Disney Is Shutting Down Its 'Star Wars' Hotel. What Went Wrong?

Star Wars fans can vacation in a galaxy far, far away thanks to Walt Disney World's luxury accommodations: the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. At least they can through Sept. 30, 2023 when the hotel closes. This isn't anything like a typical hotel where you rest your head after a long day at the amusement park. Instead, the Galactic Cruiser (located on the Walt Disney World Resort grounds in Orlando, Florida) is described as a "first-of-its-kind vacation experience" that allows guests to live out their very own Star Wars story.

According to the Disney World website, "Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is like nothing else you’ve ever experienced: part live immersive theater, part themed environment, part culinary extravaganza, part real-life role-playing game—and yet so much more." But, it'll cost you—and might even have some penny-pinching travelers pleading, "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope."

But the hotel, which opened with great fanfare in March 2022, is shutting down about 18 months later. Disney announced the closure on May 18, 2023. So what went wrong? Here's everything we know:

Why did the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel close?

The short answer is that the hotel was just too expensive. At $1,200 per night per guest, the two-night immersive experience was one of Disney's most expensive attractions easily setting a family back $6,000 in just two days. Given that most people who travel to Disney want to stay longer and see more than just the Star Wars attractions, the vacation quickly would have entered the $20,000 range for a family of four. While the reviews of the experience were top-notch, it seems that not enough people could afford the hefty price tag.

When did the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel close?

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will close permanently on Sept. 30, 2023.

Will they reopen the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel?

The future of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser remains to be seen. Obviously, Star Wars has a massive fandom who would certainly jump at the chance to stay in a themed hotel if it was a bit cheaper. The current version is fairly small by Disney standards with only 100 rooms, but it does seem like a waste to abandon it. Perhaps they'll convert it into a regular hotel rather than in all-inclusive experience and relaunch it in the future.

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When did the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser open?

Voyages began on March 1, 2022 during Walt Disney World Resort's 18-month 50th anniversary event!

How long is the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience?

All vacation packages are a two-day, two-night experience. Guests cannot stay longer or less than two nights.

How much does the Star Wars hotel cost?

Vacationing in space comes with an out-of-this-world price tag. On their website, Disney has shared sample standard cabin rates: For two guests per cabin, rates start at $1,209 per guest per night—so $4,809 total. Three guests in one cabin (two adults and one child) are looking at $899 per guest per night with a total of $5,299, while four guests per cabin (three adults and one child) can expect to pay $749 per guest per night and $5,999 total. Disney noted that rates vary depending on voyage departure dates, as well as the number of guests in cabins and the cabin type.

How many rooms does the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser have?

The Halcyon Starcruiser features 100 cabins and suites with views of space, including the Standard Cabin (sleeps 4 to 5 passengers), Galaxy Class Suite (sleeps 4 passengers) and the Grand Captain Suite (sleeps 8 passengers).

What is included in the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser's price?

Every vacation package includes a two-night stay in a cabin or suite, in addition to meals (excluding alcoholic and specialty beverages), entry to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the rest of Disney’s Hollywood Studio, valet parking and the opportunity for guests to live their Star Wars story through missions, activities and exclusive experiences.

What activities are on board the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?

Guests will interact with new and familiar Star Wars characters and be able to assist and join them on missions. During their stay, travelers will also be able to undergo lightsaber training and bridge training and enjoy a planet excursion to Batuu, where "missions throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—including your adventures on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run—will influence events back on the ship," per Disney.

During a Disney Imagineers roundtable discussion, Wendy Anderson, executive creative director of Disney live entertainment, revealed that they’ve “hired some of the best in the galaxy” for entertainment. Anderson shared that during night one's seated dinner, "There will be a show and some phenomenal music.” Guests can look forward to performances by aliens!

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Do guests have to participate in missions onboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?

While Disney is offering the "most immersive Star Wars story ever created," guests won't be forced to partake. If watching is more your thing, that's okay. A reminder for guests on the Disney website states that "your Star Wars story is determined by the choices you make and the actions you take—or don’t take. Discover, explore and play… or just sit back and watch it all happen!"

Can you dress up on the Star Wars: Galactic  Starcruiser?

Although clothes from Earth are welcomed, Disney encourages adventure goers to don their "galactic best" as they become their own unique Star Wars character. Guests can shop galaxy apparel onboard the ship, but are advised to save their finest threads for "the traditional end-of-cruise gala celebration."

Where is the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser located?

The Star Wars immersive experience is located in Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL.

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