Why is Star Wars Galaxy Edge closing?


Why is Star Wars Galaxy Edge closing? As we reported here, Disney is closing the Star Wars Hotel for similar financial reasons. The Star Wars bet is not paying off like Disney originally imagined. It also stems from a lack of market demand. Disney went too deep into Star Wars and ultimately it isn't paying off.


What will happen to Starcruiser?

BAY LAKE, Fla. – Walt Disney World's Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is beginning its final voyage Thursday before closing permanently. Walt Disney World announced back in May that the immersive Star Wars hotel experience would be closing after nearly two years in operation.


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 is Star Wars Galactic closing?

And while it received glowing reviews from guests, ultimately it performed below Disney's expectations, according to Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D'Amaro. “It didn't perform exactly like we wanted it to perform, so we decided that we were going to sunset this in September,” D'Amaro said.


Is Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser a failure?

It just failed to generate enough interest. The sticker shock lasted longer than the novelty value. I'll take my lumps, putting out a video ahead of its debut detailing the five reasons why Galactic Starcruiser will succeed. It lasted just 19 months.


Is Animal Kingdom closing permanently?

Needless to say, Disney has made no official announcements to close any of its wonderful Theme Parks, and as of now, the Walt Disney World Resort is still home to four: Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disneys Animal Kingdom with each Disney World Park at the Disney Resort having unique rides, ...


Is Galactic Starcruiser losing money?

Disney Reveals Just How Much Money It Lost on Overpriced Star Wars Hotel. In its most recent quarterly report, Disney revealed an embarrassing $250 million loss on its overpriced Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel.


Why is Disney getting rid of the Star Wars Hotel?

With stories that take two days to tell and a full cast of eight main characters, it is tough to ensure continuity for the guests and create a sustainable work schedule with enough backup performers to keep the whole thing running.


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.


What are the 2 abandoned Disney parks?

River Country is one of only two Disney parks to permanently close, along with Discovery Island, which is situated parallel to the water park.


Is the Galactic Starcruiser closing permanently?

Disney announced earlier this year that the company would be closing its Star Wars-themed “Galactic Starcruiser” hotel, with its final voyage scheduled from Sept. 28-30.


Is Disney attendance down in 2023?

January 2023 was the last month that was busier than last year (significantly so, although at least part of that comes down to the timing of New Year's Eve and winter breaks). Every month since has been slower in 2023 than last year. Above is a look at weekly wait times at Walt Disney World.


Do people go into debt for Disney?

With costs so high, it's no wonder why many families find it difficult to afford a Disney vacation. A recent LendingTree survey found that 18% of Disney visitors have gone into debt for one or more of their trips to the destination. And among those with Disney debt, 8% say it will take more than a year to pay it off.


Why is Disney parks losing money?

On top of that, trips to Europe appear to be cannibalizing demand for domestic theme parks this year — likely both contributing to the downturn. In addition to the stormy political climate, experts also point to extreme weather and heat in Florida as a contributing factor.


How much money did Disney spend on Galactic Starcruiser?

Launched with tremendous fanfare in March 2022, the Galactic Starcruiser had spent the good part of a decade in development and took an estimated $400 million to build, according to Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of International Theme Park Services, an industry consulting firm.


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?”


Which Disney park closed permanently?

River Country is one of only two Disney parks to permanently close, along with Discovery Island, which is situated parallel to the water park.