Disney's Hollywood StudiosNews
The Most Likely Replacement for Abandoned Star Wars Attraction
Disney Abandons Star Wars Attraction: Here's Its Most Likely Replacement
Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was a bold experiment in immersive entertainment that aimed to take fans on a two-night interactive journey aboard the “Halcyon,” a luxury starcruiser set in the Star Wars universe.
Guests were invited to become part of a live-action adventure, interacting with characters, completing missions, and enjoying themed dining and entertainment. However, despite its creativity and the excitement it initially generated, the high price point and niche appeal led to its closure after just 15 months.
The closure of the Galactic Starcruiser presents Disney with a unique opportunity to repurpose the space into something new. With the infrastructure of a boutique, themed hotel in place, there are a number of directions Disney could go to breathe new life into this property.
One option could be to remove the immersive storyline that was central to the Galactic Starcruiser’s operation and transform the space into a more traditional, though still heavily themed, Star Wars hotel. By maintaining the décor and the immersive atmosphere but removing the role-playing elements, Disney could appeal to a broader audience who want to experience the Star Wars universe without the pressure to participate in an ongoing narrative. This approach would likely come with a reduced price point, making the experience more accessible to families and casual fans.
Another direction could involve turning part of the space into a themed dining experience. With the detailed Star Wars-inspired design of the hotel’s restaurants and common areas, it wouldn’t be difficult for Disney to reimagine it as a high-end dining destination with live entertainment. Guests could enjoy Star Wars-themed meals while watching performances from costumed characters, giving them a taste of the immersive experience without the multi-day commitment or high costs associated with the original concept.
For those who still want an interactive experience but in a more familiar universe, Disney could consider re-theming the location to another popular franchise, such as Marvel. Given the immense popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a Marvel-themed immersive experience could offer guests the chance to interact with superheroes, embark on missions, and feel like they’re part of the action, similar to what the Star Wars experience aimed to achieve. This would give Disney a fresh start while still leveraging the immersive format.
Alternatively, Disney could look beyond hotels and consider repurposing the space for exclusive events. The hotel’s size and themed environment make it an ideal location for hosting corporate retreats, conventions, or themed weddings. Guests would still get to enjoy the immersive atmosphere, but in a more flexible, one-time event format. This would also allow Disney to monetize the space without the operational challenges of running a hotel.
Lastly, Disney could choose to integrate the space into the nearby Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Instead of a separate hotel, the building could be repurposed as an extension of the theme park, offering new attractions, shows, or character encounters that enhance the Star Wars experience for park-goers. This would allow more guests to experience the Starcruiser’s design and atmosphere without needing to stay overnight, expanding the potential audience.
While the Galactic Starcruiser didn’t meet Disney’s expectations, the creative risks they took are commendable. Now, the challenge is to find a way to repurpose the space in a way that capitalizes on its strengths while addressing the issues that led to its closure. Fans will be watching closely to see what Disney’s next move will be for this valuable piece of real estate in the Star Wars galaxy.