Star Wars fans will soon be deprived of a Star Wars themed vacation,
or a Darth vacay if you will. In a move to cut costs across its
entertainment and parks businesses, Walt Disney Co has announced the
closure of its immersive Star Wars-themed hotel, "Star Wars: Galactic
Starcruiser," in Orlando. The hotel, which opened just a year ago, will
shut down in September this year.
While Disney did not provide a specific reason for the closure, the
decision aligns with the company's cost reduction plans announced by
chief executive Bob Iger in February. With a goal to make its streaming
TV business profitable, Disney aims to reduce costs by US$5.5 billion.
The Star Wars-themed hotel, known for its unique and immersive
experience, received mixed reactions from fans. Some Star Wars
enthusiasts expressed concerns about the high cost of staying at the
Starcruiser, with bookings starting at US$4,800 for two guests. Despite
this, the experience was praised by guests for its innovation and
immersive entertainment.
The hotel was previously launched with much anticipation in Spring 2022, offering guests a two-night stay on the Halcyon starcruiser.
With simulated launch pods and themed rooms, guests could immerse
themselves in the Star Wars universe, interact with characters, and
embark on personalised storylines that included activities like light
saber training.
The unique hotel experience combined elements of immersive theatre,
themed environments, culinary indulgence, and real-life role-playing
games. Guests could choose their own path, aligning with the light side
or dark side of the Force, and engage in missions on the planet of
Batuu.
The final "voyage" aboard the starcruiser will occur from 28-30 September.
The closure of the Starcruiser is part of Disney's broader
cost-cutting strategy, which also includes the cancellation of plans to
build a nearly US$1 billion corporate campus in Florida. The decision
comes amidst changing business conditions and a dispute with Republican
Governor Ron DeSantis.
However, Disney assures guests of its ongoing commitment to creating
memorable experiences in its parks. The company plans to leverage the
lessons learned from the Starcruiser to develop future experiences that
can reach a wider audience.