Thanks for giving us both the good and the bad. Your reputation for being critical to Disney management when they deserve it makes your review particularly valuable!
This is so true. His opinion is very valuable for these reasons. I feel like he could be in our inner circle of friends because he agrees with a lot of our opinions. Haha
When I want a rational, balanced opinion - I always go to the guy dressed up like a Jedi with a tabletop full of children's toys..............100 percent solid.
He's fair and realistic. He doesn't sell 'happy highs', and that's why I like their videos. I might not agree with everything, but I understand where he's going to. Great review.
I REALLY hope his channel blows up to at least a million subscribers. He seems to give cold, hard facts. I don't mind that. I can tell when some RUclips channels sugarcoat the news so much that I can tell they're letting their fondness for Disney influence how they review the parks. He doesn't seem to pull punches and yes, I do appreciate that. Keep the channel the way it is, I wouldn't want it any other way...
Thank you Tom and the rest of the WDW News Today crew. This is the review I've most been looking forward to, a group that I knew fully paid their way to board and has always, in my opinion, been fair and honest with their reviews of everything Disney Parks related. I'm glad that the finished product is, on the whole, much better than the initial pieces released by Disney PR made it out to be. I'm really looking forward to your review of your second cruise. I also hope that you'll plan another cruise after awhile to see what's changed for the good and bad. Thank you again!
As for you comment on the white glove services: For years, when I booked my vacation, I would get a nice box of Magic bands (with our names on them), baggage tag, and transportation vouchers. So, starting at the airport, we put the provided luggage tags on our bags, check the bags, and they showed up in our resort room. Free transportation from the Orlando airport (with entertaining driver interactions), white glove check-in, and even golf cart tour of the hotel, and then dropped off at our building. At checkout time, bell services would come to the room, pick up the bag, with the same attached luggage tabs, and we would see them at the luggage carousel at our home airport. Again, free transportation to the airport. Now that is all gone (the magic), to save money, and gouge the guests.
And if you happen to drive to WDW, there's no longer free parking at the resorts. There was absolutely nothing done to justify this. The parking lots didn't change. It's 100% profit.
This is the most honest and insightful review I have watched in the midst of so many insanely biased reviews from both sides. You were clear, thorough and passionate in every word. Thank you.
I wish more people thought about the financials a trip like this or any trip would put them in. I think it's a great experience, but I honestly think it's not worth the amount that they're charging for it. The experience isn't for me, but I'm thrilled to hear that it is worth it for those who really enjoy not only Star Wars but themed entertainment.
Sorry but I cannot justify the amount either. Hubby and I took a 7-night Caribbean cruise for about that price with everything included. We did a little shopping at each port but only magnets for the fridge. Had a great time with 5-star service. From other videos I saw, most of the food and drinks on the Star Wars event are not included. That tunic was around $90 I believe. Prices on items were so overpriced I could not believe it. I grew up on Star Wars. This is nothing but a money grab.
Just my opinion, but I too find this experience to be too pricy, so I won't do it. That said, I don't think Disney, or any other entity, owes me an affordable experience. It costs money to put this together, and if you can afford it, good for you and have fun. I also don't go to professional sporting events anymore for the same reason. My wife and I have had several Disney vacations over the last 2 decades and really enjoyed them. Now they are out of our price range. I am not angry, and I don't feel that they owe me something. I just don't consume their product any more.
This is literally for people who are wealthy. The normal worker can afford this if they save but they can also take a family of 4 on a beautiful trip to an international location including hotel and flight and actually enjoy this beautiful world.
@@donnalynn2 I thought all the food was included. Only extra cost regarding food and drinks would be alcohol, which to be honest is not worth paying for.
I have very mixed feelings about this. Yes, it does look like a great experience but, only for a select group that can afford it. My big problem is Disney put so much time and money into this while the rides in the parks are constantly breaking down and new rides and projects have been delayed.
@@charlottedobson1638 If they were able to build this then they were able to fix all the park rides . That's the reality. Pandemic isn't an excuse. If Disney wanted to they would
@@charlottedobson1638 come on…let’s not sugar coat things… The magic in the parks have been very lackluster, even pre Covid. Which is a shame, because my fiancé will never be able to experience it when it was great.
I haven't been this excited to watch something since Empire came out in 1980! Thank you everyone at WDWNT for ALL of the continuous Galactic Starcruiser coverage!!!
My question isn't whether you had a good time or not. the real question is is this a sustainable business model? so far the limited appeal of this experience makes me skeptical. That price point is just insane...
You hit it with if it will have sustainability. The story line is too one dimensional. It would be hard to retheme the current story. It will have to change to keep it fresh or the price will have to come down which I feel will be the first step, after the newest and hype dies down and demand gets less.
When it is not sustainable the price will drop….they can add or replace characters, rewrite the narrative, add Grogu and Mando, Asoka etc…it’s a stage that is open to new shows
This is the moment we've all been waiting for! It is time for Tom's honest review of the Galactic Starcruiser. It's been great watching the videos all week about the experience. Now we can get the final verdict.
Yes I'm going to reply to my own comment. After watching this extremely honest review. I want to go. This was the best review I have seen and I LOVE that it came from someone who PAID to go on this and is paying to go again to see how the experience changes. I'm already a huge Star Wars fan. I know I would love this. I'm an extravert and I would dive into being a part of the story with no hesitation. My family almost left me in Galaxy's Edge the first time we went once I discovered the Play Disney App and the datapad cause I got so caught up in doing every mission, puzzle and interacting with every thing I could. Now to try and get past the high price tag and save to go on this. Thank you Tom and the crew at WDWNT for providing this to us.
As one of the Scenic carpenters who has given his sweat and a small amount of literal blood, working tremendous amount of overtime since late 2019 to bring Project H as I knew it at the time to life.... I'm so unbelievably relieved to hear that you enjoyed it. And that it hasn't all been an un-Star Wars mess. I actually feel emotional.
Your work is definitely appreciated. I loved my trip so much. The starcruiser is truly amazing, from the bridge to the staterooms and everything in-between.
Your work was absolutely worth it, I loved the ship and everything felt great! I don't know what part you worked on but so many things felt and looked really solid, and very Star Wars! I enjoyed it so much am planning to return.
No matter how much fun this looks like, that price point is just out of this world. For that price, I could do an Adventures By Disney in the USA and get so many more days and still get an exclusive experience. If this were much lower priced, I might consider it as a one time deluxe vacation. At this price point, no way. Not worth it for me.
