Many Disney and Star Wars fans have been left devastated after news broke that the immersive Star Wars hotel would be shutting its doors later this year.
But to others, it will come as little surprise after claiming all along that a visit to the hotel was simply not worth the hefty price tag.
The hotel, which opened in March 2022 in the Orlando-area to much fanfare and sold out ‘voyages,’ charges guests anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000 for an immersive two-night experience.
In one review, park enthusiasts Taylor Jaxson and Sarah Pineda, who go by the name @themeparkbesties, said that while they enjoyed aspects of it, their trip was not worth the money.
In an Instagram post at the time of their stay, the two claimed the beds were hard, they had only been given ‘a single, sleeping bag type blanket’ and the walls and door were so thin they could hear everything go on around them.
The duo, who go by the name themeparkbesties on social media, said that while they did enjoy the experience it was not worth the money
In an Instagram story, they said that the bed they slept one was and that the walls in the hotel were thin
The two ultimately decided it was not worth the money at all
The duo praised the food, the staff and the drinks but criticized the price of the whole experience saying it was not worth the price tag.
However, many super fans were blown away by their experiences.
One overwhelmed visitor, known only as Megan, shared footage of herself in tears after arriving at the Starcruiser hotel.
In a TikTok summary of her experience, she says: ‘I took two steps on board and immediately started crying.
‘It was all so real, I loved the theming [in the cabin]. I was freaking out.’
Megan also details the activities as part of the experience and is clearing enjoying herself in the video.
She continues: ‘This is a literal dream come true, I never thought I’d see anything like this in person.
‘I had the best day of my life and I cannot wait to come back.’
The immersive lodging, which is based in Orlando – and does not have any windows – will carry out its final ‘voyages’ in September, four years after it was announced at D23 Expo in 2019 as part of the park’s $1 billion Star Wars land.
One woman, known only as Megan, can be seen wiping away tears after being overwhelmed with the experience
A Starcruiser cabin with bunkbeds. The first-of-its-kind adventure is pricey, starting at $4,809 for two guests
On Tripadvisor, one person said it was a ‘total rip off’ and that it would be better to stay in a motel.
The unknown poster, who went to the hotel in August last year, wrote: ‘It was a total rip off! Its better to stay at a motel.
‘Very limited food both quantity and variety, was more like we were in a jail.
‘I am a Disney fan and I know Disney is expensive, but they normally give you something for your money.
‘This Starwars Galactic cruise is a robbery, you are paying 5000$ for a family of 4, for nothing.’
But others said it had exceeded their expectations and was worth every penny.
Writing on the review sight, they said: ‘Cannot say how fabulous this was. Worth every penny.
‘The memories are priceless. Give yourself this gift. Disney could not have done more for you to feel that you got your money worth.’
One Tripadvisor user compared the experience to a jail and said it would be better staying at a motel
Others said it was worth every penny and that the memories it created are priceless
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.
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.
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
A passenger views the control room and ship bridge in the Galactic Starcruiser experience
The exterior of the windowless $20,000 per stay Disney Star Wars themed hotel in Orlando
Rey (left) battles Kylo Ren (right) during a performance that’s part of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience
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.
A Walt Disney World spokesperson said: ‘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.
‘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.’
