Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser | First Impressions
It was in 2017, at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, when we first learned that Walt Disney World would be getting a Star wars themed luxury hotel. Two year later, we’d learn that it wasn’t just a hotel, but an experience. Similar to what you’d experience taking a cruise, guest arriving at Halcyon [the name of the hotel as it was announced in 2019] would arrive together and become immersed in Star Wars for the duration of their stay. The announcement was very exciting, not only for Star Wars fans, but because this was anticipated to be an experience unlike any other on property. . . . . even though there was still quite a bit that none of us knew.
Since 2017, when the hotel was first announced, there has been lots of announcements and speculation around what is now being called the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. We know more technical specifications, like how the rooms will have the ability to sleep 4 [2 adults and 2 children] and will have a lobby that is in the style of a Star Wars spaceship. That’s not all we’ve learned though. According to Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is going to be “100% immersive” and “will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits”.
As exciting as it was to read those well manicured quotes, especially alongside enticing concept art, I still found myself following any level of excitement that I had about the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser with a shrug and a less than enthusiastic “we’ll see”. Part of my response came from the fact that I’m a casual Star Wars fan at best. Sure, I like the movies and the tv shows, but am I a stay-in-a-Star-Wars-hotel level of fan? No. Probably not. The other part was centered around my skepticism. It’s one thing to put out a well manicured quote and some beautiful concept art, it’s another thing to deliver.
Then, over on Jeff Vahle’s instagram, we got our first real look into the progress of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser from a post that said this:
“@joshdamaro and I enjoyed a sneak peek into the great progress the @WaltDisneyImagineering teams are making on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser here at WDW. Inside we visited The Atrium and looked out The Bridge windows to what will be a galaxy far, far away. We even checked out the cabins in progress, including their windows to space seen in these renderings.”
The post made by Mr. Vahle included 4 images of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. The first two were of the actual rooms themselves. Though still unfinished, they gave us a look at the bunks beds and the window that will allow guests to gaze out into the galaxy as the cruize along. The second 2 images were that of the original concept art.
Based on these images, my first impression of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is. . . . wow! Though it’s no secret that Disney does a good job making concepts into reality, I’ve always been one to approach looking at these types of things with a bit of an “I’ll believe it when I see it” attitude. After all, turning a drawing into reality doesn’t always work out. . . . even for the Mouse! These pictures though. . . .
Of course, I can’t say I’m completely surprised that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser rooms look like something right off the screen. After all, having seen [and been completely awed by] Galaxy’s Edge, it makes sense that the same level of detail would go into these “luxury hotel” rooms. Still, seeing the photos side by side with concept art. . . . it’s something else.
Now, there’s still a lot that we don’t know about the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. We don’t know pricing or what it will include. However, I think I’m at the point that I can say [definitively] that I’m looking forward to one day staying here and experiencing everything that the Starcruiser has to offer. Though I might not be the biggest fan of Star Wars that has ever walked the Galaxy, I think it would be an incredible experience to really get lost in what I’m hoping is a true 100% immersive experience.