Experience the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World
When the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser makes its inaugural voyage at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida on March 1, 2022, it promises to be a hotel experience like none other, fulfilling decades of dreams for Star Wars fans.
Modelled as a cruise to a galaxy far, far away, the Galactic Starcruiser has more in common with a river cruise or ocean liner than a typical hotel. However, there’s no need to worry about seasickness; guests will never leave solid ground.
The Galactic Starcruiser is located adjacent to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, home to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, providing an immersive theme park experience that complements the resort.
“They were actually developed together, which gave us some excellent opportunities to weave the stories of these two locations together,” says Sara Thacher, creative lead in research and development with Walt Disney Imagineering. “We think about it as act one on the Starcruiser, then as our passengers go down to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, go on their planet excursion to Batuu, they actually continue their story.”
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Experience
So, what does an immersive cruise through fictional galaxies entail?
Upon arrival, guests will enter a launch pod, jumping to hyperspace before docking with the Halcyon, your ‘ship’ and home base for the next two nights. Once the airlock doors open with a whoosh and you step into the ship’s atrium, you are fully immersed in the Star Wars universe.
Think of it as a real-life role-playing adventure—a brand new story with familiar characters. During their two-day journey, guests will encounter Chewbacca, Rey, and Kylo Ren, as well as droids and crew members who all become part of the narrative. Parts of your stay will be scheduled, including visits to the ship’s bridge to learn about its defense systems, lightsaber training, and excursions to Batuu (aka Galaxy’s Edge), where you can engage with the First Order on the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride and experience piloting the Millennium Falcon.
“Intermixed with all of those scheduled events, we have all sorts of unexpected twists and turns as our characters lead us through this experience,” says Thacher. “Our passengers are going to get to make some choices, which characters they want to help, whether they want to aid the Resistance, help the First Order, or perhaps go on a heist with the underworld.”
Activities and Dining at the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
Guests of the Galactic Starcruiser will be the first to participate in a new lightsaber experience. Earlier this year, Disney unveiled a lightsaber that looks incredibly realistic, with the blade seemingly appearing out of thin air. While it’s not confirmed whether guests will wield it themselves, there are special experiences planned.
“We haven’t shared a lot of it, but we’ve developed a brand new lightsaber experience for our guests as part of the training,” Thacher says. “It’s going to let guests not just wield the lightsaber, but actually feel the Force, providing an experience akin to what we all saw Luke experience on the Millennium Falcon.”
Dining is sure to be an adventure in itself, beginning with the first night’s dinner in a supper club atmosphere complete with musical entertainment. The second night will feature a Taste Around the Galaxy, showcasing dishes inspired by planets throughout the universe. Guests can select from different seating options, including an upgrade to the captain’s table.
Unique Accommodations
Every one of the Halcyon’s 100 cabins and suites offers a view of space, with possibilities of unexpected sightings. A standard cabin accommodates five, featuring adult-sized bunk beds built into the wall, while the two-bedroom Grand Captain Suite can sleep eight, complete with three windows for additional views into the cosmos.
As for pricing, guests should anticipate substantial costs. Rates in a standard cabin start from £1,015.20 per person per night for a party of two, or £3,574.17 total. A family of four may pay £556.62 per person per night, making it a significant investment in this unique experience. Pricing typically includes one-day admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, all meals, and onboard entertainment.
A Futuristic Experience in Disney’s Epcot
Excited for an out-of-this-world experience? Try Space 220, one of Disney World’s newest restaurants at Epcot. Simulating a space station, the venue provides stunning views of Earth while guests enjoy dining with a futuristic flair.
The ambiance of Space 220 is the main attraction, transcendently combining relaxation with delightful cuisine. Reservations are available for both the main dining room and lounge, allowing guests to enjoy a unique experience before returning to the bustling world below.
