Today (May 18, 2023) Walt Disney World officially announced it would be closing Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, a first-of-its-kind, luxury vacation and hospitality experience that immersed guests into Star Wars themed adventures over the course of a three-day, two-night stay. Opening day for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was March 1, 2022 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Disney’s official statement
“Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment. This premium, boutique experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms, and as we prepare for its final voyage, we will take what we’ve learned to create future experiences that can reach more of our guests and fans.”
Thea Award recipient
The Themed Entertainment Association celebrated Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser as a breakthrough achievement, honoring it with the prestigious TEA Thea Award in April 2023. The Thea Awards Judging Committee stated in its official description: “Over the course of their stay, guests have a chance to explore this magnificent ship and become the heroes of their own Star Wars stories. Disney’s Imagineering team is showcasing the future of immersive experiences for theme parks and attractions by focusing on how we change the way people play together, the way stories are told together (immersive theater), and how technology can support such experiences.”
More about Galactic Starcruiser
InPark publisher Martin Palicki reported at length on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser in the February 2022 article “Come Fly with Me” and on the InPark Tracks podcast: Track 18 is an exclusive interview with Disney Executive Producer and Executive Creative Director for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Ann Morrow Johnson, while Track 21 shares audio from a host of Disney creatives who were part of the project.