I agree. It's not just expensive. it's ludicrously expensive. Not only could I not afford it. I can't remotely justify it. Ya, it may be a great experience, but I can't see it being worth a $6K experience, NO WAY! Can you imagine paying for this and then have it turn out to be a real disappointment. God that would hurt.
I really like hearing people talk about things they are passionate for. This whole video is a good example, but starting around 56:40 is something great. The way Tom lights up about "live entertainment" and tries to convey that excitement is top notch stuff. Fantastic video Mr. Corless and team, gotta subscribe now I suppose
Thank you Tom for your heartfelt and honest review. I'm looking forward to your comments on the second voyage since I heard the actors will be different. I really want to do this and can afford it but I'm finding it difficult to justify the cost. Subpar food, so much $ for so little time and small cabins.... Plus what's the deal with Gaya being such a superstar with all that luggage but she doesn't change outfits at all? Weird... Have disney execs never met a diva? It makes me feel like Cheapek cut more costs to fleece the fans even more... For that kind of money they needed to provide premium accommodations and superb food on top of entertainment.
It surprises me that all the time spent on planning the menu and NOBODY who attended gave it great reviews. Cheapek deserves the blame because he was directing the entire disaster. He is responsible for the chefs hired and he has the final say on what food is approved and how the menus are done. The shareholders need to remove him. He is doing a terrible job. Definitely a MUCH worse CEO than Iger or Eisner.
To be fair, you don't get cabns that are much larger on a real cruise, so there's that. The other thing is that, unlike a real cruise, there doesn't seem like you'll have a lot of time to spend in your cabin. From what I understand, they keep you pretty busy the whoe time that you're there and the rooms are largely on there for you to store your luggage and to sleep in once your day is done. But I understand that for the money it's a bit small, but for what it's supposed and for how much you're going to be doing, it's more than fine.
@@Riceball01 I remember from Tom's tour video he was going around showing all the little random storage places in the larger cabin -- meanwhile I'm wondering what people would even put in those spaces on such a short stay.
@@alextirrellRI Good question. Given how short the stay is, unless I was planning on spending more time in Florida, I wouldn't have packed even a small suitcase, just a duffle bag or a backpack. Enough for socks and underwear, toiletries, and a change of clothes for the trip home.
It seems that a big part of the price tag is to pay for the talent. (It’s clear that Disney isn’t just hiring from the drama club of the local high schools.) That being said, if I’m going to spend $6k over 2 nights/3 days, I’d rather go to New York, stay at the Waldorf, eat at fancy five star restaurants and catch a couple of Broadway plays. That’s just me though.
This is so good to hear. It makes me happy. Not for the Bob's of the world (WDW), but for the cast members... for the imagineers etc. They needed a win. This sounds like moment Walt would be proud of.... except the price tag 😉
Great stuff again Tom, extremely well done. I think unfortunately a strategic decision made to shoehorn this gigantic IP into the small space of HS will limit its long term feasibility. You need a much bigger canvas to draw out all the possible stories and worlds to immerse people into. To me the single largest management mistake made in the past ten years was failing to open a 5th gate with Starwars and Marvel IPs as the anchors. Imagine going off planet to multiple worlds or having more than one ship option, like serving on an imperial cruiser as a spy. The shoehorn move is a sad long term mistake. Thanks again!
Having been on the ship now I disagree - one advantage of placing the story there is that almost any costume is technically appropriate as anything could be historical reference. Also the core of the story is really classical imperial vs, resistance which fits into old and new movies... and a little bit of a love story, always timeless. Rey and Kylo are not the main focus of the story.
This review was so worth the wait! Fair and honest … loved it! BTW: I would love to hear a 2nd review from your 2nd trip to hear about anything that you learned or was worse or better than the first trip.
what about non interactive stuff? im disabled and deaf people cant hear me clearly. it is designed for the abled bodies and that. i have a huge problem with that, i read lips and need people loud. Do you know?
Love the segment about the financial responsibility Tom. I wish more people would get it, that ensuring your financial safety is more important than a theme park. I just read the other day that most of the US doesn't have the ability to take on a $400 emergency....thank you Tom, I hope more ppl hear that message.
I think this is an important point. With all the add on's in the park its very easy for people to slide into debt. I dont think disney have considered this as part of their responsibility towards the safety of guests. Walt would not want families to be left in a precarious situation after visiting the parks. I do understand there is personal responsibility, but let's face it, the bubble draws you in and it is all geared towards parting you ftom your money.
He permanently wins my respect. it was nice to do a sort of PSA and urge people to not fall into a debt trap. I put my vacation to Universal Orlando on hold for six months because waiting made it cheaper. Disney and Universal are the two biggest names in Florida's entertainment industry. They won't be going away. I agree with him: if you can actually afford this and want to go, then by all means do it and I hope you enjoy the trip. But if you're going to wind up owing your credit card company $1,000, that's a dangerous decision.
I totally agree, but strongly feel the Starcruiser is something worth saving up for as it is today. Can you cut back on drinking? Going out to eat? Maybe buying other stuff you don't really need? I cut back on some things for a while ahead of booking the star cruiser to help soften the blow.
After the raving, I am pleased to see the honest money talk at the end. We know Disney can do this level of entertainment... when they want to. But this cost is offensive. People keep comparing it to a cruise, but this is the world's shortest cruise. This price should be for at least 5 nights (which would certainly make the trip to a theme park a nicer excursion, no?). OR the price should be REALISTIC for two nights. Because we've seen Disney do this before. We know it's not THAT expensive. We got to spend hours at the Adventurers Club being part of an elaborate story with a bunch of great improvisational actors for $20 and a few drinks (and we weren't stuck in that one building either). "But why should people be allowed that experience when we can make them pay way more for it, and give them crappy food! Tear down Pleasure Island and build more shops!" Which, by the way, was not done in this fairytale world where Bob Chapek oversees all the moneygrubbing decisions. This was 2008, and was one of Bob Iger's FIRST moneygrubbing decisions as CEO. Also a Bob Iger decision? Galactic Starcruiser! Galaxy's Edge was created during the Iger era and had all its budget cuts in the Iger era, which means he was all for cutting everything and tossing it into an expensive non-park experience (Disney has openly wanted to do this since Discovery Cove opened in 2000, which goes all the way back to Eisner).EVERYTHING in the Iger era saw budget cuts! (I don't recall Pandora getting budget cuts, but Rivers of Light and other things in AK sure did.) Maybe he didn't specifically choose a $6000 price tag, but he very well could have. After all, Iger is the dude that oversaw park tickets going from $59.75 when he became CEO to $159 for a Holiday ticket when he left. Is Chapek a greedy monster? Of course he is! But Bob Iger was just as bad. As was Michael Eisner in the last half of his reign. History is not something you can reboot Disney-style.
