Disney’s Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser – What’s the Hype?

(Posted before announced closure.)

In a Galaxy far, far away….

Well, actually in central Florida…

Disney has now created the closest experience vacation goers will ever try akin to “naming their own adventure.”

Bridge Training on the Star Wars Starcruiser, the Halcyon

What’s more is the adventure plucks guests right out of their normal lives and engrosses them in the rich and fantastical storytelling of the Star Wars universe. It is a two night, fully immersive vacation of a lifetime, and it is modeled after the idea of embarking on a cruise ship, where the entire journey – from the deluxe accommodations, to the five star rated food, and the exciting, “out of this world” activities – are totally inclusive of the fare.

The biggest difference though? Instead of a cruise ship, the journey is aboard the Halcyon Starcruiser, Disney’s newest resort modeled to simulate a luxury spaceship cruising to an excursion on the planet of Batuu (which is actually a land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park). From the moment of launch, guests become enthralled and wrapped up in the role playing storyline of the Resistance vs. the First Order.

No guest’s journey will be identical, and each individual dictates the path they will take while on board. Will they opt to fall in line with Lt. Croy of the First Order who is trying to maintain power over the Republic (and the starship)? Or, will they choose to join the Rebellion, alongside some familiar stowaways who have snuck aboard? From there, the activities star cruisers participate in, the characters they interact with, and even the specific mission and tasks they are asked to complete over the course of the two days all change and shift in real time, evolving as the experience plays out.

Without a doubt, it is any Star Wars fan’s absolute dream. But is it just for the junkie?

Waiting for the dinner performance by Gaya in the Crown of Cornelia dining room on the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser.

First, what Disney has created here is ahead of its time and totally revolutionary. No other vacation and tourism company has ever attempted something of this scale – a multi-day immersive experience where every detail has been accounted for in the guest’s visit. If you are looking to experience something that is one of a kind and ground breaking – this is it, my friend.

If you love the idea of an all-inclusive stay, the Starcruiser also has a lot of appeal. While a typical Disney World trip often requires pre-planning, here everything is essentially planned for you; the guest “data pad” directs a voyager where their adventure will next take them, including an afternoon in Hollywood Studios’ Galaxy’s Edge (the Star Wars portion of the park where they also get to enjoy rides by bypassing the lines). There is some beauty and ease in not having to worry about any details ahead of time.

Encountering unexpected characters on the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, the Halcyon

And, with dining plans still at bay, this affords an opportunity for guests to currently enjoy one Disney vacation experience where the cost of food does not need to be calculated. Because the Starcruiser operates much like a traditional cruise, all meals are included, from the early morning until the late hours of the night. The food itself is also a part of the immersion because guests get to sample expertly curated dishes with other worldly theming. Each meal looks like a work of art from a foreign planet, and the dinners specifically are theatrical in their own right, with special guest appearances and performances.

I personally had the opportunity to embark on this adventure in May 2022, and I have to admit I have never been a die-hard Star Wars fan. Initially, my expertise in the Star Wars universe was limited, and I had only ever seen the first three films. Upon learning I was going to enjoy this voyage though, I quickly corrected my inexperience, and my husband and I plowed through all nine of their primary films, including some of the spin off series, in a matter of two months. I came to quickly discover I love the characters, the rich narrative, and it absolutely amplified the excitement I was feeling for the upcoming trip.

So with this being said, would movie and storyline background be necessary? No – absolutely not. This backstory will enrich the experience, but even if you are totally green to the Star Wars saga, anyone who loves sci-fi – or even those who just love storytelling, theatrics, and imaginative dramatization – are sure to get wrapped up in the experience here, easily catching on and participating with the storyline at play aboard the ship. In short, this type of stay is pure fun, allowing cruisers to temporarily step away from their regular day-to-day and live out a most exciting adventure.

Crown of Cornelia Dining Room on the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser

Interested in learning more about Disney’s newest and hottest addition to their resort fleet? I would love to get you more details and chat with you personally about this once in a lifetime experience! Remember, using all of the guidance and expertise of our recommended travel agency, Smart Moms Travel, makes all the difference. I am an agent at Smart Moms travel, and it is totally free for you to book your Disney vacation through me. Ready to get started today? Simply click here for us to connect! Or, if you are already booked with a Smart Moms travel planner, you’re in excellent hands, so be sure to reach out to them with questions and they will happily (and galactically) get you the info you need!

  • As a Disney World annual passholder, Alyssa lives and breathes the Disney life and visits nearly once a month, whether it is on her own or with her husband and their two princesses! Her bucket list goal is to one day live within an hour of Orlando, but she just has to get her husband on board with this "retirement plan"! Alyssa has been a Smart Moms Travel Agent for almost two years and has helped over 200 families experience the magic for themselves. As a Disney World annual passholder, Alyssa lives and breathes the Disney life! Her passion for the parks began as a child, when her grandparents lived just two hours from Orlando. Her family would journey to Disney World at least once a year, and the precious memories that were formed are now a part of her DNA. She now makes a point to Disney vaca nearly once a month, whether it is on her own or with her husband and their two princesses! Her bucket list goal is to one day live within an hour of Spaceship Earth (her very favorite Disney icon), but she just has to get her husband on board with this "retirement plan"! When she is not visiting her favorite place, Alyssa enjoys working every day with the families she aids in planning their own vacations. She has been a Smart Moms Travel Agent for almost two years and has helped over 200 families experience the magic for themselves.

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