The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort is unlike anything Disney has ever done—a fully immersive, interactive theater experience that spans two days. Guests become part of the story, living their own Star Wars adventure aboard the Halcyon, a ship with a 275-year legacy in the galaxy.
Like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Galactic Starcruiser experience takes place between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. That timeline isn’t accidental. In fact, both experiences are tightly connected, thanks to the work of the Lucasfilm Story Group.
Crafting a Connected the Halcyon Starcruiser Backstory
During the media preview, we interviewed Matt Martin of the Lucasfilm Story Group. He helped shape the detailed backstory of the Halcyon, ensuring it fits seamlessly into the broader Star Wars timeline. “It’s a chance to explore what happened between the movies—to fill in the gaps,” Martin explained. “We wanted to anchor the Halcyon with a rich history that spans centuries.”
That story includes the ship’s recent restoration by Chandrila Star Line, relaunching its maiden voyage from the Core World of Chandrila to the Outer Rim planet of Batuu.
A Vessel With Many Lives
Over 275 years, the Halcyon has worn many hats: a diplomatic vessel, a ship involved in Imperial activity, even a Hutt-sponsored casino cruise. That long history provided the perfect foundation for deeper storytelling.
“We knew this ship could be a window into many different eras,” said Martin. “We could explore characters, conflicts, and missions that span generations.”
Expanding the Canon The Halcyon Starcruiser Backstory
The Halcyon’s story doesn’t stop on the ship. It extends into comics and novels:
- Star Wars: Halcyon Legacy (Marvel Comics) explores the ship’s history across centuries.
- Star Wars: The High Republic: Mission to Disaster features a Jedi mission aboard the ship.
- Star Wars: The Princess and the Scoundrel tells the story of Han Solo and Leia Organa’s honeymoon on the Halcyon.
Each of these stories helps reinforce the Halcyon’s place in Star Wars lore.
For more from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge be sure to check out the Story Behind the Story. Opening Day interviews. 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, a look behind the Galactic Starcruiser, a Galaxy Far Far Away stage show, and Star Wars Galactic Fireworks from Hollywood Studios.