All that said, after the biggest fans do this, it will stop selling out. So they'll start with their beloved budget cuts. Or things will stop working and they won't fix them. THEN they'll start with the discounts. And THEN they'll remove most of the expensive stuff from the experience and turn it into a dinner show and guests will just stay in a Star Wars version of a WDW Hotel. The Disney All-Stars Wars Resort!
If I ever had stupid money, I would go as a cosplay of a pirate from pirates of the Caribbean. Bumbling around and confused. Another idea would be a farmer reacting to their first encounter of aliens.
As much as they wanted to milk the hotel for all the cool stuff, it’s also fair to say that the execution is better suited in the starcruiser vs. trying to execute roaming droids, developing narratives, etc in a crowded and chaotic theme park land where not all guests are into participating.
But to move everything promised in a land behind a paywall of 5k is gross We were promised 1 on 1 character interactions on batuu, we were promised droids and interactivity. We got a phone app and that’s it. That’s what makes this vacation feels extra slimy, I’m sorry but anyone who spends money on this is burning their cash. There’s nothing really to do on this trip, you’re shoved on a conveyor belt and pushed through like any other attraction, except the ticket to this one is 5 GRAND
@@nish221100 but why was it cut? Did they genuinely have no funds or did they lose faith in the project and thought they could gouge more $$ from this venture instead?
I remember the white glove treatment we got when arriving at our DVC resort 20 years ago. We mixed things up and didn't stay at the same resort every time, but we were afforded the same respect at each resort. We were greeted at the entrance by a guard who checked our name off the day's arrival list and placed a DVC Member placard on the dash. At the front door valet parking was free (except for the tips), our luggage was collected, and we were escorted to the front desk to collect our room keys and complete all the paperwork. Then we were escorted to the rooms by a porter who also hauled the luggage cart for us. Once we got into the room and unloaded the cart, we could get something to eat or do whatever we wanted. Usually the kids stayed in the rooms because we traveled by car and we were all pretty tired. Frequently my wife and I would get the kids started watching a movie and go down to the lounge and enjoy a cocktail (or two). None of that happens any more. There aren't any guards checking our names, parking is for a fee and valet parking is on top of that, Going to the front desk is heavily discouraged, so we "check in" online and haul our luggage ourselves to the room. We fly a lot now, so we leave home the night before and when we arrive at the resort we usually have been up for 24 to 30 hours. That means a nap for me because I can't sleep on planes. Often the room is not yet available, though, because we get there around 10 AM and the room isn't ours until 3 PM. On our last trip, I took a nap in the lobby with my feet up on my bag. It's a much watered down experience from what it used to be.
The white glove treatment was something that the Disney hotels used to offer everyone. In one of his videos about the Star Cruiser Tom was going on about how great it was that the luggage was delivered to the room. I'm sorry but that was standard practice. You used Magical Express, rode to the hotel and at some point during the day the your luggage would appear in your room. There were nice people working the front desk who were happy to help if you had a problem. If there was an issue with your room housekeeping solved it. My last trip to Disney was in 2019. We had so many problems with our hotel, which was a moderate, that Disney refunded two nights cost and gave us a voucher for three nights free on a future trip. I'm never going to use those three free nights.
@@sallysmithson9713 Before I bought into DVC I stayed at the All Stars Movies (ASM) value resort. There was never any kind of white glove treatment at the value resorts. I like them. A lot! In fact I have stayed at ASM since I got into DVC just because I like the place. The last time was in 2018. The experience at that time was the same as I remember from over 20 years ago. I like the resort and I like the consistency of the experience over such a stretch of time. I'd do it again, too.
The treatment you got at disney was the reason we fell in love and continued to come back year after year. Now that is all gone. They treat you better at the hampton Inn than they do at the grand floridian now.
@@heatherweber8785 I think the primary reason for this is staffing. They have cut the staffing budgets so much that the remaining Cast Members are doing double and/or even triple duty compared to years ago. They are just too busy and don't have enough personnel to be able to provide the level of service that we formerly received. The Cast Members that remain are doing the best they can with the resources they are given by Disney management. Most new guests don't know the difference. But we who have been coming yearly for over 20 years do. It is sad how far things have sunk. I still cherish the Cast Members that I come into contact with, of course. They are angels and the trip would be without value if not for them. I have never had this conversation with any of them, but I am sure they regret how little they are able to do as well. At least the ones who remember what it used to be like.
Thanks for the review. I don’t agree with the price point because it’s not two full days. You go to Batu so technically your there for a 1 and a half day. The cast members are great and i agree that they bring the magic. Without the cast member interaction that hotel stay would be horrible.
If Kylo came to my room and personally force choked me then maybe the price would be justified. Otherwise the price for what you actually get is way too high
Super honest and useful, this video here is why WDWNT are the ones to follow. A lot of care went into this coverage. Thanks for all you guys do. I watch more of your content than Disney + and Netflix 😂
I am so happy you enjoyed yourself! With so many issues and missteps the company has made recently they really need this to be a success. I trust your opinion and thank you for the honest coverage of the place we all love
Really appreciate your brutally honest review and realistic perspective, especially when pointing out that yes, it's amazing, but no, it's not something people should go into debt for. Thank you so much! 👍
I was on the same first cruise as Tom, I think this is a very balanced and fair review - the only thing I feel much differently about is that I think the food is better than his review indicated (though breakfasts did have some misses for me as well), and I personally think the price is worthwhile for what you get. I also think the captains table is actually an OK value for the few extra courses and a bit extra character interaction, however it's not at all a captains table experience you get on other cruise ships or restaurants - it also does not cost nearly as much as a "normal" captains table. But some people I've seen on boards are really stressing trying to get this and I wouldn't feel too sad if you can't get it, it's just kind of a nice addition. P.S. Tom I was right in front of you for the finale and trying really hard not to block your video with my head or my own phone, hope I mostly succeeded...
