Photo: Disney
Disney is almost ready to welcome guests aboard the Halcyon Starcruiser — and PEOPLE got a peek inside!
The highly anticipatedGalactic Starcruiser, Walt Disney World’s one-of-a-kind, immersiveStar Warshotel, which opens March 1, isn’t just a place to lay your head after a day in the parks, it’s a full two-day, two-night interactive experience — and one fans of the franchise have been waiting a long time for.
This week, Disney held a preview of the stay that itfirst announced in 2019, and PEOPLE finally got to see just what it’s like to board the Halcyon, a luxury cruise liner in space.
Disney
AsDisney has previously teased, the experience includes activities that are sure to delightStar Warsaficionados and casual fans alike, like lightsaber training, a lesson in bridge operations — how to operate, shield (and yes, shoot from, when necessary) the impressive vessel — and two unique dining experiences where you can sample specialties like a blue iced Felucian shrimp cocktail and braised Bantha beef.
But the real draw for many is the adventure the voyage promises.
Every stay is a set length with a tight itinerary, but aside from the schedule, the story on board becomes as big as the guest desires, as who each passenger interacts with determines how it unfolds for them. There are original characters to meet, including a captain, cruise director and a bumbling-yet-lovable engineer on his first day on the job. There’s also an adorable droid, SK, making the rounds and interacting with crew members and guests.
Unsurprisingly, guests will gradually learn that members of the crew are not all what they seem, and the larger battle between the First Order and the Resistance quickly comes into play as the characters reveal their allegiances. The more a visitor interacts with the various crew, the more secrets they may learn and the more involved in the game of the voyage they can become.
That said, those a little weary about the play-acting part of it all need not worry. If talking to an otherworldly actor about Coaxium and secret codes isn’t for you, there’s no need to be totally engaged to thoroughly enjoy the voyage. You can be as involved (or not) as you choose.
If you’ve ever greeted someone with the customary “Bright Suns” inStar Wars:Galaxy’s Edge at the Disney Studios park, you’ll be just fine. Just remember to tell the characters you’re from Earth when they ask and learn the customary greeting here, “Good journey!”
Another difference from Disney’s many themed lands is the dress code. Unlike in the parks, where guests over a certain age are asked not to dress as the characters, hereStar Warscosplay or just franchise-inspired swag is encouraged.
Based on PEOPLE’s preview, the story is also not quite as malleable as one might think. While interactions can deepen guest engagement, everyone is always going to end up in the same place at the “grand finale,” an epic showdown between dark and light that every guest will witness and is sure to enjoy.
On a test voyage this week, members of the media were cheering for their heroes from the atrium like they were at a sports game and shouting the call-and-response slogans they learn throughout their adventure, “Together, as one!” and “Ignite the spark! Light the fire!”
The ship itself is spectacular too and worth admiring even if you’re not on the path to becoming a Jedi.
Upon arrival, travelers board a transport pod that takes them from Earth to the outer reaches of the galaxy (complete with a video screen ceiling similar to what can be found at Epcot’s Space 220 restaurant showing the journey and a jump to light speed).
Guests enter the grand ship, which is celebrating its 275th year in operation, via the atrium. There they’ll find the bridge that will become an all-too important part of their voyage, a shop filled with garb from around the galaxy instead of typical logo tees and the moody Sublight lounge.
After being on the ship for a few hours, you forget that you haven’t seen the Florida sunshine in a while. And there is at least one space on board with direct access to the outdoors, a peaceful garden where you might just feel the force.
There’s also the space equivalent of a shore excursion from the vessel, to the planet of Batuu (aka Galaxy’s Edge), where instead of a typical theme park visit, the Halcyon’s passengers will participate in missions that are part of their story.
Of course all these unique amenities and experiences don’t come cheap. Passage aboard the Halcyon for a family of four for two days and two nights costs about $6,000, according to theNew York Times.
At a panel discussion Wednesday night featuring the Imagineers that have been working on this project for six or more years, the main takeaway was clear: Galactic Starcruiser is for people that loveStar Wars,yes, but it’s also for people who love people who loveStar Wars.
Galactic Starcruiseropens March 1 and bookings are now open.
source: people.com
