Earlier this week, Disney announced the permanent closure of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser after the September 28 voyage. This was reportedly a last-minute decision that surprised many on-site staff. However, sources close to the project have indicated that the immersive experience was set to be temporarily shut down a few weeks later.
Prior to this week’s announcement, it was internally understood that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser would stop selling reservations dated after December 2023. According to recent internal reports, this could be to allow for a number of updates and changes throughout the experience.
Rumors had been circulating for quite some time that the Starcruiser was about to undergo a transformation, either to offer a different set of storylines and characters or to become a more traditional themed hotel. It was understood that a closure announcement would be made, which would include information about the Starcruiser’s future. However, statements from Disney this week seem to confirm that it won’t return as the two-day immersive experience it was before, no matter what it ends up returning as.
Imagineers were reportedly at Halycon just this week, working on a revamped gaya dinner show. They also went through new merchandise that was on the way and new gadgets for bartenders in the Sublight Lounge. Obviously, this isn’t the kind of investment of time and money you’d put into something you want to shut down for good.
According to sources, the entire cast of the Starcruiser (and these creatives) were surprised by the announcement as they hadn’t received any warning that it was a possibility.
The question now is if and when the Halcyon will return to service in some form in the future, but perhaps the fact that updates were in the works means we can bring the changes to fruition, even if the Starcruiser experience in the future will return completely different form.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is closing for good
Currently, bookings for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser are on hold until May 26 to allow Disney to work with booked voyages after the final voyage scheduled for September 28. Once bookings resume next week, discounts will no longer be offered to Disney Vacation Club members and cast members as of late, and trips will be charged at full price.
The announcement comes after months of disappointing workload. The Galactic Starcruiser debuted just over a year ago, and while bookings had been booked for a time, current operations had reached a point where there were only enough guests for one dinner.
Low-occupancy cruises were canceled and rumors suggested Disney chose not to renew many entertainment cast member contracts. They recently started offering discounts to Disney Vacation Club members and cast members as well.
The Starcruiser won last year’s TEA Thea Award for excellence in brand experience.
Before Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hit theaters, it experienced waves of sell-outs followed by mass cancellations. Shortly before the grand opening in March 2022, several months were fully booked. Despite generally positive reactions, cancellations increased after the opening.
The Starcruiser offered a three-day, two-night immersive Star Wars adventure on a fictional cruise ship, where guests became part of a conflict between the Resistance and the First Order. It included a trip to Batuu, themed meals and live entertainment.
Price is high too, with trips starting at $4,809 for two guests in a standard cabin, which has one queen bed and two bunk beds. The price increases as you add more guests, with a family of four paying upwards of $6,000 for a standard cabin. Guests can also reserve larger rooms, such as the Galaxy Class Suite, which sleeps up to six people in two bedrooms. The even larger Grand Captain Suite can accommodate up to eight guests at an even higher price.
Curious about the full experience? Check out our guide to all things Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser and our honest, in-depth review.
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Tom has been a regular visitor to Walt Disney World® Resort since he was four months old. Though he’s paid countless visits over the past 28 years, it wasn’t until the summer of 2007 that he became a truly active member of the Disney fan base when he decided to launch the WDW News Today website and podcast. Since then, Tom has lived in Orlando and is a published author at Walt Disney World. Contact Tom at [email protected]
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