If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be in a Star Wars movie, you can soon find out for yourself.
The highly anticipated Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser attraction opens today, Tuesday, March 1, at Walt Disney World resort. What sets the attraction apart is that it isn’t simply an expensive hotel and ride, but instead, is an immersive experience driven by guests’ actions and personal stories.
“No one has ever done anything like this before,” Scott Trowbridge, a portfolio creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, said in an interview. “There is a technology foundation that allows the story engine to operate [behind the scenes]. It brings the stories to life in space with our new real-time imagery system that literally runs throughout the whole ship. So, what you see on the bridge, what you see in the cabin, what you see out the window, and what you see on the map are all tied together in real-time.”
Walt Disney World has released some sneak-peek pictures ahead of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser’s opening. Keep reading to learn more about what’s in store for everybody on the two-night, three-day adventure.
How The Story Begins
The adventure starts at the Galactic Starcruiser Terminal, where guests check in, enter a Launch Pod, and virtually “leave” Earth behind. As they watch through windows, their Launch Pod will “blast off into space” and dock at the Halcyon starcruiser, where they will stay for two nights.
When the Launch Pod docks with the Halcyon, its airlock will open so guests can step into Halcyon’s Atrium. Once aboard the Halcyon, their story unfolds – and the adventure starts.
“Passengers” can visit their cabins and even meet some beloved Star Wars characters. For instance, they may get a tour of the Halcyon – led by Chewbacca.
Skills Training
As the adventure continues, passengers may even learn some new skills that could come in handy later as the story continues.
For example, guests over the age of 7 can participate in lightsaber training.
Each stay also includes what’s called “bridge training,” where the ship’s crew will explain “how the navigation, power, defense, and other critical systems keep the Halcyon starcruiser safe from unforeseen galactic entanglements,” Disney explains.
Those skills are eventually put to the test when the starcruiser is indeed attacked.
Make New Friends
Part of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser’s appeal is that Disney cast members – some of whom are even in makeup – interact with the passengers. For instance, in addition to Chewbacca, passengers may meet and interact with Jedi master Rey.
They can also visit with the Halcyon’s captain, the “charismatic, respected, and trustworthy” Riyola Keevan and the ship’s cruise director, Lenka Mok.
Actions Have Consequences
Here’s where things get interesting. The adventure continues based on passengers’ actions – or inactions. For example, they may be asked to keep a secret, deliver a message, take part in a high-stakes heist, defend the ship, or even hide an ally.
For instance, the Halcyon starcruiser is a pleasure vessel, but passengers must remember that the First Order and the Resistance are fighting and conflict is everywhere. Lieutenant Harman Croy, a leader in the First Order’s military, may even arrive to search for members of the resistance.
Then again, depending on how events play out and the story advances, notorious “dark Jedi” Kylo Ren of the First Order may also show up. If he finds Rey on the starcruiser, they may face off in battle.
Know Before You Book
Each Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser vacation package includes the ongoing, immersive entertainment, a two-night stay in a cabin or suite, food and beverages for the stay, admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the planetary excursion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and valet parking.
It must be noted that people have been waiting for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser’s opening for months, and demand is high. While the attraction opens tomorrow, it’s already booked solid until the middle of May – and it’s currently booked solid for the entire month of June as well. You can learn more about the rates and availability here.
If you’d like to learn more about the immersive experience aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, be sure to read:
