Fans Rushing to Stay In Disney's Closing $6,000-per-stay 'Star Wars' Hotel
Since Disney announced on May 18 that its most immersive project ever would be closing after just over a year in operation, many people have been dancing on the metaphorical space grave of the Galactic Starcruiser. The “Star Wars”-themed Walt Disney World hotel was Disney’s most ambitious project ever, but it’s also the most expensive by a mile: A two-night “voyage” costs between $5,000 and $6,000 for a standard room.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opened in March 2022 at Walt Disney World. The experience offers a three-day, two-night immersive “Star Wars” adventure on a fictitious cruise ship where guests become part of a conflict between the Resistance and the First Order. It includes an excursion to Batuu (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios), themed meals, and live entertainment, including a climactic battle for the galaxy.
The Halcyon, as it’s called in-universe, has 100 guest rooms, including 94 Standard Cabins that sleep up to 5, four Galaxy Class Suites that sleep up to 4, and two Grand Captain Suites that sleep up to 8.
The Halcyon, as it’s called in-universe, has 100 guest rooms, including 94 Standard Cabins that sleep up to 5, four Galaxy Class Suites that sleep up to 4, and two Grand Captain Suites that sleep up to 8.
Disney unexpectedly announced this month that, after just one year and a few months of operation, they would be permanently closing their themed hotel designed for immersive storytelling. Since its construction, Starcruiser has been plagued by financial issues, budget reductions, high costs, low occupancy, and varying levels of customer satisfaction as compared to what was first promised during the conceptual stages. Above all, a quick, two-night stay at the failing resort would have cost well over a thousand dollars, making it unaffordable for the vast majority of potential visitors.
Disney CEO Bob Iger reportedly rejected ideas to retheme Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser to something like “The Mandalorian,” or to offer tours for day guests.
Though Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser did not perform as well as Disney had hoped, it will be a $300 million tax write-off.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was generally well-reviewed and has the distinction of winning the 2022 TEA Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in Brand Experience.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the immersive “Star Wars” hotel at Walt Disney World Resort, is now completely sold out.
Voyages are now all booked up, too. The availability calendar has been removed from the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser website.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will permanently close after the final voyage on September 28, which quickly sold out after the closure announcement was made. Bookings closed temporarily but reopened. Guests waited in hours-long virtual queues to book their final trip to the stars.
No discounts were available for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser when bookings reopened. It’s very unlikely more availability will open for the experience.