What is it really like to step into the Star Wars universe and live the adventure for two days straight? That question is answered aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, an experience that transports guests aboard the Halcyon for an unforgettable, fully immersive journey.
During a special media preview, we spoke with Cory Rouse, Creative Executive for Disney Live Entertainment and a key visionary behind the Galactic Starcruiser. Rouse played a major role in not only the Halcyon’s launch but also the creation of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. His perspective bridges the storytelling of both experiences, blending park-based attractions with the deeply interactive Starcruiser voyage.
A New Dimension of Star Wars Storytelling
“We always knew we wanted guests to not just visit Star Wars, but to live it,” Rouse explained. From the start, the goal was to break boundaries. Instead of watching a story unfold, guests become the story. Every decision they make—whether aligning with the Resistance, siding with the First Order, or taking a path all their own—affects how their personal adventure plays out.
This unique approach to storytelling creates a dynamic, unfolding narrative across the entire two-night stay. Guests interact with characters, decode hidden messages, uncover secrets, and influence key events as the story evolves.
Bridging Galaxy’s Edge and the Starcruiser
Rouse was uniquely positioned to help connect the experience between Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Halcyon. As he explained, “We didn’t want these to feel like separate places. When a guest exits the Starcruiser into Batuu, they are continuing their story seamlessly. Missions that begin on the ship carry into Galaxy’s Edge and vice versa.”
The idea was to blur the line between real and imagined, making each decision meaningful and every character interaction a thread in the larger Star Wars tapestry.
Interactive Play with Purpose Halcyon Starcruiser Story
The Galactic Starcruiser doesn’t rely solely on technology or theming. Rouse emphasized that it’s the people—cast members, performers, and guests themselves—who make the experience extraordinary. “Everyone plays a role, whether they know it or not,” he said. “You’re not just watching Star Wars. You’re in it.”
From wielding a lightsaber in training to participating in covert missions or gathering with fellow passengers in the Sublight Lounge, every moment is packed with purpose. The design philosophy is simple: story comes first.
Looking Ahead
While Cory didn’t hint at what the future holds, his passion for immersive storytelling is clear. “There’s nothing else like it. For two days, you live inside a galaxy far, far away.”
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser may be one of the most ambitious Disney experiences ever created, and thanks to creatives like Cory Rouse, it delivers on its promise—offering fans the chance to not just see the Star Wars universe, but to live it.
r more from the StarCruiser Event, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge be sure to check out the Story Behind the Story, Opening Day interviews, an interview with Doug Chiang, a special D23 Expo look at creating the Music of Galaxy’s Edge, DJ Rex in action at Oga’s Cantina, An Overview of Batuu, a look at creating galaxy’s edge with an Imagineer, merchandise, Docking Bay 7, Star Wars Comic Books, Star Wars Myths & Fables, Galaxy’s Edge Cookbook, Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Interview