Yep, if you have $6000+ for less than a 2 full day experience you can interact with characters, but if you spend $10,000+ for a regular mutli-day park stay, no interaction with characters for you! Spend $6000+ for a 7 DAY cruise in a luxury suite and have fireworks and Marvel or Star Wars experience and all your food is included!
Was waiting all week for this review and it did not disappoint - thank you! I appreciated Tom’s heartfelt ending and how he finds a way to tie in the heart and soul of WDW into the review. Would love to hear another review after the second trip!
I sincerely appreciate your review and wholeheartedly trust your take away. And yes, I’d be as involved as possible. And yes, I agree that at this price point it’s not happening for me. I hope these CMs are being compensated at a significant increase for the level of entertainment they are providing.
You did a great job filming and reviewing the Starcruiser. I would love to take my cousins, who are huge Star Wars fans. The only problem is the pay wall. This is definitely extremely overpriced. Let’s hope that the prices are decreased, so more people can go. Once again, great job on the review.
Something to add that is SW related. Sadly, Alan Ladd Jr. the producer of many of the SW films, passed away today at age 84. He was the one who approved the very first SW film. He even worked as an agent for Judy Garland early in her career. Other movies on his resume include Blade Runner, Alien, Chariots of Fire and Braveheart. He kickstarted movies that received a whopping 150 Oscar nominations. Unbelievable. RIP. Your contributions to cinema history are a permanent part of my childhood and teen years.
Hey by the way! I was one of the people in the elevator distracting Croy, if you want to see the elevator ride it's on my channel right now! It's THE BEST!!
This along with your individual videos of the various experiences aboard the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser are the best videos you have ever produced and I thank you for all of the time, effort and resources you put into it
You sir are the most honest review. I've seen and heard and I've watch alot of them but you are so fair and insightful your wisdom. Is so rare I sollute you sir and admire you sir . I really wish I knew you sir . what a great friendship it would be ,thank you for your honesty 😁😁😁
From what I gather on all these starcruiser videos, what you accomplish on Batuu seems to affect what experiences/path you take when back on the ship. That's so cool!
A review of the review. So often reviewers do their jobs with a certain sterility or detachment or faux emotionalism... which is fine, and expected, but not terribly compelling. This review was rare in that it seemed to me, a profession cynic, to be not only honest but very heartfelt. Tom clearly cared, no, passionately cared.... ... or he's one hell of an actor :-) . Seriously, I very much appreciate, and understand, the sentiment and the passion. When Disney does things right, the high craft and attention to detail can at least feel like they have actual magic that is worthy of celebration. Please continue to not lose sight of that and hold them to account when they decide to just be high priced amusement park.
Thank you for your honest review, and I'm glad that you got some value for your money. We know someone Disney watches this channel, so maybe they'll actually listen to real constructive criticism for once (I doubt it, but you never know)
I was so very happy to see Tom so very passionate about his experience! I wish I could afford something like this, but I have to live on a retirement budget. Still I want to Thank You Tom for your honest and insightful review!
So good to hear reliable feedback on Galactic Starcruiser. I was worried this was going to be a letdown, but your videos and review clearly show otherwise. Glad that we got to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. Really excited to try this on the next WDW trip, might need to wait out the $ though.
Cancelled when we found out the timeline and it was the sequel crap. If they made original trilogy content or mixed it up maybe but sequels = poop. So glad we saved our $$$$!
Wait so you booked even without researching about it at all? Why would they make it about the original trilogy. It will ruin the story then if they go to Batuu. So it's okay with you to cruise on the original trilogy and go to batuu and ride the sequal trilogy rides?
The more I learn about it, the more I like it. Disney Marketing really blew it. They really should have marketed this as a murder mystery type event on a cruise ship in space. If you ever seen Turtle Talk or Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, it’s like that, but on ultra-steroids with real actors in an escape room type story for 2 days. Or how the Whispering Canyon or Prime Time Cafe used to be.
I’m honestly super jazzed as I’ve noticed throughout the videos of the Halcyon’s maiden voyage how many faces I’ve recognized among the cast and crew of the ship (and the special characters aboard who partake in the story) that it *almost* makes me forgive the price point; but as much as I love my fellow actors, Disney (really PayCheck) needs to stop kidding themselves with the prices for this experience (especially when you consider that you get a *week* on a DCL ship over *2 days* on the Halcyon) if they knocked down the prices to being more reasonable for what it is? I would highly consider stepping aboard for my own adventure
I agree, you'd think that not having to pay for fuel and maintenance, as well port/docking fees, they could afford to charge less for a fake cruise. But then again, all of the cast members, both actors and non-actors, are all Americans, or at least Green Card holders so the labor cost is going to be higher than aboard an actual cruise liner where many of crew and staff would be paid a lot less. But I'm sure that this hotel employs a lot fewere people than a cuise ship does so that should or at be close to evening out.
I don't think you can compare this at all to anything like a normal cruise ship. Imaging if you packed all the fun of a seven day cruise into two days, that's kind of what this feels like... I feel like I got more value out of the Halcyon cruise than I have out of many longer, also expensive cruises. it's a super compact but awesome experience. and honestly I would not have wanted it to be much longer. I needed a day or rest after. I don't think people understand the level of staffing and quality staffing at that something like this takes, especially when you are not relying on severely underpaid 3rd-world staff to provide most of the service.
@@galacticcurator8788 I fail to see how a 2 day experience in a sealed environment is better than a 7 day one in the open sea, even if the amount of activities is comparable.
@@pinoarias8601 I'm sure you do, but I've done both and the Galactic Starcrusier experience was just more amazing in a differnet way, but and more of an experience in terms of memories than most of the cruises I have been on. They are actually total opposites since mostly you go on cruises to relax, and the StarCrusier is about living a story, not relaxing. It's not for everyone but for those is is for, it is spectacular and there is literally nothing like it on Earth.
This is the best video WDW News has put out. It did get me excited about the Galactic Starcruiser. Can we go now? No. But man do I hope it is in our future! Robert Burton
I love that you noticed the same thing I did first thing, the beck of Batuu. I made so many jokes about that on the way in. 🤣 I thought it was a bad omen but thank God I was wrong. What a life changing experience. ♥️
Fantastic review. It is definitely a ton better than I think many of us expected, I am still hesitant to commit to spending the money, and also worried some of these aspects may be toned down (Devices, white glove service, etc.). Thanks so much for the review!
