than a Kessel Run. After just a year and a half, Disney closed the experience in September 2023. The final nail in the hyperdrive coffin came recently with the announcement that the building would be converted into office space for Walt Disney Imagineering.
The story gained renewed attention in May 2024 when YouTuber Jenny Nicholson’s epic four-hour video about the “spectacular failure” went viral, attracting 11 million views and reminding us of what was lost.
A Disturbance in the Force
For those of us who never got the chance to experience it, there’s a genuine sense of loss. While there were rumors of Disney potentially repurposing the space for a theatrical dinner experience, the building’s remote location made such alternatives impractical.
The Starcruiser now joins other ambitious but short-lived Disney experiments, though its transformation into offices for Imagineering feels particularly poetic. The same creative minds who dreamed up this bold venture will now work there, perhaps plotting the next generation of immersive experiences.
For the lucky few who did get to experience the Galactic Starcruiser, they’ll always have their memories of that brief moment when they truly lived in the Star Wars universe. As for the rest of us? Well, we’ll just have to keep making lightsaber sounds in our backyard.
May the Force be with you, Galactic Starcruiser. You may not have stuck the landing, but you certainly gave us a glimpse of what’s possible when imagination meets ambition – even if it came with a price tag that would make a Hutt blush.
