The Galactic Starcruiser Hotel Finally Gets Its Launch Date
During a virtual event a week ago, Disney finally announced the official opening, or shall I say, the launch date of The Halcyon, a luxury hotel that is designed in every way imaginable to resemble being aboard a galactic starcruiser within the Star Wars universe. On March 1, 2022, the first inaugural guests will arrive at Walt Disney World Resort to “board” the Halcyon starcruiser for what could be the best two-day experience of their lives. This not just a simple stay in a Star Wars-themed hotel. Guests will partake in various immersive activities in the galaxy far, far away. Whether you throw your hat in with the Resistance or the First Order, you will have the opportunity to live your Star Wars story.
In keeping consistent with the timeline of Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge, which is set in the same era as sequel trilogy, the starcruiser experience will allow enthusiastic guests to accept “missions” for either the Resistance or the First Order, whatever their individual leanings may be. Perhaps they would like to challenge themselves by learning to wield a lightsaber like a Jedi (or a Sith). On the other hand, if they prefer a more casual visit, they can just kick back in the Sublight lounge, have a drink, and just take in the atmosphere. If they feel lucky, they can hit the Sabaac table. Maybe Lando Calrissian or Han Solo will stop by for a round. No word yet whether drawing and Idiot’s Array will win you your very own Millenium Falcon. Don’t expect everything to go as planned though. Each person’s experience will be tailored to them as much as possible, and unexpected things may happen. Not to worry, the Halcyon is equipped with the latest shield and turbolaser in an unlikely event of an attack, which is never an issue. Well, almost never, as the crew says. Basically, guests will have the opportunity of the lifetime to spend two days in the galaxy far far away.
The Crown of Corellia dining room looks to be more than a typical Disney character dining experience. Guests will be able to spend time with characters like Kylo Ren and Chewbacca as they enjoy favorites from their home planet or perhaps try out exotic dishes from iconic destinations throughout the Star Wars universe. Various galactic superstar performers will be performing on the stage during the meal. For an added fee, guests may choose to sit at the exclusive Captain’s table.
General bookings for the Halcyon will commence on October 28, 2021. The price of the experience will depend on the voyage departure date, the number of guests, and cabin type. Prices range from a $4809 (two guests) all the way to $5999 (three adults and one child) for the entire two-day "voyage" in a standard cabin with departure dates on weeknights in August and September 2022.
The following is covered in the hefty price tag:
Ongoing, immersive and interactive entertainment, where choices determine your experience
Food and beverages on the starcruiser (excluding alcoholic and specialty beverages).
A quick-service meal at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo or other select locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for your planetary excursion to Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Valet parking
Exclusive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Magic Band
As a lifelong Star Wars fan, this truly seems like an amazing experience, and I would be very eager to be the first person in line for this voyage in March. However, I do hope that Disney comes down a bit on its pricing, as I imagine that even the cheapest package (at least based on the released sample rates) will be difficult for a vast majority of its targeted audience to afford. To paraphrase Luke Skywalker from A New Hope, we could probably buy our own ship for that price.
Source(s): Disney World Official Website, ClickOrlando