Why did Disney's Star Wars Hotel fail?


Why did Disney's Star Wars Hotel fail? Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser officially closes this weekend, ending its 19-month run as Disney World's most expensive lodging experience. Despite recent 30% discounts for the two-night stays, the price points were too high for a business model that couldn't afford to be much cheaper.


How much did Disney lose on Galactic Starcruiser?

Disney Parks made a surprising announcement in May: its Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience in Orlando, Florida, will close in September after just ~18 months. During the Walt Disney Company's Q3 earnings call, the company revealed that the closure would result in a $250m loss.


Why is the Starcruiser hotel so expensive?

But the Starcruiser was also said to be immensely costly to operate, primarily because it employed a cast of about a dozen core actors who had to perform and interact with guests in full-day shifts. The Galactic Starcruiser features about a dozen core actors who interact with guests throughout the two-day experience.


Why are Disney hotels always sold out?

Despite this inventory spike, many Walt Disney World hotels are sold out for a range of dates in the next several months. The simplest and most straightforward explanation for sold out resorts at Walt Disney World is demand.


What went wrong with Galactic Starcruiser?

Between the steep prices, the lack of typical hotel amenities, and the reliance on modern characters in the franchise, the hotel was a tough sell for many guests. Despite the shortcomings, however, Harmon said he had to give credit where credit is due.


Is the Star Wars hotel overpriced?

In its most recent quarterly report, Disney revealed an embarrassing $250 million loss on its overpriced Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel.


Is alcohol free on Galactic Starcruiser?

Alcoholic drinks on board the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser are not included in the vacation package and must be paid for separately. Some non-alcoholic drinks are included (like soda and coffee), but alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty drinks require additional payment.


Are you allowed to leave the Star Wars hotel?

Passengers are able to leave the Galactic Starcruiser at any point throughout their stay. Just let a Crew Member know that you need to leave and they will escort you onto a Launch Pod back to planet Earth.


Why does the Star Wars hotel cost so much?

A Disney spokeswoman attributed the Galactic Starcruiser's cost to the way it thoroughly immerses guests in a fantasy world. Beyond the hotel room, the price includes expedited theme-park admission, entertainment, food and experiences like lightsaber training.


How is Star Wars Hotel doing?

The failed Star Wars hotel experience is closing, leaving behind an extraordinary, expensive vacant building. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel at Walt Disney World Resort is seen on April 3, 2022, in Orlando, Fla.


Can you leave the Starcruiser?

What if you need to leave in the middle of your stay? Passengers are able to leave the Galactic Starcruiser at any point throughout their stay.


Why did Disney Star Wars Hotel flop?

Turns out the galaxy doesn't contain enough Star Wars die-hards willing to pay for such a high-touch, high-cost experience, industry observers and experts say. “How many people who are superfans want to put in the time and the emotional expenditure of spending two days in a fully immersive experience?”