Disney fans react to closure of 'overpriced' Star Wars hotel
Fans reacted to Disney’s decision to shutter its ultra-expensive Star Wars-themed luxury hotel, which boasted rooms that ranged from $6,000 for a two-night stay for a family of four to an eye-popping $20,000 for a “tricked-out suite.”
The “Star Wars” Galactic Starcruiser hotel, which opened in March 2022 at Disney World, said Thursday it will close its doors on Sept. 28 — less than two years after opening — amid struggles to fill the 100-room facility.
“This is actually hilarious. They were adamant about having the Star Wars brand as the reason people spent thousands a night for the hotel, yet it has backfired tremendously,” said one user on a Reddit board about the hotel closure Friday.
When it opened, critics lambasted Disney for the Orlando-based hotel’s pricey, windowless rooms, subpar food and “Star Wars”-themed extras, like a private portrait session with a photographer.
As a result, the Mouse House had difficulty filling its 100-room hotel — even as Disney World rang up robust sales.
“It looks like an actual maximum security prison from the exterior. What a waste of money for everyone,” another Disney fan said after learning of the news to shutter the hotel.
Disney fans slammed the hotel for overpriced rooms that looked like windowless bunkers. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
At launch, Disney had bragged about the immersive experience, which would allow guests to interact with cast members and partake in adventures during their stay — but customers complained about the experience in relation to the high price.
One user on Reddit said: “Hmmmm…so you mean to tell me that Disney opened a crappy, cinder-block hotel filled with bad cosplay, cheap sets, silly acting theatre, basic arcade games, cell-like beds, and bland space windows, charged $5,000+ for a two-night stay…and somehow, this did not attract the average person into purchasing said experience enough to keep it afloat?”
Guests at the hotel experienced performances from “Star Wars” characters like Gaya (above) during their stay. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Guests taking part in immersive experiences with “Star Wars” cast members during their stay at the hotel. REUTERS
“It was essentially a $5000 escape room with Star Wars sprinkled in. And they damn near force you to participate in the ‘story,'” echoed another user.
Disney did not specify why one of its most “creative projects ever” was closing, but acknowledged it set a “new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment,” the company said in a statement.
“This premium, boutique experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms,” the statement read. “We are so proud of all of the Cast Members and Imagineers who brought Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser to life. Thank you to our Guests and fans for making this experience so special.”
Fans ripped Disney for creating an inaccessible experience for most Disney families. REUTERS
Disney chief executive Bob Iger announced in February that the company would reduce costs by $5.5 billion as it works to make its streaming TV business profitable.
The company, which announced the hotel in 2019, reportedly spent around $2 billion to construct its Star Wars theme parks in Florida and California.
It’s unknown if the cost of the Starcruiser Hotel was included in the amount.
Disney also revealed on Thursday it was scrapping its plans to build a whopping $1 billion corporate campus in Florida.
Source: New York Post
