Though Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance continues to be a massive draw at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a certified hit, the next big addition to this park won’t actually be a ride, show or restaurant, but rather an “experience” extend the Star Wars experience beyond Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Named Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, this new specialty hotel will allow fans to experience the Star Wars universe in a whole new way. Instead of just having decor “inspired” by Star Wars (like the movie-based wings of the Art of Animation) guests who stay in this hotel will be able to take part in an immersive experience designed from the ground up to be a living adventure that gives guests the chance to become the star of their own Star Wars Story.
And now we know that Disney will begin taking reservations later this year for an opening in 2021! So what awaits guests who book this experience?
Two nights of Star Wars storylines and fun
Unlike a traditional hotel, guests can only book stays on the Star Wars: Galaxtic Starcruiser for two nights, during which they will “embark” on a special adventure aboard a glamorous starship. During this first-of-its-kind vacation experience, guests will interact with characters and become an active participant in immersive stories that unfold over the course of an unforgettable galactic journey on board the starcruiser, named the Halcyon, which will have several activities guests can participate in, including special lightsaber training activities, adventures, missions, and even visits to the “Spaceport of call” Batuu (otherwise known as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge). In addition, there will be several common areas guests can explore including:
- The Atrium: A place where guests and crew can gather
- The Bridge: The control center of the Halcyon where guests can learn how to operate the ship’s navigation and defenses with assistance from crewmembers
- Silver C Lounge: A relaxing watering hole for guests of all ages
- The Engineering Room: A formerly crew-only area where guests can wander and get an up-close look at the inner-workings of the Halcyon
Even guests’ arrival will be a highly themed experience, with guests entering the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser through a special launchport before being shown to their room, which will have a special window from which guests can see the galaxy float on by.
An exclusive (and all-inclusive) adventure
Though Disney has yet to confirm an exact room count, based on permit filings it looks like guests who go on an adventure aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser won’t have a lot of company, as this unique facility will only house about 100 rooms total. And while it may seem strange for Disney to build such a tiny hotel, rumors seem to indicate that they are looking to create an “all inclusive” pricing structure where guests pay one price that covers their room, meals, admission, and entertainment for their special two-day adventure. Some have speculated that this experience could cost upwards of $1000 per guest, but right now nothing is known for sure about how Disney will price this new experience.
Though we know that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will begin transporting guests from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to a galaxy far, far away beginning in 2021, an exact opening date has yet to be revealed. Construction on this new facility is visible from just outside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and it seems likely that the first passengers on this Starcruiser will take flight just in time for the second anniversary of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