It was promised and I think it was delivered with the introduction of the Starcruiser. The pandemic definitely put a stop to progress, but here's exactly what they said they'd give you. I loved GE in Disneyland back in 2020. It was obvious that things were missing, but I'm so happy to see what they've done now. It's great...
Thanks for the great review. The challenge for our family isn't so much the money. But instead its what we could use that money for in competition to this. You can do some pretty incredible vacations for much less. Happy to hear the quality onboard was so good. I hope they keep that level high. Thanks for all the content.
Very smart to do 2 in a row to be able to compare & contrast while fresh in the memory. Please let's hear about differences, etc because as a paying journalist & fan, I trust your opinion. Thx Tom & crew (esp sun burned Eric filling in)
Watched an hour long influencer review, and chalked this up as silly. Now I watched this entire review and I’m enthralled. The live theater, passion, and magic of the experience flowed through you and got me so damn excited. I had the worst Disney world hotel experience of my life last year and I had really lost some faith... this review brings back some hope. Thanks for being so honest, Tom.
The Box Truck ride would be great if it also shuttled Aliens and Droids from the Halcyon to Battu and back. Even if it was just a prop of a sleeping Wookie.
Since we know Disney watches what you do, hopefully they will take your review and make some needed changes. The box truck was poor. But I don't see this thing lasting more than two year before it changes to just a deluxe hotel.
This has been the most honest/positive review I’ve seen so far. Disney really needs to start leaning into reviewers that aren’t going to give an automatically positive review, either because they’re just happy to be there or because they want to keep getting invited to events. Thank you
Great review, Tom! I really hope this becomes more affordable as it would be a trip of a lifetime for me and the family with the travel costs (and I'd want to spend some time in the parks as well). Funny to see Scott Trowbridge pop up in the video enjoying one of the key events with guests! I gather the budget was seriously slashed close to opening so what they have done is really impressive in terms of details, storytelling, cast etc. I know many people are just going to hate it but as someone who enjoyed LARPing and tabletop RP when I was younger this just seems like a dream experience that most LARP organizers would kill to create.
Tom, first and foremost; Thank you. As one of the many fans who will likely never get to have these experiences first hand I want to earnestly thank you for all your wonderful coverage. From the over-all coverage (yours here, as well as others) I am left with the sense that this experience is akin to paying for the experience of being an extra in your favorite movie for two days. For the fortunate few this will be a wonderful experience, and with luck super-fans will gain access through promotions, lotteries and giveaways if it is embraced. Disappointed to hear that the cuisine was not better, this price-point and environment demands excellent options, service and cocktails. Additional support for these services could be offset by a conjoined yet exclusive dinning experience with access to properly attired park guests, Disney bounders and merch sales would skyrocket.
Not excusing the budget cuts, but at least it's possible for Disney to neplace the box truck Batuu transport with something better in the future. It would be a lot more difficult to relocate the entire starcruiser complex so the backside of Galaxy's Edge isn't visible.
I agree with you about the box truck transport. They should have a what looks like a droid driving and the view of where you’re going via a screen.. that would be so cool !
Yes this was the one thing I was wishing was better, any kind of screen in the transport would have made it much better. Very strange it was not at least as good as the initial transport to the ship.
Thanks for the review Tom. As a big star wars fan I will wait for the price to drop as coming from the UK, its alot for just a short time. The looks of it really do look good and the expereince on the story. WIll be a wait and see now.
Thank you for this sir I have been coming to this channel for the honest customer focused reviews that you provide. Like you, my parents have raised my siblings and I with Walt's dream and now we are all doing so with my our own children. I have been forwarding your videos to all of the family members and now we all come to your channel for pure unadulterated reviews of Disney experiences and products. Please continue to work hard and know that your work is very much appreciated by this community.
Tom your review was the one above all others that I’ve been waiting for. I knew you wouldn’t sugar coat the downsides to this experience. I’m excited to hear there’s some positives to go with the negatives. Thanks so much for giving us a solid preview so we can decide for ourselves.
Well said, Tom! I will take your advice and wait it out a bit… not to mention stacking up those credits in the meantime. Safe journey on the next voyage and may the stars guide your way!
What part of a Starcruiser voyage would you most look forward to?
The food! Haha
The Milk!!!!
My bank account balance
The video special by Defunctland
Nothing. Just doesn’t excite me still.
Thanks for giving us both the good and the bad. Your reputation for being critical to Disney management when they deserve it makes your review particularly valuable!
This is so true. His opinion is very valuable for these reasons. I feel like he could be in our inner circle of friends because he agrees with a lot of our opinions. Haha
When I want a rational, balanced opinion - I always go to the guy dressed up like a Jedi with a tabletop full of children's toys..............100 percent solid.
He's fair and realistic. He doesn't sell 'happy highs', and that's why I like their videos. I might not agree with everything, but I understand where he's going to. Great review.
I REALLY hope his channel blows up to at least a million subscribers. He seems to give cold, hard facts. I don't mind that. I can tell when some RUclips channels sugarcoat the news so much that I can tell they're letting their fondness for Disney influence how they review the parks. He doesn't seem to pull punches and yes, I do appreciate that. Keep the channel the way it is, I wouldn't want it any other way...
Thank you Tom and the rest of the WDW News Today crew. This is the review I've most been looking forward to, a group that I knew fully paid their way to board and has always, in my opinion, been fair and honest with their reviews of everything Disney Parks related. I'm glad that the finished product is, on the whole, much better than the initial pieces released by Disney PR made it out to be. I'm really looking forward to your review of your second cruise. I also hope that you'll plan another cruise after awhile to see what's changed for the good and bad. Thank you again!
Yoder Man Kevin! 👽
This is the most sensible, honest report on Starcruiser I have seen to date.
As for you comment on the white glove services:
For years, when I booked my vacation, I would get a nice box of Magic bands (with our names on them), baggage tag, and transportation vouchers.
So, starting at the airport, we put the provided luggage tags on our bags, check the bags, and they showed up in our resort room.
Free transportation from the Orlando airport (with entertaining driver interactions), white glove check-in, and even golf cart tour of the hotel, and then dropped off at our building.
At checkout time, bell services would come to the room, pick up the bag, with the same attached luggage tabs, and we would see them at the luggage carousel at our home airport.
Again, free transportation to the airport.
Now that is all gone (the magic), to save money, and gouge the guests.
Cool then don’t go anymore
@@charlottedobson1638 wow you’re cool
Yup AND they fired a shitload of staff to accommodate the salary increases for their CEOs, thus gutting the experience levels in all parks.
