Walt Disney World’s highly expensive Star Wars-themed hotel, known as the Galactic Starcruiser, has closed its operations after just 18 months. This decision represents another financial challenge for the company. The hotel offered an immersive experience for guests, simulating a starcruiser adventure with activities like lightsaber training and space-themed dining.
The cost of staying at the Galactic Starcruiser was exorbitant, with prices reaching $1,200 per person per night, and family packages starting at $6,000 for a two-night stay. This significant expense made it one of the most expensive hotel experiences, surpassing what many people pay for their monthly mortgage.
Disney promoted the Galactic Starcruiser as the “most immersive Star Wars story ever created,” where guests could embark on a unique Star Wars adventure. The experience included a visit to Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and interactions with various characters. Guests could even learn to wield a lightsaber and engage in secret missions.
While Disney is known for its high prices, the Galactic Starcruiser’s costs, combined with the company’s publicized political stances, may have deterred potential visitors. This closure comes at a challenging time for Disney, which had also abandoned a proposed $1 billion expansion project in Orlando due to changing business conditions.
In recent years, Disney has faced financial challenges, including a direct-to-consumer operating loss of over $1 billion and a significant decline in streaming service subscribers. These setbacks led to employee layoffs and raised questions about the impact of the company’s political positioning.
The adage “go woke, go broke” has been applied to Disney, as it grapples with both financial difficulties and criticism for its corporate stance on various issues.