Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was aStar Wars–themed luxury resort hotel that was built nearDisney's Hollywood Studios, in the EPCOT-Hollywood Studios Resort Area of the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida outside of Orlando, which was originally scheduled to open in2021. However, it was delayed toMarch 1,2022, as part of Walt Disney World's50th anniversary celebration, since the opening was postponed indefinitely following the closure of the park due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 18, 2023, it was announced that the Starcruiser would close permanently at the end of September due to a lack of demand, negative guest feedback, the small size of the standard rooms and low occupancy, making it one of the shortest-lived resort hotels/attractions in Disney history, and theme park history in general. The hotel operated at a loss of over $250,000,000 to $350,000,000 (some sources say over $1,000,000,000) before it finally closed.
In this first of its kind experience and in partnership with NASA, Disney and Lucasfilm are inviting guests to become the hero in their own adventure – and they can do it in whatever way they'd like. They live aboard a "starship" for two days and two nights.
Before guests arrive at the Galactic Starcruiser at the Walt Disney World Resort, they come up to a terminal – like a small, private cruise terminal- and starcruiser clerks will help the guests check in for their stay.
They are then ushered into a launch pod – a small capsule – where they have a simulated experience of blasting off into outer space and leaving Earth behind.
They can look out the window overhead seeing every planet in our Solar System in our Milky Way Galaxy whizzing by at a fast rate. and after jumping to lightspeed to another galaxy far far away within our universe, they see the famous Star Wars planets pass by until they eventually see the ship – the Halcyon – in the distance.
Once the capsule arrives at the Halcyon, the doors of the launch pod will open and guests emerge into the atrium where the atmosphere reinforces that they are on a Starcruiser.
The guest cabins, with the exception of the Galaxy-class and Grand Captain Suites, are styled more like cruise cabins than hotel rooms. Cabins can sleep up to five people and contain bunk beds reminiscent of the ones on the Millennium Falcon, as well as a queen size bed and a pull-out bed. The window shows a view out into space, with the planets changing as the cruise’s story progresses.
Food and beverages (excluding alcohol) are included in the cost. The dining room features blue milk and green milk on tap.
The ship contains an outdoor courtyard to prevent guests from getting claustrophobic. To maintain the illusion, this courtyard is said to be a “climate simulator” room that copies the weather on Batuu.
Guests of all ages are invited to participate in a variety of activities such as wielding a lightsaber while facing off against a training remote. Every guest is also be invited to take a tour of the bridge of the ship where the navigation and defense systems are.
Guests go on a planet excursion to Batuu to visit Black Spire Outpost atStar Wars: Galaxy's Edge as part of this experience. Guests take an exclusive transport and emerge straight out into the land. The experience includes a meal in the land, as well as Lightning Lane reservations for bothRise of the Resistance andSmugglers Run. Guests are able to explore the rest of Hollywood Studios if they desire, but this is not an official part of the experience.
Before or after their stay, guests can takeDisney Transport buses to travel to the different parks and other destinations around Walt Disney World Resort.
Features[]
Launch Pods - Arrive at the terminal, enter a Launch Pod, blast off into space and rendezvous with the Halcyon!
The Halcyon Starcruiser - The launch pod docks with a glamorous starcruiser known for exotic expeditions in a galaxy far, far away.
The Atrium - Discover the heart of the Halcyon, a welcoming place where crew and passengers gather.
The Bridge - Operate the ship’s navigation and defense systems under the crew’s guidance.
Exclusive Amenities and Experiences[]
Lightsaber Training - Experience the traditional art of wielding a lightsaber and put your training skills to the test.
Passenger Cabins and Suites - Each cabin and suite features its own window (sometimes three) into space with a view of spectacular ships and galactic sights.
The Engineering Room - Sneak into a crew-only area and discover the inner workings of the ship’s systems.
Dining[]
The Sublight Lounge - Sip a drink in this stylish lounge, a warm and inviting retreat for passengers of all ages.
Crown of Corellia Dining Room - Enjoy unforgettable meals in a setting known throughout the galaxy for first-class cuisine and intriguing conversation. At dinner, Twi-lek pop superstar and freedom fighter Gaya will perform hit songs such as "New World" and "Coaxium".
Gallery[]
Concept Art[]
Halcyon Starcruiser
Launch Pod
Concept art of the Launch Pod, showing large windows
Atrium
Bridge
Lightsaber Training
Passengers Cabin
Engineering Room
Concept art of the Atrium, showing a much larger, expansive area with what appear to beJawas in the background
Many guests who experienced the Galactic Starcruiser preferred the Galaxy-class suites and Grand Captain suites over the standard cabins. The suites offered more space, amenities, and privacy, making them more appealing to guests, especially larger groups or those seeking a more luxurious experience. Standard cabins, while functional, were smaller and had fewer amenities, and some found them cramped for larger families or those with disabilities. The suites offered significantly more living space, with separate seating areas, making them ideal for larger groups or those desiring a more relaxed environment outside of the immersive activities. Suites came with added amenities like double vanity bathrooms, bar areas, and even larger mini-fridges, adding to the luxury experience. Some guests found the standard cabin sleeping arrangements, especially the bunk beds, to be less comfortable compared to the suites' offerings. The larger suites also featured multiple windows providing enhanced "views out into space," a captivating visual element that added to the immersive experience. The high cost for the hotel's entry fee, combined with the lack of luxury in the standard rooms, alienated a large portion of potential guests.
Concept art of the Bridge depictedAdmiral Ackbar and R2-D2, who are characters that appeared in the Original Trilogy.
The Starcruiser terminal, planet excursions and the Halcyon are also based on the ships, port excursions and the Port Canaveral terminal atDisney Cruise Line.
Following backlash and criticism from guests, Disney removed the promo video for this hotel featuring Ann Morrow Johnson andSean Giambrone.
In July 2022, the Starcruiser was evacuated for a currently-unknown reason. To add to the immersive experience, however, when everyone was allowed back in the evacuation was incorporated into the story.[1]
In May 2023, only 14 months after opening, it was announced that the Galactic Starcruiser‘s last “voyage” would be from September 28-30. The reason for the closure was mainly attributed to low demand because of what was seen as an excessively high price tag, which averaged $5000 USD for a three-day two-night stay for a group of three.
As of 2025, it was announced that the building that housed the Starcruiser is to be converted into an office space for Walt Disney Imagineering for investing in future projects.
