Eight Reasons I’m Excited about Galactic Starcruiser
On March 1st, Disney finally reveals its next massive project to the world.
On that date, travelers leave Earth behind and travel to a galaxy far, far away.
Image: Star Wars
Yes, after years of wild rumors, the Star Wars Hotel is less than a month away from reality.
Here are eight reasons I’m excited about Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
Guests will learn the ways of the Jedi during lightsaber training aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the first-of-its-kind vacation experience debuting March 1, 2022, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.)
A Star Wars Adventure
The appeal of Galactic Starcruiser stems from two unmistakable selling points. You’re entering the closest proximity ever of a Star Wars movie.
Until augmented/virtual reality improves exponentially, something that’s probably at least 15 years away from happening, this is it.
Credit: Disney
You can live out your Star Wars fantasy in real life! Disney has constructed a hotel that resembles the interior of a luxury cruise ship named the Hyperion.
From the moment you arrive at the hotel, the experience begins. First, you’ll take a ride on a docking vessel that transports you to your ultimate destination, the Hyperion.
(David Roark, photographer)
None of this is real per se, something I’ll discuss in the next section. However, Imagineering tricks will help you buy into the illusion.
Then, once you’re a guest on this intergalactic cruise ship, you choose your own adventures in a live-action role-playing experience unlike any other.
Image Credit: Disney
You can defend the honor of the First Order — if you’re a jerk – or you can pick the side of the angels by working for The Resistance.
The latter group can undermine the First Order and bring them down during this cruise.
So, you’re at a hotel that feels nothing like any Marriott on Earth. Instead, it’s a complete Star Wars adventure from start to finish. And you decide several aspects of it!
Unprecedented Immersive Theming
I just touched on part of the immersion. Honestly, that barely scratches the surface, though.
Generally, when you stay at a hotel, especially in a tourist region, you want a room with a view.
That statement goes double for a cruise, as ship architects work hard to ensure that most rooms include a view of the water.
Credit: Disney
When you take a cruise on the Hyperion, you’ll savor your view as well.
At the risk of blurring science-fiction stories, the digital monitor in your hotel room will make you feel like a Star Trek captain.
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Disney has created projection screens that display your changing view of the stars as you travel through outer space!
You’ll watch planets, moons, and suns approach and then vanish in your intergalactic rearview mirror.
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Disney has also added theming in other ways. For example, the cast members all have roles to play…
Meeting the Crew
A running theme for Disney cast members is that every role is a starring role.
Image Credit: My Disney Program
Galactic Starcruiser will stretch that premise to its logical extreme. Various employees take on the roles of Star Wars characters.
During your voyage, you’ll interact with the ship’s captain, Riyola Kiveen, whose primary job is to keep the luxury cruise liner afloat.
CREDIT: DAVID ROARK/DISNEY
Still, she’ll happily make time for guests like you. After all, you’re too important to ignore!
You’ll also encourage the cruise director, Lenka Mok, a droid named SK-620, and possibly even a galactically famous singer!
Credit: Disney
The fascinating part of Galactic Starcruiser involves its role-playing. Think of it like a murder mystery night, only the night lasts for three days!Disney employees will maintain their characters for the entirety of your journey! You might even meet some of the most famous characters from the Star Wars franchise!
Guests can enjoy the Sublight Lounge as part of their stay aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the first-of-its-kind vacation experience debuting March 1, 2022, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.)
Bridge Training
Have you ever worked on a luxury cruise? The process involves a lot of work, and events will unfold that force you to do some of the heavy lifting!
I might even mean that literally. Nobody’s quite sure what to expect. Okay, I doubt Disney would ask you to do anything stressful.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel Launch Pod
Credit: Disney
The point is that you’ll learn how to work the buttons and knobs on the Halcyon!
During a since-deleted video, some Disney folks demonstrated what this might entail.
A vocal minority criticized the bridge training, but I thought it appeared fun. I mean, didn’t you always want to get invited to the cockpit as a kid?
Opening in 2022, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., will invite guests aboard the Halcyon starcruiser, known throughout the galaxy for its impeccable service and exotic destinations. One onboard activity will invite guests to wield a lightsaber while facing off against a training remote. (© Disney © & TM Lucasfilm)
The Galactic Starcruiser offers something similar! You can pretend to work on the bridge of a starship for a while!
Lightsaber Training
Okay, here’s the spot where I get everyone’s attention. Disney recently revealed a working lightsaber, as in one that works here on planet Earth.
Now, you cannot use The Force on your cruise, as you’re neither Jedi nor Sith.
What you can do is train yourself in armed combat with the most futuristic glowstick weapon ever invented.
You can whip out your lightsaber and start clubbing…something. I doubt Disney lets you beat on other guests or cast members.
So, I presume the Lightsaber training involves augmented reality. We will know a lot more about it at this time next month.
The Intergalactic Concert
Remember that singer I mentioned? She may perform as the featured guest at the Crown of Corellia Dining Room, the most fabulous meal in the galaxy!
The Hyperion hosts a distinguished supper club. It’s the only add-on option at Galactic Starcruiser.
(© Disney © & TM Lucasfilm)
So, you will pay extra to experience dinner and a show. I’m confident you’ll get your money’s worth, though.
The official website describes the second night as a “Taste Around the Galaxy.” Who wouldn’t want to try that?
Image Credit: Disney
By the way, Disney operates this restaurant for breakfast and lunch as well. The difference at dinner is the concert portion.
A Day on Batuu
Remember the conceit of Galactic Starcruiser! You’re riding a luxury cruise ship through the stars!
Image Credit: Disney
What’s the core tenet of cruise life? On some days, you disembark and act like a shameless tourist among the locals!
At the Star Wars Hotel, you’ll duplicate this premise in a charming way. You’ll leave your orbital space vessel to head ashore.
Photo: Richard Harbaugh
Specifically, you’re visiting Batuu, which theme park fans know as Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
Disney has planned events that maintain the illusion. You’ll participate in exclusive activities as a cruise guest spending the day on Batuu. Doesn’t that sound incredible?!
Repeat Visits
This reason might sound like a little thing today. However, I believe that everyone will appreciate it more over the years.
Disney has ways of databasing your choices during your Star Wars adventure.
Credit: Disney
As such, some of the decisions you make today could come back haunt you later. Or reward you. Nobody ever really knows, do they?
Since the videogame parallels on Galactic Starcruiser are unmistakable, think of your first visit as saving your game for the first time.
Image Credit: Disney
One day, you’ll return to play again! And your saved game will be waiting for you!
Feature Image: Disney
