A Firsthand Review of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, Disney’s Experiential Hotel

Feb 25, 2022

All-Inclusive Hotels Family Travel Florida

The unassuming concrete facade of Walt Disney’s World’s newest hotel — Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser — is the perfect disguise for the immersive two-night experience guests are about to embark on.

This really is more than just another Walt Disney World hotel — it’s a mini theme park all its own.

What It’s Like to Stay at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Upon arrival to the Walt Disney World Resort terminal, Disney Cast Members greet and guide clients through the corridors to the Halcyon starcruiser launch pod. From the Cast Members’ own stories to the meticulous details around every turn, it’s evident that Disney Imagineers went all out to make a one-of-a-kind experience for guests.

And, to top it off, there is the underlying attention to detail for visitors (including the Cast Members remembering everyone’s name and their individual preferences), which elevates the experience to the next level of luxury, one that I found to be reminiscent of a luxury cruise line.

From the Cast Members’ own stories to the meticulous details around every turn, it’s evident that Disney Imagineers went all out to make a one-of-a-kind experience for guests.

Rooms at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

During my stay earlier this week, I was in a standard cabin that was just as intricately designed as the rest of the ship, with ample space and modern touches. The room —one of 100 — is outfitted with a modern bathroom, spacious closets (especially considering guests are there for only two days), and sleeping quarters that consist of a queen-size bed, two sleeping berths (or a built-in bunk bed) and a let-down bed. It can comfortably sleep five adults, while suite-style rooms are proportioned to accommodate four adults with more lounging space.

starwarsgalacticstarcruiserrooms — A guestroom, aka “cabin,” at a Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
*Credit: 2022 Lauren Bowman*

But even with the mesmerizing views of space out the cabin window, there’s so much more going on outside the cabin that guests most likely won’t be spending a great deal of time inside their rooms.

Choose Your Own Adventure With Three Unique Itineraries

I found that the focal point of the stay was the immersive storyline that was going on all around me, and no two people will have the same journey. Currently, Disney is giving guests their own Star Wars: Datapad (a pre-programmed iPhone 4) when boarding, but it’s expected that this technology will soon transition to guests’ own personal device and will be found through the Disney Play app.

On the Datapad, guests will have a full and ever-changing itinerary, communications with characters who are also onboard, access to tools, a map of the “ship” and more. It’s here that clients begin their journey in choosing whether their allegiances align with that of the Resistance, First Order or their own self-interests (by becoming a Scoundrel).

As a Resistance Fighter, I chose missions that benefited the Resistance and would withhold information from Lt. Croy. However, it was surprising how many other passengers — especially children — preferred to side with the First Order. And it was very common, and comical, to see the younger generation turn in parents and siblings over to the First Order.

It was surprising how many other passengers — especially children — preferred to side with the First Order. And it was very common, and comical, to see the younger generation turn in parents and siblings over to the First Order.

The more missions guests complete, the further they’ll be immersed into the storyline and gain access to Restricted Areas such as the Engineering Room and Cargo Hold. These missions even extend to the planet Batuu. (So, even if clients have had the chance to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge before, they’ll get a whole new viewpoint navigating Black Spire Outpost through the fluid script from the Halcyon starcruiser.)

And because passengers are so involved in the storyline, each voyage can bring different experiences. Fortunately for me, the Resistance was able to steal and install the coaxium the ship needed and get away from the First Order and Supreme Leader. Special appearances were welcomed to wild applause — especially after one rather furry character made his grand entrance after brief sightings of him running through corridors.

While participating in the extracurriculars does enhance the journey, they are not mandatory for visitors, and there are enough other activities to enjoy while watching the voyage play out. Kids — and kids at heart — can compete in mini droid racing, lightsaber training, Sabacc tournaments and more. These are very reminiscent of activities available at the Kids Club on Disney Cruise Line ships.

How’s the Food?

I found one of the ultimate showstoppers to be the food. It's hard not to enjoy the incredibly creative culinary creations as the only parameters the chefs were given were to “create the food for a spaceship cruise,” according to Brian Piasecki, culinary director for Walt Disney World.

One item my fellow travelers couldn't get enough of was the blue shrimp served at dinner on the second night, but my personal favorite was the hash brown-like potato waffle topped with cheddar egg bite and candied bacon. Alcoholic drinks and specialty cocktails are available at an additional cost, but otherwise the property operates in an all-inclusive style.

galacticstarcruiserreview — Sublight Lounge at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
*Credit: 2022 Lauren Bowman*

Passengers can even ask for additional servings at the seated dinners. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style and of course should be washed down with blue or green milk. Guests also receive a dining credit for a meal while visiting the planet Batuu, which is available through the Disney app for use at Ronto Roasters or Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. Snacks are available between meal times in the Atrium, and snacks can also be ordered in the lounge area.

What Else Is Included

Beyond the food, guests will also enjoy complimentary valet parking; park entrance to Disney's Hollywood Studios with a private entrance into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge; Lightning Lane access for Rise of the Resistance and Smuggler's Run; seating at Oga's Cantina without needing an advance reservation, access to exclusive Star Wars merchandise up to 30 days after the stay; and more.

This 100-room boutique hotel offers a truly novel experience for Walt Disney World guests. And while it's evident that Star Wars fans are the ultimate clientele, family members who may not be big fans will also enjoy the level of service the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser offers.

However, this is not a hotel for guests who are hoping to visit another of Walt Disney World's parks during their two-night stay, and it is best done as a stand-alone event or tacked onto a Walt Disney World vacation.