I went on a Star Wars space cruise experience. Just like any other cruise, there was unlimited food. But unlike other cruises, I helped Rey and the resistance fight against the First Order.
Disney recently launched the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, a themed hotel and roleplaying two-day experience in Disney World Orlando, FL.
2023 Update - The Star Wars: Glactic Starcruiser is now closed. I'm sad this has happened, but am grateful to have had the experience to visit the hotel before they made this decision. If you did not get the opportunity to see the hotel, enjoy reading this archive of the event. It will be missed.
With some caveats, I can say that this was my favorite vacation of all time and that I would do it again. Below I've outlined some of the questions that I wondered about before booking a Star Wars themed vacation so that you can have all the information and insight in one space.
This Disney vacation review is written from the perspective of a Star Wars fan that is *not* a super fan. It features my impressions and answers a few specific questions I'd want to know before going on a trip like this, but does not go into the nitty gritty details of who/what/when/where int eh Star Wars Universe.
Enjoy this review of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser!
What does it feel like to be on the Halcyon starcruiser?
The Halcyon starcruiser is a ship on the Chandrila Star Line, the theme of our Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel. Fun fact, this is where Leia and Han had their honeymoon.
This space cruise ship is gorgeous and the rooms are comfortable. Every cast member knows facts about the Halcyon, so stop to ask people questions. At the time we went, every room came with a bubble face mask that was so good, I bought a whole pack of them. Their beauty products are from H20+ Beauty and are exclusive to the Halcyon.
Take a look at the view from our room:
The space window is essentially a TV and it will swap out with meteor showers and other space-themed views. A different display TV in the room would show a map of where we were in the galaxy.
As you walk around the ship, there are cast members that represent different playable Star Wars routes (resistance, First Order, etc) and secret experiences based on who you talk to. If you are more introverted and don't want to engage, there are still experiences that the whole ship participates in - but secret experiences unlock when you talk to the cast and crew.
The best part of the trip were those secret engagements because it felt like we were part of the world and helping a character and cause that needed you. The cast works really well with whatever you throw at them. These are impressive improv actors and will work with any Star Wars fact you throw at them.
For the planned events - the lightsaber training was very special and something I really enjoyed on the trip. It was like an exercise routine mixed with magic and meditation. Bridge Training was a unique game experience mixed with an attraction and live show element, with guest appearances by our favorite Star Wars characters.
A few shots from my trip:
Do you have to love Star Wars to enjoy the Galactic Starcruiser?
No! My husband is a big Star Wars fan and had a blast. I know a good amount about Star Wars by association, but I am not a hardcore fan in the way he is. That did not deter me from enjoying my experience. It was a lot of fun getting into the theming, even if I didn't know all the references
Day 1 vlog:
Do you have to cosplay at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?
No, but it's fun! Check out my outfit diary below. I went with clothing that was slightly different than my usual, but I would say 60% of the people there were dressed up in somewhat of a theme.
My outfit diary:
Is Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser actually a cruise?
You are not on a boat, no. However, the experience is based on what a cruise would be like on a spaceship and includes similar amenities. It has unlimited all-included food, activities at all hours, events themed for kids, and it "docks" at a vacation spot (Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge).
Blue milk and green milk (not actually made out of milk, but themed after the movies), as well as other drinks are free, but alcoholic drinks at the bar are not.
Unlike most cruises, there is no pool (you don't need one in space). If you miss the outside, they have a "Batuu simulating station" where you can get some fresh air.
What is the cost of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?
The price changes depending on the season, room type, and guests. For myself and my husband, we paid $5,000 for our room.
This cost included our food and drink (not alcohol) in the hotel and a voucher to eat in Hollywood Studios and tickets to Hollywood Studios (where Star Wars: Galaxies edge is), and the experiences in the hotel.
What is the food like on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?
There were many vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based options on the Galactic Starcruiser. The food is all designed to look like space food, so if you aren't sure what you are eating - ask one of the cast members. They are very knowledgeable. My husband is a vegetarian and the cast was very accommodating in letting us know even the smallest of details, like what was in the frosting on each dessert item.
I miss having green milk every day!
Snaps of the delicious food:
Should you bring your kids to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?
Not if you have very high expectations and won't be able to do the trip again for some time. I have a six-year-old, who was five at the time of the trip, and we opted not to bring him. Once we got there, we were glad we made this choice because having our son there would mean we'd have to deviate from the plan more often and we wanted to follow a set path and engage with the cast and crew on our own terms.
We would consider bringing our son when he is older, but an elementary-aged child may be more difficult for those looking for a particular Star Wars experience.
How long is the space cruise?
Your trip to Batuu and back is only two days. But don't worry, you do SO MUCH. We were exhausted after. While I'd have liked maybe half a day more so we could soak it all in and go at a slower pace, it still felt like a full experience in only two days.
Note - activities like building a lightsaber and building a droid on Batuu are not included in your starcruiser itinerary. You have to book them using your Disney app separately and they sell out fast. These excursions should be booked months in advance.
Day 2 vlog:
Would I go back and do this experience again for the same price?
Yes! Even with the price and short stay, I would attend this trip again because we only did one of the five different "paths" that you can take with the improv cast members. I'd love to do the trip again and play a First Order member. Would I go yearly? No. I would probably re-do this trip every two-three years so it doesn't lose its sparkle.
Did I miss a question? Read more Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser FAQs.