The expensive and immersive Star Wars hotel at Walt Disney World in Florida is closing after just one year of taking guests on a two-night ‘voyage’ that could cost up to $20,000.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was originally sold as an experience rather than a hotel and costs around $1,200 per person per day. One ‘tricked out’ suite has been reported to come in at a whopping $20,000.
The immersive lodging will carry out its final ‘voyages’ in September, four years after it was announced at D23 Expo in 2019.
The news of the closure comes just months after DailyMail.com reported that Disney was struggling to fill up bookings and had reduced availability for the fall.
Disney, under reinstated CEO Bob Iger, has made a multitude of cost-cutting choices including axing thousands of jobs to lowering ticket prices to attract more guests.
The expensive and immersive Star Wars hotel at Walt Disney World in Florida is closing after just one year of taking guests on a two-night ‘voyage’ that could cost up to $20,000
The immersive lodging will carry out its final ‘voyages’ in September, four years after it was announced at D23 Expo in 2019
The hotel ship’s ‘Bridge,’ where guests can interact with action taking place on screen
Under reinstated CEO Bob Iger, Disney and its subsidiaries have made a multitude of cost-cutting choices including axing thousands of jobs across ESPN, Disney, and Hulu
The hotel, which is located near Disney World in Orlando, Florida, created major buzz when it first opened over its price and its amenities.
Included in the two day experience is a cabin or suite, ongoing immersive entertainment, food and beverages in and out of the space, and admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
A room that can accommodate three adults and one child is priced at $5,999, not including taxes and fees.
A cabin with two guests comes in at $4,809 while three guests comes to $5,299.
There is one suite – referred to as the Grand Captain – that holds eight individuals and includes a kitchenette, a living room, and multiple bathrooms.
The experience also offered guests a chance to jump into the Star Wars universe and partake in the Resistance against Kylo Ren and the First Order.
Galactic Starcruiser also won a Thea Award for outstanding achievement in a themed entertainment space.
Despite its high ratings and amenities, many were quick to point out that the experience can cost as much or more than a week long trip to Disney World.
The exterior of the windowless $20,000 per stay Disney Star Wars themed hotel in Orlando
A Starcruiser cabin with bunkbeds. The first-of-its-kind adventure is pricey, starting at $4,809 for two guests
A space droid greets guests in the atrium of the Starcruiser. Disney’s designers hope visitors embrace the chance to play a role in the fictional world created by George Lucas
Guests can shop for outfits in a galactic fashion in The Chandrila Collection boutique, pictured above
Rey (left) battles Kylo Ren (right) during a performance that’s part of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience
Stormtroopers would roam the hallways of the Galactic Starcruiser
A passenger views the control room and ship bridge in the Galactic Starcruiser experience
In the ‘Bridge’, pictured, guests get the chance to experience what it would be like to operate the ship’s navigation and defence systems under the crew’s guidance
In a statement Wednesday announcing the closure, Disney officials called Starcruiser one of their ‘most creative projects ever.’
‘Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment,’ the company said.
They said they would continue to learn from the experience and use it as they look ahead to plan new and innovative ways to entertain guests.
‘This premium, boutique experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms, and as we prepare for its final voyage, we will take what we’ve learned to create future experiences that can reach more of our guests and fans,’ the statement read.
The Starcruiser was part of Disney’s recent efforts to target Star Wars super fans, which includes the construction of two dedicated lands in Florida and California.
Galaxy’s Edge in Florida is located in Hollywood Studios while the West Coast location is found inside Disneyland Park.
Reports indicate the parks and the Galactic Starcruiser cost some $2 billion to build.
The Starcruiser was part of Disney’s recent efforts to target Star Wars super fans, which includes the construction of two dedicated lands in Florida and California
The Millennium Falcon is seen parked in Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios
Reports indicate the parks and the Galactic Starcruiser cost some $2 billion to build
In March, DailyMail.com reported the booking portal for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser showed reduced dates during October, November and December.
At the time, the reservation system showed the hotel was taking bookings for just three or four times a week.
At the end of 2022, Disney was offering discounts ranging from 30 and 50 percent for the experience and in December, Disney deleted a promotional video showing the hotel.
The video was pulled from YouTube and Twitter due to the negative comments.
‘The ‘light saber training’ looks about as exciting as a roadside sobriety test,’ one tourist wrote, the New York Post reported.
Another said: ‘It’s way too expensive.’
