Four months after it closed its doors forever, a new construction permit for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World has been filed. However, before Star Wars fans get too excited, the new permit lists Sunstate Awning & Graphic Design as the contractor.
Though the exact scope of work is unspecified, given the name of the contractor, it seems likely that this is a very small project. And while this could feasibly be one small first part of a larger redevelopment plan for this location, there is another option that we think is far more likely.
The most likely use for this permit is to construct an awning for a permanent security area
It’s no secret that abandoned Disney sites are a unique fascination on the internet. So-called “urban explorers” often go to extreme lengths to try and get a glimpse of the dozens of defunct projects that Disney has let rot over the years, posting their findings online (and often getting themselves banned from Disney in the process). Though Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hasn’t been abandoned for long, it seems likely that there will, at some point, be some interest from people who want to scout out the site and look for ways to see what is left of the former Star Wars hotel.
Given this, it seems practical for Disney to construct a permanent security area next to this building, which will likely include a shaded awning. Even if Disney’s plan is to leave this area abandoned for only a few months, a 24-hour security presence will likely be needed in the meantime to ensure that overly curious individuals don’t try and get in. This may not be a very fun explanation for this construction permit, but it seems most likely given Disney’s lack of updates about the future of this area.
Could this also be for a future construction staging area?
While we firmly believe the most likely use for this awning project is for a security area, we can’t totally rule out the idea that Disney could also be looking to prepare this site for eventual refurbishment and revamping. Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro did confirm several months ago that Disney would be doing “something” with the remains of this project and this awning could be part of an eventual construction staging area where workers store construction materials and ensure that they are shielded from the elements.
While this permit definitely isn’t a permanent part of whatever Disney’s long range plans are for this area, it is certainly feasible for it to be some kind of first step towards site prep.
Unfortunately, nothing has been confirmed about what the future may hold for the future Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Some are hoping that this location will be rehabbed into a less expensive hotel, while others believe it could be transformed into a high-end “off world” dining experience that extends Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge beyond the current boundaries of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
There are plenty of possibilities for this area, and hopefully Disney does make an announcement soon as to what they are planning on doing with this defunct area.
Let us know your thoughts on what you think Disney should do with the now defunct Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
