Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – what you need to know

Last updated 1/31/23: Everything we know about the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience:

People have been talking about the Galactic Starcruiser for years now, and Disney finally has some new details! While some have referred to this as the “Star Wars hotel,” that’s not what this is (more on that below). This experience isn’t going to be for everyone, but I think it sounds very exciting for those who are interested in this sort of thing. Read on to learn all about it!

What is the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?

In the simplest terms, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is an immersive 2 day experience that includes food, entertainment, activities, a visit to Batuu and Galaxy’s Edge, and a place to sleep – all with a Star Wars theme. Think of it as 2 days on a cruise ship where you have the opportunity to get into character and act as if you are actually taking a space cruise in the Star Wars universe.

What does it mean that it is an “immersive experience”?

Disney’s website gives a description of the experience: “Arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort terminal, board a launch pod and rendezvous with the magnificent Halcyon starcruiser. Stay in a cabin or suite with an exquisite view of space. Throughout the ship, you’ll interact with an eclectic collection of characters, sit down to exotic galactic cuisine and perhaps even plot a secret mission together.”

If you’ve been to Galaxy’s Edge, picture how it’s set up so you’re actually visiting Batuu as if it’s a real planet – you’re not just going to a theme park with Star Wars themed rides. That’s the idea here – you’re part of the Star Wars universe, not just a fan visiting from the outside.

Story moments

One of the big things that makes this a unique experience is the fact that you are encouraged to interact and there will be “story moments” which will allow you to roleplay. Disney won’t focus on the term roleplaying, but at the end of the day that’s really the idea behind all of this. You have the chance to actually step into the world of Star Wars and roleplay as if you are someone living in that universe. They’ve advertised that there will be the opportunity to interact with Star Wars characters both old and new, and these characters may ask you to participate in missions. What you say and choose during these interactions affects your own storyline, creating a personalized experience. Your Star Wars datapad (an app) will give you personalized activities as well based on your actions and choices.

This is NOT a “Star Wars hotel”

As far as I know, this is a completely unique experience. I don’t know of any other places where you can really become part of the action in a role-playing way like this over the course of a few days, or at least not any that focus on a big and popular IP like Star Wars.

What makes it different from a hotel?

Disney describes it as ““part live immersive theater, part themed environment, part culinary extravaganza, part real-life role-playing game”. This should tell you in and of itself what’s different, but here are just a few things:

• You wouldn’t stay here as a place to sleep while doing other activities, The Galactic Starcruiser is the activity
• It’s an inclusive experience, meaning the price includes your food, activities, entertainment, etc.
• There are characters on board the ship to interact with, not just stop and take pictures with
• Story moments allow you to roleplay and create your own personalized experience

Stop calling it the “Star Wars hotel”

It’s misleading for people because that’s not what this is. You aren’t going to book a reservation here as a place to stay while you visit Disney World. It’s wrong to call this a hotel in the same way that you wouldn’t call an actual cruise ship a hotel. And just like a cruise ship, you can’t book it for whatever dates or length of stay you want. There are specific “departure” times and you can only book it as a 2 day experience.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser pricing

How much is the Galactic Starcruiser going to cost?

Right now we only have sample pricing, and that’s for the cheapest possible option – late August/early September on a weekday in a standard cabin. Pricing will vary based on dates, number of people, and cabin type.

What is included in the cost?

The Galactic Starcruiser is more or less an “all inclusive” experience, which means the price includes the following;

• Accommodations for a 2 night stay
• All meals (excluding alcoholic beverages)
• Activities
• Entertainment
• Entry to Hollywood Studios
• Valet parking
• An immersive, role playing experience
• Exclusive Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Databand (aka a MagicBand)

Very much like a cruise ship, almost everything is included in the cost except for alcoholic beverages. There will also be some upgrade options you can pay additional for, such as a seat at the Captain’s Table during dinner.

Why is it so much money??