And if you happen to drive to WDW, there's no longer free parking at the resorts. There was absolutely nothing done to justify this. The parking lots didn't change. It's 100% profit.
@@charlottedobson1638 Hey, if you like getting reamed, for the rest of us, money means something.
Lt. Croy was the MVP. Dude needs a movie. Thanks for sharing your honest take on the experience.
I, for one, would like to hear more about the story of the character Tom created for himself aboard the Halcyon
I love Tom's honesty in his opinions. This is why Wdwnt is my favorite theme park channel.
This is one of only two Disney based RUclips based channels I watch. The other is DIS Unplugged and they gave an honest review of this hotel.
Tom's enthusiasm for this is such a heart-warming shock. Tom falling in love with Lt. Croy was not the love story I expected.
Really appreciate the honest and objective review. This is how things need to be done without bias etc.
Very well done Tom. This why I like WDWNT.
This is the most honest and insightful review I have watched in the midst of so many insanely biased reviews from both sides. You were clear, thorough and passionate in every word. Thank you.
I wish more people thought about the financials a trip like this or any trip would put them in. I think it's a great experience, but I honestly think it's not worth the amount that they're charging for it. The experience isn't for me, but I'm thrilled to hear that it is worth it for those who really enjoy not only Star Wars but themed entertainment.
Sorry but I cannot justify the amount either. Hubby and I took a 7-night Caribbean cruise for about that price with everything included. We did a little shopping at each port but only magnets for the fridge. Had a great time with 5-star service. From other videos I saw, most of the food and drinks on the Star Wars event are not included. That tunic was around $90 I believe. Prices on items were so overpriced I could not believe it. I grew up on Star Wars. This is nothing but a money grab.
Just my opinion, but I too find this experience to be too pricy, so I won't do it. That said, I don't think Disney, or any other entity, owes me an affordable experience. It costs money to put this together, and if you can afford it, good for you and have fun. I also don't go to professional sporting events anymore for the same reason. My wife and I have had several Disney vacations over the last 2 decades and really enjoyed them. Now they are out of our price range. I am not angry, and I don't feel that they owe me something. I just don't consume their product any more.
This is literally for people who are wealthy. The normal worker can afford this if they save but they can also take a family of 4 on a beautiful trip to an international location including hotel and flight and actually enjoy this beautiful world.
It’s not for me either. I don’t even like Star Wars, but I’m happy if the Star Wars fans enjoy it.
@@donnalynn2 I thought all the food was included. Only extra cost regarding food and drinks would be alcohol, which to be honest is not worth paying for.
I have very mixed feelings about this. Yes, it does look like a great experience but, only for a select group that can afford it. My big problem is Disney put so much time and money into this while the rides in the parks are constantly breaking down and new rides and projects have been delayed.
Rides break down because they break down and are rides. That’s the reality of it. Also there was this thing called a pandemic that put things on hold
This is true
@@charlottedobson1638 just open your mouth mickey isn't done using you as a toilet.
@@charlottedobson1638 If they were able to build this then they were able to fix all the park rides . That's the reality. Pandemic isn't an excuse. If Disney wanted to they would
@@charlottedobson1638 come on…let’s not sugar coat things…
The magic in the parks have been very lackluster, even pre Covid. Which is a shame, because my fiancé will never be able to experience it when it was great.
I haven't been this excited to watch something since Empire came out in 1980! Thank you everyone at WDWNT for ALL of the continuous Galactic Starcruiser coverage!!!
No matter what the cost, with the experience based on the sequel trilogy (with a kk self insert) already blemishes everything
Star Wars In Name Only
My question isn't whether you had a good time or not. the real question is is this a sustainable business model? so far the limited appeal of this experience makes me skeptical. That price point is just insane...
You hit it with if it will have sustainability.
The story line is too one dimensional. It would be hard to retheme the current story. It will have to change to keep it fresh or the price will have to come down which I feel will be the first step, after the newest and hype dies down and demand gets less.
When it is not sustainable the price will drop….they can add or replace characters, rewrite the narrative, add Grogu and Mando, Asoka etc…it’s a stage that is open to new shows
@@shawnokeefe1580 honest question...has Disney ever dropped the price of anything?
I’m wondering how the experience is when the cruise is only 25-50% full
@@Jay-wk9xj If people dont come they will...something tells me people will go e
Thank you Tom for your honest review.
This is the moment we've all been waiting for! It is time for Tom's honest review of the Galactic Starcruiser. It's been great watching the videos all week about the experience. Now we can get the final verdict.
Yes I'm going to reply to my own comment. After watching this extremely honest review. I want to go. This was the best review I have seen and I LOVE that it came from someone who PAID to go on this and is paying to go again to see how the experience changes. I'm already a huge Star Wars fan. I know I would love this. I'm an extravert and I would dive into being a part of the story with no hesitation. My family almost left me in Galaxy's Edge the first time we went once I discovered the Play Disney App and the datapad cause I got so caught up in doing every mission, puzzle and interacting with every thing I could. Now to try and get past the high price tag and save to go on this. Thank you Tom and the crew at WDWNT for providing this to us.
As one of the Scenic carpenters who has given his sweat and a small amount of literal blood, working tremendous amount of overtime since late 2019 to bring Project H as I knew it at the time to life.... I'm so unbelievably relieved to hear that you enjoyed it. And that it hasn't all been an un-Star Wars mess. I actually feel emotional.
Great to hear from someone who worked on the project
Your work is definitely appreciated. I loved my trip so much. The starcruiser is truly amazing, from the bridge to the staterooms and everything in-between.
Your work was absolutely worth it, I loved the ship and everything felt great! I don't know what part you worked on but so many things felt and looked really solid, and very Star Wars! I enjoyed it so much am planning to return.
thank you for your work
No matter how much fun this looks like, that price point is just out of this world. For that price, I could do an Adventures By Disney in the USA and get so many more days and still get an exclusive experience. If this were much lower priced, I might consider it as a one time deluxe vacation. At this price point, no way. Not worth it for me.
I agree. It's not just expensive. it's ludicrously expensive. Not only could I not afford it. I can't remotely justify it. Ya, it may be a great experience, but I can't see it being worth a $6K experience, NO WAY! Can you imagine paying for this and then have it turn out to be a real disappointment. God that would hurt.
I really like hearing people talk about things they are passionate for.
