Disney has made the decision to close its Star Wars-themed Galactic Starcruiser hotel, which opened near the Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida, US, in March 2022, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The ambitious project, offering a unique and immersive experience for Star Wars fans, will come to an end in September 2023, less than two years after its launch.
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Pricey adventure falls short
The Galactic Starcruiser hotel, known for its windowless design and mandatory 48-hour stay, proved to be an expensive venture for families.
With a price tag of $6,000 for a family of four per visit, it failed to attract a wider audience due to its steep cost. Guests were charged roughly $1,200 per person per day for a two-day, all-inclusive interactive role-playing adventure.
Mixed reviews and limited appeal
While the concept of the Star Wars-themed hotel received positive feedback from fans, the overall appeal remained limited. The hotel earned an average rating of 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor, based on only 43 reviews. Positive comments praised the immersive experience, interactive characters and themed games, food and drink.
However, some guests expressed disappointment with their stays, highlighting the limited number of themed spaces to explore and a lack of immersive atmosphere.
One reviewer described the hotel as feeling cramped and compared it to “being in a jail”. Another called it the “most expensive rip-off of my life,” citing the need to spend a significant amount of time staring at their phone to participate in the role-playing game.
Pandemic impact
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic also played a role in the hotel’s closure. The prospect of spending an extended period of time in an enclosed area raised concerns among virus-wary individuals.
The pandemic seems to have made the concept less appealing and created additional barriers for potential guests.
Future lessons and closing statement
Despite the closure of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, Disney considers the project to be one of its most creative endeavours, setting a new standard for innovation and immersive entertainment.
The company expressed its intention to use the knowledge gained from this smaller-scale venture to create future experiences that can reach a wider audience of guests and fans.
While the hotel found favour among Star Wars enthusiasts with a passion for role-playing and a willingness to spend, its limited appeal, mixed reviews and the impact of the pandemic ultimately led to its demise.
The Starcruiser will soon be decommissioned and sent to the scrapyards of Corellia, leaving behind memories for those families who had both the financial means and a high tolerance for enclosed spaces.