This is a unique, personalized experience that you can’t get anywhere else. The Galactic Starcruiser only has 100 cabins, which means that it doesn’t have a large capacity. With a small supply they can charge more to meet the demand. There are enough people that will be interested in this that I have a feeling it will sell well. One key rule I’ve learned with Disney is this: if people will pay for it, they will charge it. I am confident these numbers aren’t coming out of thin air. Disney is smart and does their research. They’ve probably decided on pricing based on a number of surveys, statistics, and other data that they’ve accumulated in the past few years. Also keep in mind that this isn’t a hotel, so you can’t really compare the cost of it to what it would cost to stay elsewhere on Disney property.

Room Options on the Galactic Starcruiser

There are only 100 cabins on the Galactic Starcruiser, with most sleeping up to 4 guests (though there are some suites and rooms that hold larger groups). The are themed like the rest of the ship – Disney states that “Your Star Wars story continues even in your cabin or suite. You’ll be amazed by the attention to detail!” Knowing Disney, they’ve gone above and beyond to add small details (and probably interactive ones too!) that dedicated Star wars fans will appreciate.

Every cabin has your standard amenities, like a mini fridge, TV, hair dryer, safe, etc. They all also have views of space from the window – again, a completely immersive experience. You are not in Florida anymore, you are in the Star Wars universe in a galaxy far, far away!

Where is the Galactic Starcruiser going to be?

The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser is located just outside of Hollywood Studios.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Terminal address: 201 South Studio Drive, Bay Lake, Florida 32830

Activities on the Galactic Starcruiser

As an experience and not just a hotel, you’re going to have a number of activities and immersive roleplaying opportunities during your time there. While we’ve seen a sample itinerary, most likely you will have some options of what you want to do while on board to choose from. Just a few of the activities we’ve seen mentioned:

• Lightsaber training
• Bridge training
• Droid racing
• Build a model ship
• “Story moments”
• Excursion to Batuu
  • Your actions while on Batuu will affect your story on board the ship
  • Includes rides on Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Visiting Sublight Lounge
  • Can enjoy cocktails here
  • Can take part in a game of Sabacc or even a Sabacc tournament
• Entertainment
  • Live music
  • Shows/ a “spectacular finale”

Most of these activities are included, but some may require additional sign ups and/or fees.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Itinerary

At this point we’ve only seen a sample itinerary, but I have a feeling this is a very general look at what might be available and what’s to come. The Itinerary for your specific journey will be available 30 days before on the Disney Parks Play app (While you’re on the Galactic Starcruiser this will be the Star Wars Datapad). We know you’ll be able to personalize your itinerary with certain activities, we’re just not sure what or to what extent yet. Here’s a look at a general sample itinerary:

Dining Options on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

In terms of dining, there is one main dining room on the Galactic Starcruiser. However, there are other options for dining throughout your trip as well, including a lounge and a meal included while you are on Batuu.

Crown of Corellia Dining Room

This will be your main place for food while on board. For breakfast and lunch it has been described as “hall” style dining, with lots of hot and cold small plate options. And blue milk will be available!

In the evening it will become a more formal dining room, with a first and second dinner seating (again, think of it like a cruise ship). Also like a cruise your party may be seated at a table with other guests. They’ve called it a lavish, multi-course meal and for at least one night the theme at dinner will be “Taste your way Around the Galaxy.” There will also be an option to pay to sit at the Captain’s Table, which will provide extra courses and extra character interaction.

Sublight Lounge

This lounge area will be a place to relax and enjoy cocktails and other Star Wars inspired beverages in the evening. There will be games available (specifically mentioned is Sabacc) but I imagine there will probably be other activities and entertainment taking place here as well.

Docking Bay 7

During your time on Batuu a meal at Docking Bay 7 is included. You can choose from any of the quick service entrees available here and the meal will also include a non-alcoholic beverage or an alcoholic beverage for those ages 21 and over.