This whole video is a good example, but starting around 56:40 is something great. The way Tom lights up about "live entertainment" and tries to convey that excitement is top notch stuff.
Fantastic video Mr. Corless and team, gotta subscribe now I suppose
The only honest review on RUclips. I’m glad it’s positive, just a shame I couldn’t justify my family staying there unless we win the lottery.
Thank you for the incredible and honest review. Your team and content is second to none and we greatly appreciate your time and effort.
Thank you!
"Some of those people will even get called out in the finale" me!! I did!! Sandro thanked me by name! 😭 I'll never forget it!
Love love love Tom's honest reviews.
Thank you Tom for your heartfelt and honest review. I'm looking forward to your comments on the second voyage since I heard the actors will be different. I really want to do this and can afford it but I'm finding it difficult to justify the cost. Subpar food, so much $ for so little time and small cabins.... Plus what's the deal with Gaya being such a superstar with all that luggage but she doesn't change outfits at all? Weird... Have disney execs never met a diva? It makes me feel like Cheapek cut more costs to fleece the fans even more... For that kind of money they needed to provide premium accommodations and superb food on top of entertainment.
It surprises me that all the time spent on planning the menu and NOBODY who attended gave it great reviews. Cheapek deserves the blame because he was directing the entire disaster. He is responsible for the chefs hired and he has the final say on what food is approved and how the menus are done. The shareholders need to remove him. He is doing a terrible job. Definitely a MUCH worse CEO than Iger or Eisner.
To be fair, you don't get cabns that are much larger on a real cruise, so there's that. The other thing is that, unlike a real cruise, there doesn't seem like you'll have a lot of time to spend in your cabin. From what I understand, they keep you pretty busy the whoe time that you're there and the rooms are largely on there for you to store your luggage and to sleep in once your day is done. But I understand that for the money it's a bit small, but for what it's supposed and for how much you're going to be doing, it's more than fine.
@@Riceball01 I remember from Tom's tour video he was going around showing all the little random storage places in the larger cabin -- meanwhile I'm wondering what people would even put in those spaces on such a short stay.
@@alextirrellRI Good question. Given how short the stay is, unless I was planning on spending more time in Florida, I wouldn't have packed even a small suitcase, just a duffle bag or a backpack. Enough for socks and underwear, toiletries, and a change of clothes for the trip home.
It seems that a big part of the price tag is to pay for the talent. (It’s clear that Disney isn’t just hiring from the drama club of the local high schools.) That being said, if I’m going to spend $6k over 2 nights/3 days, I’d rather go to New York, stay at the Waldorf, eat at fancy five star restaurants and catch a couple of Broadway plays. That’s just me though.
This is so good to hear. It makes me happy. Not for the Bob's of the world (WDW), but for the cast members... for the imagineers etc. They needed a win. This sounds like moment Walt would be proud of.... except the price tag 😉
Great stuff again Tom, extremely well done. I think unfortunately a strategic decision made to shoehorn this gigantic IP into the small space of HS will limit its long term feasibility. You need a much bigger canvas to draw out all the possible stories and worlds to immerse people into. To me the single largest management mistake made in the past ten years was failing to open a 5th gate with Starwars and Marvel IPs as the anchors. Imagine going off planet to multiple worlds or having more than one ship option, like serving on an imperial cruiser as a spy. The shoehorn move is a sad long term mistake. Thanks again!
Having been on the ship now I disagree - one advantage of placing the story there is that almost any costume is technically appropriate as anything could be historical reference. Also the core of the story is really classical imperial vs, resistance which fits into old and new movies... and a little bit of a love story, always timeless. Rey and Kylo are not the main focus of the story.
Considering the massive amount of Marvel IP they’re not allowed to use in Florida, using Marvel for a 5th gate seems out of the question.
@@jasonpeacock9735 I always forget that the agreement is that they can only use marvel in parks West of the Mississippi River.
This review was so worth the wait! Fair and honest … loved it! BTW: I would love to hear a 2nd review from your 2nd trip to hear about anything that you learned or was worse or better than the first trip.
what about non interactive stuff? im disabled and deaf people cant hear me clearly. it is designed for the abled bodies and that. i have a huge problem with that, i read lips and need people loud. Do you know?
Love the segment about the financial responsibility Tom. I wish more people would get it, that ensuring your financial safety is more important than a theme park. I just read the other day that most of the US doesn't have the ability to take on a $400 emergency....thank you Tom, I hope more ppl hear that message.
I think this is an important point. With all the add on's in the park its very easy for people to slide into debt. I dont think disney have considered this as part of their responsibility towards the safety of guests. Walt would not want families to be left in a precarious situation after visiting the parks. I do understand there is personal responsibility, but let's face it, the bubble draws you in and it is all geared towards parting you ftom your money.
He permanently wins my respect. it was nice to do a sort of PSA and urge people to not fall into a debt trap. I put my vacation to Universal Orlando on hold for six months because waiting made it cheaper. Disney and Universal are the two biggest names in Florida's entertainment industry. They won't be going away. I agree with him: if you can actually afford this and want to go, then by all means do it and I hope you enjoy the trip. But if you're going to wind up owing your credit card company $1,000, that's a dangerous decision.
I totally agree, but strongly feel the Starcruiser is something worth saving up for as it is today. Can you cut back on drinking? Going out to eat? Maybe buying other stuff you don't really need? I cut back on some things for a while ahead of booking the star cruiser to help soften the blow.
I'm glad there were positive things to highlight. I know we like your rants but this is a refreshing thing.
After the raving, I am pleased to see the honest money talk at the end. We know Disney can do this level of entertainment... when they want to. But this cost is offensive. People keep comparing it to a cruise, but this is the world's shortest cruise. This price should be for at least 5 nights (which would certainly make the trip to a theme park a nicer excursion, no?). OR the price should be REALISTIC for two nights. Because we've seen Disney do this before. We know it's not THAT expensive. We got to spend hours at the Adventurers Club being part of an elaborate story with a bunch of great improvisational actors for $20 and a few drinks (and we weren't stuck in that one building either).
