Disney is reportedly cancelling select voyages on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser this summer. WDWMagic is reporting that guests have been notified on several Summer 2023 voyages that their trip has been cancelled, and are being asked to move to a different date.
Guests impacted by the cancellations are being given a 50% discount to move to a different voyage date. When guests questioned the change, Disney reportedly called this a “refurbishment period.”
WDWMagic reports that three dates in July, four in August, and two in September have been cancelled at this time.
In related news, Disney has also announced a discount offer that will allow guests to save up to $700 on a stay at a Walt Disney World resort when combined with a voyage on the Galactic Starcruiser. Guests can extend their adventure, either before or after the Galactic Starcruiser, at a discounted rate.
The resort discount – combined with the reports that Galactic Starcruiser voyages are being cancelled – paints a potentially worrisome picture for Disney. It is possible Disney is choosing select times to refurbish different areas of the Galactic Starcruiser. Or, there could be some underlying trouble.
The Galactic Starcruiser started off hot with dates quickly selling out. But, as many in the Disney community noted, the real test comes after the initial buzz fades. The Galactic Starcruiser carries a hefty price (around $5,000 and up) for a two-night stay. That’s a steep barrier that sidelines many guests regardless of their interest level. The Venn diagram of guests with an interest in Star Wars, $5,000+ to spend, and an interest in interactive experiences might not be as large as Disney hopes.
Disney is chasing a relatively narrow market with a boutique experience. They know that, and have already discussed ways to add new events and stories to the Galactic Starcruiser in the hopes of keeping the experience fresh and inviting for repeat visits.
Reviews of the Galactic Starcruiser have been mostly positive. It’s widely agreed that Disney should be commended for trying something different and something that truly involves the guest, even if the price restricts the audience. But, the long-term success of the Galactic Starcruiser remains to be seen.
