By Roger Jimenez
It’s been a transformative few years for Orlando’s theme parks, especially for Disney. As Universal ramps up the competition with the highly-anticipated Epic Universe, Disney has also dedicated itself to delivering new larger-than-life experiences like they’ve never done before. Among them, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser; a bold experiment in themed storytelling that, despite its ambition, ended up being a short-lived venture. While the experience didn’t go as planned, the project served as a test run for Disney’s future endeavors—one that likely came with valuable lessons.
The Launch of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Resort
Announced at D23 in 2017, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was designed to be a revolutionary themed hotel experience that transported guests into a fully interactive Star Wars adventure. Unlike traditional hotels, the Starcruiser functioned as a two-night, all-inclusive experience, where guests stayed aboard the Halcyon, a luxury space cruise liner in the Star Wars universe.
Credit: Walt Disney World
From the moment they arrived, visitors were expected to fully immerse themselves in a live-action role-playing experience, interacting with characters, completing missions, and making choices that would shape their own Star Wars story. With themed dining, hidden storylines, and a stop on Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it was Disney’s boldest attempt at blending hospitality and interactive storytelling.
And while the concept was groundbreaking, its execution faced a number of challenges that would eventually lead to its downfall.
Starcruiser Struggles
The Galactic Starcruiser was initially set to open in 2021, but due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it officially debuted in March 2022. By then, Disney had already faced several challenges, including rising operational costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting guest expectations post-pandemic.
As travel patterns changed and guests became more budget-conscious, the high price tag of the Starcruiser—which started at $4,800 for two guests and over $6,000 for a family of four—became a significant barrier for many Disney fans. While some praised the experience as a dream come true, others found the price tag hard to justify, especially with a limited length of stay and little flexibility in itinerary options.
Disney also faced backlash for cutbacks across the parks, including reduced entertainment, staffing shortages, and increasing ticket prices. The timing of the Starcruiser’s launch—during an era of cost-cutting—made it difficult to convince guests that the high price tag was worth it.
The End of the Starcruiser
Despite its initial buzz, the Galactic Starcruiser struggled to maintain steady occupancy. The novelty of the experience wore off quickly, and repeat visits were unlikely, given the pre-scripted nature of the stay. By mid-2023, Disney began reducing sailings, signaling declining interest.
On May 18, 2023, Disney announced that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser would permanently close after its final voyage on September 30, 2023. The closure came as a shock, given the level of investment in the project, but Disney ultimately determined that the experience was not financially sustainable.
Although the Starcruiser had passionate fans, it became clear that there wasn’t enough of a market willing to pay such high prices for an ultra-immersive hotel stay, leading to its demise after less than two years in operation.
Plans For the StarCruiser Building
With a billion-dollar hotel complex now sitting empty, speculation quickly arose regarding Disney’s plans for the space. Initially, fans hoped for a reimagining of the Starcruiser into a more traditional hotel experience. However, Disney ultimately announced that the building would not reopen to the public.
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Credit: @bioreconstruct on X
Instead, the former Starcruiser site will be converted into office space, serving as a hub for Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI). The facility will house creative teams working on future attractions, including projects such as a new Indiana Jones ride, Animal Kingdom's upcoming Encanto-inspired transformation, and a new Cars-themed area for Frontierland.
This decision aligns with Disney’s broader strategy to bring more of its Imagineering division back to Florida, following the cancellation of its planned move to Lake Nona. While disappointing for fans who hoped to see the Starcruiser repurposed as a public experience, its renovation into an Imagineering hub ensures that the building will still play a role in shaping Disney’s future theme park experiences.
Other Shuttered Disney Projects
The Galactic Starcruiser is just one of several ambitious Disney projects that failed to meet expectations. Over the years, Disney has closed or scrapped various attractions due to poor reception, financial struggles, or shifting priorities.
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NBA Experience (2019-2021) – Disney Springs
Replacing DisneyQuest, this interactive basketball attraction never gained traction. Closed during the pandemic, it never reopened, and the space remains vacant.
Credit: Walt Disney World
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Stitch’s Great Escape (2004-2020) – Magic Kingdom
This Lilo & Stitch-themed attraction, now known as Disney’s “scariest attraction ever”, struggled with guest satisfaction and was downgraded to seasonal operation in 2016 before closing permanently in 2020.
Credit: WESH2 News
Overall
Disney’s history is filled with bold ideas—some of which become iconic successes, while others fade into obscurity. The Galactic Starcruiser was an ambitious attempt at redefining themed hospitality, but sadly, its high price and niche appeal made it unsustainable. While its closure is a disappointment for Star Wars fans, its transformation into an Imagineering hub could mean exciting things for future Disney attractions.
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