Earlier this week, Disney announced the permanent closure of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser following the September 28 voyage, and reports indicate this was a last-minute decision that took many who work at the location by surprise. However, sources close to the project have indicated that the immersive experience was scheduled to close temporarily a few weeks later.
Prior to this week’s announcement, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was internally expected to halt the sale of reservations dated after December 2023. Based on recent internal reports, this may have been to facilitate a series of updates and changes across the entire experience.
Rumors have been swirling for quite some time that the Starcruiser would face a transformation, either to feature a different set of storylines and characters or to become a more traditional, themed hotel. It was assumed that an announcement would be made regarding the closure that included information about the Starcruiser’s future. However, the statements made by Disney this week seem to confirm that it will not return as the 2-night immersive experience it was before, no matter what it does eventually return as.
Imagineers were reportedly on the Halycon as recently as this week working on a revamped Gaya dinner show, as well as going over new merchandise that was on the way, and new spiels for bartenders at the Sublight Lounge. Obviously, this is not the kind of investment of time and money you would put into something you plan to close permanently.
Per sources, all of the cast of the Starcruiser (and these creatives) were surprised by the announcement, having received no warning that this was a possibility.
The question now is if and when the Halcyon will return to service in some shape or form down the road, but perhaps the fact that updates were in development means we may see the changes come to fruition, even if the Starcruiser experience does return in a totally different form.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Closing Permanently
Currently, bookings for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser are paused through May 26 to allow Disney to work with those booked on voyages after the scheduled final voyage on September 28. Once bookings resume next week, discounts will not be offered to Disney Vacation Club members and Cast Members as they have been recently, and voyages will be charged at their full cost.
The announcement comes after months of disappointing occupancy. The Galactic Starcruiser debuted just over a year ago, and while bookings were at capacity for a while, the current operations had reached a point where there were only enough guests to fill one dinner service.
Low occupancy cruises were being canceled, and rumors indicated that Disney was opting not to renew many entertainment Cast contracts. They began offering discounts to Disney Vacation Club members and Cast Members recently, as well.
The Starcruiser won the TEA Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in Brand Experience last year.
Before the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opened, it went through waves of selling out followed by mass cancellations. Right before the grand opening in March 2022, several months were completely booked. Despite generally positive reactions, cancellations increased after opening.
The Starcruiser offered a three-day, two-night immersive “Star Wars” adventure on a fictitious cruise ship where guests became part of a conflict between the Resistance and the First Order. It included an excursion to Batuu, themed meals, and live entertainment.
It also has a high price tag, with trips starting at $4,809 for two guests for a standard cabin, which has one queen-size bed and two twin-size bunks. The price increases if you add more guests, with a family of four looking at upwards of $6,000 for a standard cabin. Guests can also reserve larger rooms, such as the Galaxy Class Suite that sleeps up to six people in two bedrooms. The even larger Grand Captain Suite sleeps up to eight guests at an even higher price point.
Curious about the full experience? Check out our guide to everything on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser and our honest, in-depth review.
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The post RUMOR: Disney Imagineers Were Actively Working on New Shows, Merchandise, & Updates for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, Was Set to Close December 2023 appeared first on WDW News Today.