The expensive and compelling Star Wars hotel at Florida’s Walt Disney World is set to close after just one year of taking guests on a two-night “trip” that could cost up to $20,000.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was originally marketed as an experience rather than a hotel and costs about $1,200 per person per day. It has been reported that a “tricked out” suite costs as much as $20,000.
The immersive property will conduct its final “tours” 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 bookings and had reduced availability for the fall.
Disney, under reinstated CEO Bob Iger, has made a host of cost-cutting choices, including cutting thousands of jobs to lower ticket prices to attract more guests.
The expensive and immersive Star Wars hotel at Florida’s Walt Disney World is set to close after just one year of taking guests on a two-night “trip” that could cost up to $20,000
The immersive property will conduct its final ‘tours’ in September, four years after it was announced at D23 Expo in 2019
The ‘Bridge’ of the hotel ship, where guests can interact with the action taking place on screen
Under reinstated CEO Bob Iger, Disney and its subsidiaries have made a host of cost-cutting choices, including cutting thousands of jobs at ESPN, Disney and Hulu
The hotel, which is located near Disney World in Orlando, Florida, caused a stir when it first opened for its price and amenities.
Included in the 2-day experience is a cabin or suite, ongoing immersive entertainment, in- and out-of-space food and drink, and admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
A room that can accommodate three adults and one child costs $5,999, excluding taxes and fees.
A two-guest cabin costs $4,809, while three-guest cabins cost $5,299.
There is one suite – called the Grand Captain – that can accommodate eight people and includes a kitchenette, living room and several bathrooms.
The experience also gave guests the chance to jump into the Star Wars universe and join 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 the 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 bunk beds. The first adventure of its kind is pricey, starting at $4,809 for two guests
A space droid greets guests in the Starcruiser’s atrium. Disney’s designers hope that visitors will jump at the chance to play a role in the fictional world created by George Lucas
Guests can purchase galactic outfits at The Chandrila Collection boutique, pictured above
Rey (left) battles Kylo Ren (right) during a performance that is part of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience
Stormtroopers would roam the corridors of the Galactic Starcruiser
A passenger views the control room and ship’s bridge in the Galactic Starcruiser experience
In the ‘Bridge’, pictured, guests will have the chance to experience what it’s like to operate the ship’s navigation and defense systems under the guidance of the crew
In a statement announcing the closure on Wednesday, 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 come up with new and innovative ways to entertain guests.
“This premier boutique experience gave us the chance to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms, and as we prepare for the final journey, we’ll use 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 superfans, which included building two special lands in Florida and California.
Galaxy’s Edge in Florida is located at Hollywood Studios, while the West Coast location is at Disneyland Park.
Reports indicate that the construction of the parks and the Galactic Starcruiser cost about $2 billion.
The Starcruiser was part of Disney’s recent effort to target Star Wars superfans, which included building two special lands in Florida and California
The Millennium Falcon is parked in Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios
Reports indicate that the construction of the parks and the Galactic Starcruiser cost about $2 billion
In March, DailyMail.com reported that the booking portal for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser showed abbreviated dates in October, November and December.
At that time, the reservation system showed that the hotel was only taking bookings three or four times a week.
In late 2022, Disney was offering discounts of 30 to 50 percent for the experience, and in December Disney removed a promotional video showing the hotel.
The video was pulled from YouTube and Twitter due to negative reactions.
“The ‘light saber training’ looks about as exciting as a roadside sobriety test,” one tourist wrote, reported the New York Post.
Another said, “It’s way too expensive.”