Recently there has been a flurry of chatter on the Galactic Starcruiser with some less than impressive video releases by Disney on the new experience launching March 2022. The videos, which were supposed to have hyped-up the new, just under 48-hour experience, seem to have the opposite effect on those booked to be among the first to experience it, with additional openings now available on their website.
Now, before getting too deep into this, it’s important to understand that I’m not suggesting to either go or not go on this experience, since there are numerous factors that each person needs to consider prior to booking it. What I am suggesting is that if you have not looked into it, there are a few things you need to clearly understand prior to booking your stay on the Halcyon (the “cruise” which is really just a hotel).
First and foremost, this is not like any other resort on property, requiring you to remain at the resort from check-in to check-out, except for a brief, planned excursion to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. This means (and it needs to be clear), you won’t be able to come and go as you please and just catch a bus, mornorail, or Skyliner to the parks.
Secondly, you really do need to love (and I mean love) Star Wars and/or dressing up and role-playing. Many of the things you’ll be doing involve activities related to the Star Wars franchise and role-playing as though you’re a character in Star Wars. There are series of planned “unexpected story moments” (how these are “unexpected” remains to be seen since they’re on a published itinerary). With any sea-based cruise, it is optional to participate in any or all of the activities planned, BUT (and this is a big one), you will need to remain at the resort (meaning on the Halcyon aka the hotel) during the stay (except for that brief trip to Galaxy’s Edge for the planned activities there).
You should also know that there are guidelines for wearing costumes. You will also be expected to follow the theme park guidelines for Disney’s Hollywood Studios during your visit to Galaxy’s Edge.
So, if you’re not into the role-playing or costumes (or a little too into the costumes and don’t want to follow Disney’s rules), it’s important to understand that you’ll need to play along, dress according to the requirements, or spend your time in your room, at the bar, or other common areas waiting for the next thing you’re interested in to happen.
So, with that said, truthfully, you’re either super-excited to participate in this experience or you’re not. That’s the reason for the availability.
As it gets time to pay the approximately $5000 USD, guests are forced to decide whether it’s for them. For some it is, and for others it simply isn’t. It really does seem to me, on balance, the problem with the Galactic Starcruiser is the concept itself. Not everyone in your group will want to spend $5000 and nearly 2 days of their vacation that way. Young kids will want to see Mickey, moms will want to go to the EPCOT festivals, and not everyone will want to eat the blue shrimp. Add to that the 50th anniversary and all that has to offer, it’s a hard sell.
So, I don’t think it’s necessarily the awful videos, the rooms, the food, or some sort of anti-Disney or anti-Star Wars sentiment. It’s the concept itself. Many guests aren’t willing to spend their time and money on property in this way, since it requires substantial time and money to participate in.
If the thought of having to dress up in robes and roleplay for that amount of time isn’t for you, it isn’t going to matter how much it’s discounted or how great it is, securing reservations is going to be a never-ending challenge surpassed only by Guest Relations trying to satisfy those who paid thousands and almost instantly want to leave when they see what the Galactic Starcruiser actually is.
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