Josh D’Amaro Says the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Showed “Imagineering Is Still at Its Best”
In the annals of Walt Disney World history, the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser remains unique.
The combination role-playing experience hotel opened to guests on March 1, 2022, allowing guests to enter the world of Star Wars on a level that was never possible before.
The Hayclon
The 100-room hotel was named the Halcyon and described as an intergalactic starcruiser. Disney even made up a backstory that Anakin Skywalker and Padme went on a secret honeymoon aboard the luxury starcruiser. The ship was made up of thirteen decks, with only four being “available to passengers.”
On Deck 4, guests could visit the Crown of Corellia Dining Room, the Lightsaber Training Pod, the Climate Simulator, the Brig, the Engineering Room, the Cargo Hold, and the Transport Dock to Batuu. Deck 6, meanwhile, contained the Atrium, the Sublight Lounge, the Chandrilla Collection, and the Passenger Services Desk.
On the second day of their “voyage,” guests at the hotel traveled to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios by a “shuttle-pod transportation system.”
Cast members throughout the hotel stayed in character, giving guests a Disney World experience unlike any other. Unlike other Disney World resorts, guests staying at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser could only stay for two days. It was a 48-hour immersive experience, unlike anything Disney had ever created.
Limited Time Magic
While Galactic Starcruiser opened to lofty expectations, the hotel failed to hit its occupancy goals. While the hotel’s theme was lauded, its niche consumer base and high price point were roundly criticized.
On September 30, 2023, the Galactic Starcruiser officially closed, ending one of the strangest chapters in Disney history.
“Imagineering at Its Best”
Looking back on the life and death of the Galactic Starcruiser, Disney Experience Chairman Josh D’Amaro sees the hotel as an example of Walt Disney Imagineering’s creativity.
“This is something that had never been done before,” D’Amaro said. “It was difficult to even explain to the public, and I think it was incredibly brave for us to move into this space. … And this, to me, says Imagineering is still at its best today.”
Even though the hotel failed, D’Amaro says that the Galactic Starcruiser will continue to pay Disney dividends going forward.
“Those learnings are being employed on the next experiences, which we haven’t even announced yet,” he said.
Perhaps then, even as the Galactic Starcruiser is dismantled, its legacy will live on.