Disney’s shocking decision to shut down the Orlando’s “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser,” a high-end resort styled after the popular film franchise, has shocked fans of the franchise. Less than two years after its grand inauguration in March 2022, the building is scheduled to close in September of this year. Disney did not state why they were closing the site, although it is likely related to budget cuts at its theme park and entertainment divisions. Disney CEO Bob Iger has decided to cut expenses by $5.5 billion, mostly in the streaming TV segment, which is why the company will be discontinuing its two-night hotel experience. The exorbitant cost of staying aboard the Starcruiser might have played a role in the decision to shut it down. Some Star Wars aficionados complained that the beginning price of $4,800 for two guests was too much. Guests spent two nights aboard the Starcruiser, enjoying themed meals and beverages and touring Batuu, the “Star Wars” planet at Disney World. One hundred rooms at the Starcruiser made up less than 0.5 percent of Disney’s total accommodation inventory in the area. Disney recently stated that it will no longer be constructing a corporate campus in Florida, which was expected to cost over $1 billion, citing “changing business conditions” and disagreements with the state’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis. A Disney representative said that customers enjoyed the Starcruiser experience and commended it for its innovative and immersive entertainment, despite the attraction closing. The findings from this endeavor will be used to inform the development of future experiences by the organization, with the hope that they will appeal to a wider range of customers. While the Star Wars hotel’s closing may be a bummer for some fans, Disney is still dedicated to creating innovative and entertaining shows that will keep drawing in new customers.
