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Devoted Fans Bid Farewell to Disney World’s Expensive Failed Hotel on Final Weekend

In a galaxy not so far away, Disney’s ambitious venture, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel, is about to close its doors for good, marking a costly setback for the entertainment giant. Initially anticipated to cost around $150 million to shut down, the actual expenses have spiraled far beyond that figure. As the final weekend approaches, devoted fans of this unique Star Wars-themed experience are gearing up to bid a fond farewell to their beloved Galactic Starcruiser.

fan reviews galactic starcruiser closing
Credit: Disney

The Galactic Starcruiser Experience

Launched with great fanfare in March 2022, the Galactic Starcruiser promised guests a once-in-a-lifetime, immersive two-night adventure set in the Star Wars universe. The concept was enticing: an opportunity to live out their Star Wars fantasies with unique experiences and interactions with thematic characters. However, despite the initial excitement, the Galactic Starcruiser struggled to capture the broad audience Disney had hoped for.

Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro acknowledged, “While we’re proud of what we created, it simply didn’t resonate with our guests in the way we had hoped.”

One of the major challenges was the ridiculously high price point, with the experience costing thousands of dollars per person. This expense proved prohibitive for many potential visitors, limiting the Galactic Starcruiser’s appeal primarily to devoted and affluent Star Wars fans.

Galactic Starcruiser
Credit: Disney

The Devotion of Diehard Fans

Despite its shortcomings, the Galactic Starcruiser developed a devoted fan base. These fans were drawn to the immersive storytelling and the opportunity to briefly become part of the Star Wars universe. They embraced the experience, many arriving in Star Wars cosplay and taking in the entire experience.

What set the Galactic Starcruiser apart was its exclusivity. A limited number of guests allowed per voyage and a high price tag created a sense of camaraderie and prestige. For those who could afford it, the experience was a badge of honor, a testament to their dedication to the Star Wars franchise.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser / Credit: Disney

Galactic Starcruiser Closing

As the final voyage for the Galactic Starcruiser passes by, devoted fans have started to bid farewell and celebrate their cherished experience one last time. Social media has images of fans dressed as Jedi, Sith, and various Star Wars characters, all eager to board the starship for its last outing.

One specific photo has garnered many views and reactions on Twitter/X. Brooke Geiger McDonald posted a photo of 11 of these Star Wars enthusiasts. In full cosplay, the group was ready for the final voyage, and they all looked great!

The closing of Galactic Starcruiser is a mixed bag. This final weekend is an emotional moment for these people. Some fans have attended the experience multiple times, willing to pay the steep price for a few more moments in the Star Wars universe.

However, not everyone views the place in a positive light. Some critics have desperately wanted it to fail because of the high price and exclusivity. One post even called these enthusiasts “entitled” for their willingness to spend large sums of money on the experience repeatedly. Yet, for these diehard fans, the Galactic Starcruiser was more than just a luxury vacation; it was a one-of-a-kind experience that will be missed.

Someone I follow on X posted this as an image and said it was the definition of “entitled.” What’s your response to that?

https://twitter.com/WDWscope/status/1706728780021051813

A Farewell to a Unique Experiment

The closure of the Galactic Starcruiser marks a significant moment in the post-pandemic theme park industry. In a world filled with streaming services and video games, theme parks must continually innovate to remain relevant. Despite its ultimate failure, the Galactic Starcruiser was a bold attempt to offer a unique and immersive adventure.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Droids
Astromech droid SK-62O greets guests in the Atrium of the Halcyon starcruiser in Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Disney’s $250 million setback due to the Galactic Starcruiser’s closure costs may seem substantial, but it allows the company to redirect its resources toward more profitable ventures. As the Galactic Starcruiser journey ends, fans can still explore the Star Wars universe at Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios.

Ultimately, the Galactic Starcruiser’s legacy will be defined not only by its financial struggles but also by the devoted fans who cherished the experience and are now bidding it a heartfelt farewell on its final voyage. Hopefully, Disney will continue to experiment with unique offerings. However, the company should probably make sure whatever it does is more accessible if it wants to attract success.

Michael Stoyanoff

Michael is a Disney fan with an entertainment background and passion for writing. Living in Orlando, he has been around the theme parks for over a decade. In his free time he enjoys running, playing video games, and traveling the world. He also loves hanging out with his dog, Mr. Pippers the Pug.

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