Getting into the immersive experience

As stated earlier, the big focus of the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser is the ability to actually become part of the Star Wars universe. You can take on a role, interact with onboard characters, make choices that will affect your trip, and get totally into character yourself. If you love getting into the spirit of things, improvising and acting, and roleplaying this is the experience for you.

Characters you’ll meet

We’ve been told there will be both characters new and old on board the Galactic Starcruiser for you to interact with. We’ve been able to get some good insight into exactly what sort of characters to expect thanks to casting calls that were posted by Disney. Of course they are subject to change, and we don’t yet know if all of them will be on every voyage or if they might rotate different storylines on different dates. But here’s a look at who you can probably expect to see:

The Captain

She’s described as a Pantoran who is very dedicated to her job – she is a “strong and charismatic leader who has served as a well-respected ship commander for some time and demands the attention and focus of every room she walks into.”

The Cruise Director

This character is a cheerful human who loves travel and adventure and quite frankly sounds like the perfect job for me 😉 She has “the capacity to learn that life is about more than the fun of the moment, and draws inspiration from the efforts she sees being made to bring harmony and justice to the galaxy.”

The Fixer

This one sounds like an intriguing character – he is a “convincing and handsome schemer” who “uses his charm to his advantage as he seeks out associates to enlist in his criminal enterprise.” The casting call for this one also requested potential actors demonstrate sleight of hand tricks so I think we can see some interesting entertainment here!

First Order Lieutenant

Of course it’s not all good guys – the First order Lieutenant is new to his position but acting like he knows everything, and “he doesn’t see a line between abusing and leveraging power.”

Ship Mechanic

A young human working on the ship, “his enthusiasm sometimes outpaces his capabilities, and, as a result, he tries to present a braggadocios front to mask the vulnerability of being far from home.”

The First Time Cruiser

This is a Togrutan (if you can’t place the species, think Ahsoka Tano) who is trying to make his way in the world playing his guitar while “looking for his big break.”

Galactic Superstar

A big singer, this Twi*lek is more than just a powerful voice and pretty face – she’s “in a legally-dubious world of galactic intrigue while fighting for her race’s integrity and freedom.”

Saber Trainers

If you’re headed to lightsaber training, rest assured the the Saber Trainers are “patient and well-composed instructors” and will guide guests through physical demonstrations of lightsaber usage.

Rey

Yes, our friend Rey from the planet Jakku may be making some appearances on the Galactic Starcruiser!

Kylo Ren

Of course where you find Rey you’ll probably be likely to find Kylo Ren as well, still working on his goal of galactic domination.

Can I wear a costume on the Galactic Starcruiser?

Yes, and in fact costumes are encouraged! Since the idea is to take part in the role playing Disney wants to see you get into character – your own character, specifically, not just wearing a Rey or Kylo Ren costume. Unlike the theme parks, which don’t allow robes, robes are totally cool here. You’re also welcome to get creative. Consider dressing up as a Jedi, smuggler, alien, or someone from whatever planet you want. Or you could always just be a tourist from Earth if you’re more comfortable that way too.

You don’t have to interact if you don’t want to

But honestly, it’s a big part of what you’re paying for with this experience. Disney will never put pressure on anyone to feel forced to interact or take on a character if they don’t want to. If you’re traveling with other people who will get very into it then you may enjoy the experience as an observer. But if none of your group is going to embrace the roleplaying angle I might suggest you probably won’t find the value in staying here.

Booking the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Read to book your stay? Here’s some more info to get you started.

What’s included with your Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser booking:

• A 2-night stay in a cabin or suite
• Immersive entertainment
• Opportunities to role-play and take part in the action
• Meals (excluding alcohol and specialty beverages
• 1-day admission to Hollywood Studios for an excursion to Batuu
• Exclusive Starcruiser Magicband for all passengers
• Valet parking

How long can you stay at the Galactic Starcruiser?

This is a 2 night experience, with scheduled arrival times and departure times. You’ll arrive between1-4pm on Day One and depart by 9:30-10am on Day 3. So to emphasize again – this is not a Star Wars hotel. You can’t book any number of nights that you want. There will be scheduled dates and it’s only for 2 nights.

