Disney’s Star Wars-themed luxury hotel, “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser,” located in Orlando, Florida, is set to close its doors this September, less than two years after its grand opening. The decision comes as Walt Disney Co seeks to cut costs across its entertainment and parks divisions.
While Disney did not provide an official reason for the closure, the move aligns with the company’s efforts to streamline operations and improve profitability, as announced by CEO Bob Iger in February. The goal is to reduce costs by $5.5 billion, with a particular focus on optimizing its streaming TV business.
Critics have cited the high price of staying at the Starcruiser as a factor in its closure. Bookings for the immersive experience started at $4,800 for two guests, which some Star Wars fans considered prohibitively expensive. The package included a two-day, two-night stay in one of the 100 Starcruiser cabins, themed food and beverages, and a visit to Batuu, the “Star Wars” planet located within the Disney World theme park.
It’s worth noting that the 100 rooms offered by the Starcruiser represent less than 0.5% of Disney’s total room inventory in the area. Despite this, the company stated that the Starcruiser experience received praise from guests and was recognized for its innovative and immersive entertainment offerings.
In addition to the closure of the Star Wars hotel, Disney also announced the cancellation of plans to construct a nearly $1 billion corporate campus in Florida. The decision was influenced, in part, by “changing business conditions” and the ongoing clash with Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.
A Disney spokesperson emphasized that the lessons learned from the Starcruiser experience would inform the creation of future offerings aimed at reaching a broader audience of guests and fans. The company remains committed to delivering innovative and immersive experiences that resonate with its audience.
