We first learned about a planned “Star Wars Hotel” for Walt Disney World at the 2017 D23 Expo, and again at the 2019 Expo. We were introduced to the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser – NOT a hotel but a two-day, two-night, Star Wars adventure. An adventure where you become the Hero of your own Star Wars experience, then the star cruiser has shown up on Walt Disney World Maps, and in my Disney experience– Let’s take a closer look at everything we know so far.
Before we get to the experience, it’s crucial to understand how our adventure fits the Star Wars Universe and timeline. Our voyage begins when Galaxy’s Edge exists on the Star Wars timeline in Walt Disney World (and Disneyland). Between the theatrical events of The Last Jedi (Episode 8) and The Rise of Skywalker (Episode 9). In the year 35 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin), that battle that saw the original Death Star Destroyed, in Star Wars (a New Hope).
The resistance are attempting to rebuild, and Kyle Ren is trying to destroy them. The events of the Star Wars Resistance animated series are happening. And we arrive in Batur just after the events of The Black Spire Novel. A time when General Leia Organa has dispatched her agents across the galaxy in search of allies, Sanctuary, and firepower – and Vi Moradi, her top spy, has just found all three on a secluded world at the galaxy’s edge called Batuu.
Through a series of adventures detailed in the Novel, Vi Moradi is confronted by Crime Boss Oga Garra. She gets a job at Savi & Son’s Salvage and does everything she can to establish a resistance base when she learns that Kylo Ren and the 709th Legion of First Order Troopers are in route to Batuu. That is the timeline of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Kylo’s shuttle has just landed, he and the 709th are searching for the resistance spy, all while Vi is recruiting for the resistance and sending to the top-secret base on the edge of the forest.
That’s no Hotel, That’s a Starcruiser.
And as you board the Starcruiser along with all of the other passengers, you are stepping into the story; you have a front-row seat in this Star Wars Adventure. This isn’t a hotel, this is a galactic cruise, and you are about to be immersed with your fellow travelers into the Star Wars universe
We are cruising aboard the Halcyon, a glamorous Starcruiser, on a two-day, two-night voyage – boarding and depart with your fellow passengers – Just like a Disney Cruise Line voyage. It’s a first-of-its’-kind vacation experience when guests become the heroes of their own stories. Disney is touting the experience as “Storyliving,” where everything is connected, and you are transformed into the Star Wars universe. The Halcyon is known for its impeccable services and exotic destinations. Guests will stay in well-appointed cabins, experience exquisite dining and out-of-this-world entertainment with an excursion to the planet Batuu. This isn’t a hotel; you check-in for two days, two nights and live the adventure. It’s important to understand, this is a 2-day Star Wars Adventure, not a Walt Disney World Vacation. There is no bus to the magic kingdom, no swimming pool, no transportation to Epcot, no “visiting” the hotel to see the decorations; think of this as a cruise ship; that’s exactly what it is. Just like the Disney Wish, without a reservation for a cruise, you can’t get inside, you can’t “resort hope to the Star Wars hotel – because it isn’t a hotel. And once inside, you don’t leave until it returns to its dock back at Walt Disney World two days later. This is a two-day cruise experience.
Based on the timeline I previously outlined. “I have a bad feeling about this” something is going to go wrong. It’s going to be up to us to become the Hero of our adventure and save the day. Every experience onboard, from dining to activities and the crew are all part of the experience.
Our choices will determine our adventure; how we interact with characters, crew, and other passengers will become part of the action and the broader Star Wars saga. The individual decisions guests make will determine how their stories unfold and potentially impact the fate of the galaxy.
The adventure begins when guests arrive at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser terminal at Walt Disney World and check-in for their two-night experience. From there, we enter a Launch Pod to begin our adventure. Through the windows above, we will see ourselves leave the world behind and jump into hyperspace and draw closer and closer to the massive and magnificent Halcyon Starcruiser.
When the Launch Pod docks with the Starcruiser, the airlock opens, and we step aboard the ship’s main deck and Atrium.
There we will go through a “pre-show” of sorts, meeting the crew, including the Captain, The Cruise Director, the ships Mechanic, and other “Heroes of the Resistance.” Disney has already begun recruiting cast members for these and other positions aboard the ship. Some of the others include. The Fixer, Saber Trainer, First Order Lieutenant, The First Time Cruiser, and Galactic Superstar, and maybe most important, Rey and Kylo Ren (As I said, I have a bad feeling about this)
According to Disney, Adults and children will learn the ancient ways of the lightsaber, facing off against a training robot, with the help of the Saver Trainer and some fantastic technology Disney showcased at a recent media event. The first fully retractable light saber is available only on the Star Wars Starcruiser.
Hang out in the Dojo, or visit the Star Cruisers Bridge to learn how to operate the navigation and defense, which may come in handy during the adventure. While the Halcyon is a peaceful vessel that doesn’t anticipate any Galactic Conflict, with Kylo Ren and a First Order Lieutenant on the cast list, something is sure to go wrong, and it will be up to us to save the galaxy. You may even find some hidden spaces aboard.
As you would expect, dining is part of the adventure with a supper club in the Crown of Corellia Dining Room. The Dining hall will offer breakfast and lunch daily, transiting into a lavish multi-course meal for dinner. With one of the nights featuring a live performance from a galactic superstar – Note the galactic superstar job description. A Twi’lek who commands respect – who is operating a world of galactic intrigue while fighting for her race’s integrity and freedom.
The journey also includes an excursion to Batuu; You board a shuttle that will take you to the planet’s surface to continue your adventure on Black Spire Outpost in search of the resistance base and more.
Keep in mind, during the entire experience, every window, on the Starcruiser, inside the cabin, the transport, they all have views of the galaxy and beyond. There is no window to the real world, everything is designed present the illusion of space travel. All of the windows will have changing vistas as you progress from destination to destination.
You can expect to be entirely immersed into the Star Wars universe, no longer at Walt Disney World, no Longer on Planet Earth. You are aboard the Halcyon! The cabins aren’t the biggest; even with some First-Class cabins, you need to compare these to Cruise Ship cabins, not hotel rooms. Everything onboard has a purpose. Every room from the Engineering Room, the Bridge, DOJO, Courtyard – are all connected to your Star Wars story. From the concept art we have seen, we can see the Galactic Superstar on stage in the dining room, what is maybe the fixer helping on a quest in the engine room, and more.
One thing is sure; this will be an of this word two-day adventure fit for any Star Wars fan!! And I can’t wait to give it a try!
Looking for more Star Wars check out The Story behind the Galactic Star Cruiser, The Last Hyperspace Hoopla, The Story Behind Galaxy’s Edge, Opening Day Galaxy’s Edge, Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise, Star Wars Weekend 2016, Obi-Wan and Beyond, Stars of the Saga, Star Wars Weekend 2015 Galatic Breakfast, Star Wars Weekend 2014, HyperSpace Hoople 2012
