Disney World’s first larping hotel is about to have under-capacity days for the first time. Still, they’re pushing ahead into 2023.
For now, it appears there will be no major overhaul of the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. The one-hundred room “experience” that is equal parts role-playing and land-locked, windowless cruise, is now having difficulty filling dates to capacity… but that isn’t stopping Disney from trying to make it through the end of 2023 with what they have. In one way, that’s a good thing: it means cap ex spending can go to other (new) projects. In another way, this is a tough one: the Galactic Starcruiser hasn’t had an easy time selling out and 2023 is likely going to be harder.
Additionally, the cost for the adventure seems to be going up. The cost for at least one meal feature has gone from an additional thirty dollars per person to fifty dollars.
According to Brooke Geiger McDonald, prices for the “Captain’s Table” dinner upcharge have increased for 2023 voyages aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. The price jumps from $30/person to $50/person for 2023 dates. There is no change for any dates in 2022.
— Mike, Blog Mickey
What else might go up is still on the table…
People I have talked to say there’s still no doubt that the Galactic Starcruiser is going to have an early overhaul. According to at least one source, Disney may be padding out some of their lower attended days with recipients of prizes and charitable giving. I can’t confirm that, but even if it were true, it’s not slowing down the oncoming lull that is September. Even in August, we’re heading towards days where there’s still availability. That means empty rooms and missing players come some of these fall voyages.
What this more likely means is that the bean counters at Disney are hoping they can get through twelve more months (give or take) before they have to abandon the current vision. But if things don’t improve for this September and October, one can only assume that January through March is going to be very tough for those trying to keep this thing profitable. I’ve always said that September would be the beginning of where we see if the Galactic Starcruiser can hold evergreen interest — but it looks to me like the end of August is already making that determination.
Now the question for Disney is: how long can they keep this going before they’re forced to make the switch?
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