Is this the Star Wars hotel we’ve been hearing about?

Yes and no. Disney has never called this a Star Wars hotel, that’s the name other people have given to it. So it is what Disney has been talking about an advertising in terms of a Star Wars themed place to stay. However, it’s not a hotel in the typical sense because it’s much more than just a place to stay, it’s an immersive experience. There won’t be another “Star Wars themed hotel” coming though (at least, not right now).

Will the Galactic Starcruiser have a DVC option?

No. This is not a resort in the typical sense so there is no DVC option. It’s possible that Disney may eventually allow DVC owners to convert points to use to stay there the same way they do for cruises, but for the time being DVC owners will be looking at paying for it just like the general public.

How do I book?

You’ll have to call in order to book – you can’t do it online. Sometimes with Disney this can mean long hold times.long hold times. If you’re interested, might I recommend a travel agent? As a travel agent specializing in Disney, booking through myself (or another recommended agent) means you won’t have to deal with long hold times and any issues from Disney that might arise. If you are interested in booking whether you do it yourself or through an agent you’ll need some information available, including your voyage date preferences (as well as back-up dates in case your first choice isn’t available), the number of people in your party and names/ages of everyone, address and phone number for all, and if you’d like to do first or second dining.

Who should consider doing the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience

I’ll be the first to admit that this won’t be for everyone. It is a lot of money and if you’re not going to fully embrace the unique immersive aspect of it I don’t see it being worth it. For some people it might be great though, including:

Major Star Wars fans – If you’ve always dreamed of being able to actually become part of the Star Wars universe this is pretty much a dream come true.

People who enjoy the idea of roleplaying – If you’re someone who enjoys improvisational theater, interactive murder mystery parties, or even playing Dungeons and Dragons I think you’re more likely to get into the spirit of things and make the most of this event.

Those who want a unique experience – this is something different from almost anything else available out there. If you want to try something new or treat yourself to a trip that isn’t just theme parks and swimming pools, this could be a great option.

This is NOT a good choice for people planning a trip to Disney World and looking for a place to stay. It’s not a Star Wars hotel. The focus while you’re at the Galactic Starcruiser is going to be on the offerings at the resort, not outside of it. If you’d like to do Disney World as well you can absolutely add on a trip before your after your stay at the Galactic Starcruiser. But if you’re picturing waking up in the morning in a Star Wars themed room before going to Magic Kingdom for the day and coming back after fireworks, this is not it.

Why I’ll pay for the Galactic Starcruiser experience (hopefully)

When the idea was first presented that there would be a “Star Wars hotel” I was mildly interested. When we learned about the whole experience I am suddenly dying to do it. I have a background in theater. I love any excuse to dress up and get into character. I’ve hosted a number of murder mystery parties where I make my friends all interact and get into character too. This is an opportunity to do something in that same realm on a much bigger scale and with all the amenities Disney has to offer.

It’s also as far as I know a pretty unique experience. Please let me know if there’s somewhere else I can do something like this, but I don’t really know of other options where you can spend multiple days in character in an environment as immersive as Disney can do it. So while the cost is high, for me it’s incomparable to anything else. I’m not comparing the cost to staying at a hotel or even going on a cruise ship. The Galactic Starcruiser is offering me something I can’t get anywhere else and that has a lot of value for me.

That being said, the income of a librarian-by-day and blogger/travel agent by night is not necessarily the highest. So in order to make it happen I’ll either have to save for awhile and/or find people just as crazy as me to split the cost. But it’s 100% on my bucket list and something I’m dying to make happen at some point.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser updates

There’s still plenty we don’t know yet about the Galactic Starcruiser, so I’ll do my best to keep things updated here when we get more major information given to us! I’m excited to hear all about what’s in store for this experience.

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Are you interested in the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, or are you going to pass on this experience?