By Michelle Spitzer
The long-awaited Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser welcomes passengers aboard beginning March 1.
Creators often say not to call it a hotel, but instead, a mix of a cruise, immersive theater, and live-action combined with the service Disney is known for. The Galactic Starcruiser takes guests aboard a Star Wars ship named Halcyon.
This “ship” takes flight with the help of Disney “magic.” The terminal passengers enter to begin their journey is located just outside Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios.
The all-inclusive, two-day, two-night adventure starts at $4,800 for two guests. A party of four will set you back close to $6,000.
We got a sneak peek aboard the exclusive ship, with just 100 cabins, to help passengers decide if the voyage is worth the price.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is an immersive vacation experience beyond anything Disney has done before. (David Roark, photographer)
First, the crew members are more like actors than Disney cast members. Each one is in full Star Wars mode, and many are in elaborate costumes with headpieces, painted faces, and even colored contacts. These crew members interact with passengers, and based on the interaction, the outcome of each guest’s adventure could change.
Each passenger is given a datapad –or smart device to use while on the ship. This allows them to communicate with others, access certain areas, and plan out their storyline.
Guests may use the Star Wars: Datapad in the Play Disney Parks mobile app to deepen the immersion of their vacation experience. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
The stay keeps the whole family busy. Before boarding, passengers are given an itinerary, including everything from bridge operations training to lightsaber training to dinner.
There is free time with various activities that passengers can do at their leisure, such as learning to play the game Sabacc, enjoying a beverage in the Sublight Lounge, or simply having a conversation with the ship’s captain. But be warned, there are times they may be invited into special clearance meetings, or they may be given top-secret missions.
Day two is spent on the planet of Batuu, which is located in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. Passengers will use their datapads to continue their mission while on Batuu and complete specific tasks. During this excursion, they have the chance to experience the attractions in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. A “transport” will take them between the ship and the planet.
Passengers learn the ancient art of wielding a lightsaber in the Lightsaber Training Pod onboard the Halcyon starcruiser in Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
Chef Brian Piasecki, Culinary Director for Disney Parks, described the food as familiar flavors but visually different.
Instead of Mickey waffles, passengers will experience breakfast items with the Starcruiser’s logo. Breakfast and lunch are described as “unique buffets,” while dinner is a different culinary experience each night.
One night dinner is served family-style while passengers are entertained by the famous Star Wars singer Gaya. The second night, the meal is a fine dining experience where the chef comes out and explains each course.
Passengers enjoy the Sublight Lounge onboard the Halcyon starcruiser. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
The sleeping quarters resemble a cruise ship cabin. Most standard cabins sleep four or five people with a queen bed, bunk beds, and a fold-out twin bed. There is no window in the cabin, but a “window” looks out into space.
The cabin also contains a communication panel, allowing passengers to communicate with a new Star Wars character, D3-09. She chats in live time with guests, asks questions, and gives them all the gossip aboard the ship.
There are some things guests won’t find onboard: a gym, swimming pool, casino, bathtubs, room service, or typical Disney merchandise like Mickey’s ears.
This mock-up of a starship cabin shows the well-appointed accommodations guests will experience during their stay. (David Roark, photographer)
Passengers will likely see all the Star Wars characters you know and love, and even some they’re not so fond of, and there’s a good chance an appearance will be made by Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, Rey, and plenty more.
A passenger wearing a Togruta headpiece sits at the holo-sabacc table in the Sublight Lounge onboard the Halcyon starcruiser. (Caitlyn McCabe, photographer)
Passengers don’t have to be Star Wars fans to climb aboard.
Imagineers billed this experience as something for “people who love Star Wars and people who love the people who love Star Wars.” It’s up to each passenger how immersive they want to be. They can choose to dress up and wear full Star Wars attire or spend the entire experience sitting in the lounge people-watching.
Book your voyage here.
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