Disney’s new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is the next level of immersive storytelling. But is it a good as Disney wants you to believe? After our media preview yesterday, I would say the answer is a resounding; Yes!
First of all, this isn’t just a “Star Wars themed Hotel.” This is an extremely immersive storytelling experience that you get the pleasure of spending two nights in. Have you ever wanted to work side-by-side with Stormtroopers to thwart Resistance Rebels? Help break Chewbacca out of the Brig? Get to train with a Lightsaber? If the answer to any of those is yes, then a voyage on the Halcyon would be a dream come true.
We got the Highlight Reel for this media event, so I won’t be walking you through every part of the experience. Besides, your experience won’t be like anyone else’s. This is a real life Choose Your Own Adventure. You could take two, or even three voyages, and have a different experience each time! Take a upclose look at all the details below:
Everyone’s voyage starts as you board a transport shuttle and dock with the Halcyon in space. When the doors open you’re in the ship’s opulent Atrium. Seating areas covered in dark red velvet, gleaming lights reflecting off the polished floor. This is a side of Star Wars we haven’t seen represented at Disney before. Think the posh setting of Canto Bight, or Senator Padme Amidala’s wardrobe in the prequels. No dirty, worn surfaces, or recycled junk aboard the this glamorous Starcruiser.
During a welcome ceremony you’ll be introduced to the characters who will be traveling with you, including the cruise director and the captain. The Crew stays with you for the whole voyage so you’re able to form relationships.
Rooms
The rooms are small, with furniture made to tuck away.
And speaking of your cabin, let’s talk about sentient droids for a minute. In each room is a panel where you can interact with D3-O9, an AI driven character experience that Disney is testing. She’s been on the ship since it was built. She knows ship gossip, and she wants to talk to you. She might fill you in when things happen aboard the ship, like I don’t know, the First Order coming aboard!
Food
Like a traditional cruise, food is included on your journey aboard the Halcyon.
Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style in the Crown of Corellia Dining Room. Dinners for your two nights aboard are very different. The Dining Room isn’t huge, so when you book your voyage you’ll get to pick an early or later seating.
The first dinner is very showy, with a performance by the galactic superstar, Gaya.
For the second dinner, which is a sampling of dishes from all over the galaxy, the chef comes to talk about the food.
Merchandise
Don’t have the right clothes for an off-world trip? Looking for just the right souvenir to remember your voyage? The Chandrila Collection boutique located inside the Atrium will have just what you need. There’s something for every Star Wars fan.
Elegant yet subtle jewelry that you could wear back home on Earth. Backpacks, patchescostumes that were designed after Imagineers visited Skywalker Ranch, a Captain’s outfit for younglings, and so much more.
How to Interact
Your “Datapad,” or Play Disney App on your cell phone, will play a big part in this immersive cruise. It’s where you’ll see your itinerary; which can change depending on what choices you’ve made on board and on Batuu. Maybe while helping the cruise director you let it slip that you’re sympathetic to the Rebel Cause. Now she’s sending you a message asking for your help retrieving some Coaxium on your shore excursion to Black Spire Outpost. Family members can also take different paths with some helping Resistance Rebels and others helping the First Order.
Role Playing
During the media tour we got to experience a bit of the story line for the First Order and the Resistance. The path you choose while you’re aboard will effect what experiences you encounter.
We participated in some First Order sabotage in Engineering where we had to work together with other passengers.
We trained on the bridge. You get to try out all the stations including weapons, shields, and systems.
Do you have to be a massive Star Wars fan to enjoy the Galactic Starcruiser? No. As long as you enjoy good storytelling about good vs. evil, and maybe like to engage in some role playing, you’ll have an amazing experience. The Halcyon includes several new characters, so all the passengers are getting to know them. It’s pretty easy to tell who is a bad guy and who is a good guy. The story-line for this adventure is set between Episodes 8 and 9, but you don’t need to see all the movies to jump into the fun. There’s always the invitation to engage, to go deeper into the story, but never a push.
I would say guests on the Halycon will be getting an out of this world, immersive experience. I’m going to book my next voyage right now!
