Having now gone through all the positives and negatives of The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser in its opening form, I think that it’s time to share what would significantly improve the experience. Is the Starcruiser broken beyond repair? No way! Are there things that simply aren’t up to par if Disney wants this thing to be a paradigm shift in the industry? You bet.
I’m here to help the Imagineers and hotel operations crew with a few modifications that would boost everything up a notch:
1. Drop the Price
I realize that Disney wants this thing to make as much money as possible. But with not even the spring months sold out, it’s time to reexamine the asking price. When I hear that people are taking out loans to go see a two-day roleplaying experience, I think that’s no bueno for either side.
How overpriced is it? I’m thinking it’s about 30% too high. That’s way over the mark. There are things that could be reduced to get the overhead down without dramatically damaging the services. Honestly, there’s so much food involved in the excursion that I have to wonder: is a breakfast buffet necessary? Disney could also throw in a two-day parkhopper to make it more reasonable.
2. The Buffet Items
As we’ve discussed here, there’s a huge quality difference in the evening meals and the earlier buffet items. At this point it’s time to scrap most of the breakfast and lunch offerings. I get that all you can eat meals can’t be of the same level, but they need to be edible. If someone is dropping thousands of dollars on a stay, the food needs to be excellent, not just alien in appearance.
3. Drop the Sequel Trilogy
Yes, it would be troublesome to jettison the script as currently written… but it is inevitable. The sequel trilogy is toxic. Will people put up with it for Rise of the Resistance? Sure. Do they want to live in it for 48 hours? Umm…
A large percentage of people despise The Last Jedi. Another large percentage hate Rise of Skywalker. There is no fixing of this disjointed narrative, and there’s no point in continuing to prop it up. If Grogu shows up, consumers will show up. Drop Rey and Kylo Ren like the failed attempt they are.
4. Fight Coordinator
If you’re charging the amount Disney is for the Galactic Starcruiser, you’re going to need a finale worthy of the price tag. While some parts work, the fight scene on the upper balcony certainly does not. It’s not the cast’s fault; this is horribly, overly conservative choreography to blame. Whether it is an obvious light saber swap or paused delays to wait for sparks, the whole thing is clunky and corny. It is befitting a theme park, but not a very premium theatrical experience.
5. Galaxy’s Edge Reschedule
I don’t know if Starcruiser guests need to have exclusive 9-10 AM access to Galaxy’s Edge or exclusive evening access, but this price practically demands the immersion not be broken. When Starcruiser guests show up to see normal guests and stroller convoys, it makes everything less premium. Maybe letting them in during resort exclusive hours would keep it somewhat populated. That said, if you’re paying this amount, you ought to get some park time and the Millennium Falcon in pristine condition.
Is the scheduling to make that happen a nightmare? Sure. But it’s what should happen to elevate the Starcruiser.
Well, that’s my suggestion list for the moment. What would you recommend? Let me know in the comments below!
