Earlier this week, Disney announced the permanent closure of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruisers after its September 28 voyage, and reports suggest it was a last-minute decision that took many people working on the location by surprise. However, sources close to the project indicated that the immersive experience was set to temporarily close a few weeks later.
Prior to this week’s announcement, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruisers was internally expected to stop selling for reservations dated after December 2023. Based on recent internal reports, this could be meant to facilitate a series of updates and changes throughout the experience.
Rumors have been swirling for quite some time that the Starcruiser will face a transformation, either to feature a different story and set of characters or to become a more traditional, themed hotel. It was assumed that an announcement would be made regarding the finale that would include information regarding the future of Starcruisers. However, statements by Disney this week confirm that it will not return as a 2-night immersive experience, no matter how it eventually returns.
The Imagineers were reportedly on Helicon as recently as this week working on a revamped Gaya dinner show, as well as new merchandise on the way and new spiels for the bartenders at the Sublight Lounge going on. Obviously, this isn’t an investment of time and money that you plan to put off permanently.
According to sources, all of the Starcruiser cast (and these creatives) were surprised by the announcement, having received no warning that this was a possibility.
The question now is whether the Halcyon will return to service in some shape or form down the road, but perhaps the fact that updates were in development means we may see changes, even if the Starcruiser experience returns at all. different form.
Star Wars: The Galactic Starcruiser Is Shutting Down Permanently
Currently, bookings for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser have been put on hold until May 26 so that Disney can work with those booked on trips after the final trip scheduled for September 28. After bookings resume next week, the discount will no longer be offered to Disney Vacation Club members. And cast members like they’ve recently arrived, and will be paid full price on the tours.
The announcement comes after months of disappointing engagement. The Galactic Starcruiser debuted just over a year ago, and while bookings had been at capacity for some time, current operations had reached a point where there were only enough guests to fill one dinner service.
Low occupancy cruises were being canceled, and rumors indicated that Disney was choosing not to renew several entertainment cast contracts. They also recently started offering discounts to Disney Vacation Club members and cast members.
Starcruiser won the TEA Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in Brand Experience last year.
Before Star Wars: Galactic Starcruisers even opened, it went through waves of sellouts following massive cancellations. Several months were already fully booked, just ahead of the grand opening in March 2022. Despite generally positive responses, cancellations increased following the opening.
Starcruiser offered a three-day, two-night immersive “Star Wars” adventure aboard a fictional cruise ship, where guests became part of the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order. It included a tour of Batu, themed food and live entertainment.
It also has a higher price tag, with travel starting at $4,809 for two guests for a standard cabin with one queen-size bed and two twin-size bunk beds. The price goes up if you add more guests, with a family of four looking at upwards of $6,000 for a standard cabin. Guests can also reserve larger rooms, such as the Galaxy Class Suite that sleeps up to six people in two bedrooms. The even larger Grand Captain’s Suite sleeps up to eight guests at an even higher price.
Eager to know about the full experience? Check out our guide to everything on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruisers and our honest, in-depth review.
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