"But why should people be allowed that experience when we can make them pay way more for it, and give them crappy food! Tear down Pleasure Island and build more shops!" Which, by the way, was not done in this fairytale world where Bob Chapek oversees all the moneygrubbing decisions. This was 2008, and was one of Bob Iger's FIRST moneygrubbing decisions as CEO. Also a Bob Iger decision? Galactic Starcruiser! Galaxy's Edge was created during the Iger era and had all its budget cuts in the Iger era, which means he was all for cutting everything and tossing it into an expensive non-park experience (Disney has openly wanted to do this since Discovery Cove opened in 2000, which goes all the way back to Eisner).EVERYTHING in the Iger era saw budget cuts! (I don't recall Pandora getting budget cuts, but Rivers of Light and other things in AK sure did.) Maybe he didn't specifically choose a $6000 price tag, but he very well could have. After all, Iger is the dude that oversaw park tickets going from $59.75 when he became CEO to $159 for a Holiday ticket when he left.
Is Chapek a greedy monster? Of course he is! But Bob Iger was just as bad. As was Michael Eisner in the last half of his reign. History is not something you can reboot Disney-style.
All that said, after the biggest fans do this, it will stop selling out. So they'll start with their beloved budget cuts. Or things will stop working and they won't fix them. THEN they'll start with the discounts. And THEN they'll remove most of the expensive stuff from the experience and turn it into a dinner show and guests will just stay in a Star Wars version of a WDW Hotel. The Disney All-Stars Wars Resort!
If I ever had stupid money, I would go as a cosplay of a pirate from pirates of the Caribbean. Bumbling around and confused. Another idea would be a farmer reacting to their first encounter of aliens.
Absolutely we want a second trip review! Safe voyage!
Tom, I’ve only been watching WDW News Today for about a year but this was the best piece I’ve seen. Congrats on a great job of delivering this review!
As much as they wanted to milk the hotel for all the cool stuff, it’s also fair to say that the execution is better suited in the starcruiser vs. trying to execute roaming droids, developing narratives, etc in a crowded and chaotic theme park land where not all guests are into participating.
@Tom Somhairle Actually, it was cut purely for budgetary reasons. Even the datapad in Batuu is subpar. There was (still is) much more possible there.
But to move everything promised in a land behind a paywall of 5k is gross
We were promised 1 on 1 character interactions on batuu, we were promised droids and interactivity.
We got a phone app and that’s it.
That’s what makes this vacation feels extra slimy, I’m sorry but anyone who spends money on this is burning their cash.
There’s nothing really to do on this trip, you’re shoved on a conveyor belt and pushed through like any other attraction, except the ticket to this one is 5 GRAND
@@nish221100 but why was it cut? Did they genuinely have no funds or did they lose faith in the project and thought they could gouge more $$ from this venture instead?
I remember the white glove treatment we got when arriving at our DVC resort 20 years ago. We mixed things up and didn't stay at the same resort every time, but we were afforded the same respect at each resort. We were greeted at the entrance by a guard who checked our name off the day's arrival list and placed a DVC Member placard on the dash. At the front door valet parking was free (except for the tips), our luggage was collected, and we were escorted to the front desk to collect our room keys and complete all the paperwork. Then we were escorted to the rooms by a porter who also hauled the luggage cart for us. Once we got into the room and unloaded the cart, we could get something to eat or do whatever we wanted. Usually the kids stayed in the rooms because we traveled by car and we were all pretty tired. Frequently my wife and I would get the kids started watching a movie and go down to the lounge and enjoy a cocktail (or two).
None of that happens any more. There aren't any guards checking our names, parking is for a fee and valet parking is on top of that, Going to the front desk is heavily discouraged, so we "check in" online and haul our luggage ourselves to the room. We fly a lot now, so we leave home the night before and when we arrive at the resort we usually have been up for 24 to 30 hours. That means a nap for me because I can't sleep on planes. Often the room is not yet available, though, because we get there around 10 AM and the room isn't ours until 3 PM. On our last trip, I took a nap in the lobby with my feet up on my bag. It's a much watered down experience from what it used to be.
The white glove treatment was something that the Disney hotels used to offer everyone. In one of his videos about the Star Cruiser Tom was going on about how great it was that the luggage was delivered to the room. I'm sorry but that was standard practice. You used Magical Express, rode to the hotel and at some point during the day the your luggage would appear in your room. There were nice people working the front desk who were happy to help if you had a problem. If there was an issue with your room housekeeping solved it. My last trip to Disney was in 2019. We had so many problems with our hotel, which was a moderate, that Disney refunded two nights cost and gave us a voucher for three nights free on a future trip. I'm never going to use those three free nights.
As someone who’s never stayed at a hotel I’m happy to take them!(Hopefully this doesn’t sound rude)
@@sallysmithson9713 Before I bought into DVC I stayed at the All Stars Movies (ASM) value resort. There was never any kind of white glove treatment at the value resorts. I like them. A lot! In fact I have stayed at ASM since I got into DVC just because I like the place. The last time was in 2018. The experience at that time was the same as I remember from over 20 years ago. I like the resort and I like the consistency of the experience over such a stretch of time. I'd do it again, too.
The treatment you got at disney was the reason we fell in love and continued to come back year after year. Now that is all gone. They treat you better at the hampton Inn than they do at the grand floridian now.
@@heatherweber8785 I think the primary reason for this is staffing. They have cut the staffing budgets so much that the remaining Cast Members are doing double and/or even triple duty compared to years ago. They are just too busy and don't have enough personnel to be able to provide the level of service that we formerly received. The Cast Members that remain are doing the best they can with the resources they are given by Disney management. Most new guests don't know the difference. But we who have been coming yearly for over 20 years do. It is sad how far things have sunk. I still cherish the Cast Members that I come into contact with, of course. They are angels and the trip would be without value if not for them. I have never had this conversation with any of them, but I am sure they regret how little they are able to do as well. At least the ones who remember what it used to be like.
Thanks for the review. I don’t agree with the price point because it’s not two full days. You go to Batu so technically your there for a 1 and a half day. The cast members are great and i agree that they bring the magic. Without the cast member interaction that hotel stay would be horrible.
half of me is like:”this is cool, this seems fun,” and the other half is:”don’t give them your money, it’s not worth it,”
If Kylo came to my room and personally force choked me then maybe the price would be justified. Otherwise the price for what you actually get is way too high
Super honest and useful, this video here is why WDWNT are the ones to follow. A lot of care went into this coverage. Thanks for all you guys do. I watch more of your content than Disney + and Netflix 😂
Definitely want a second trip review. Love the idea of seeing how the second round will play out differently.
I second this! Would love to hear what he thinks about another round doing different paths.
I am so happy you enjoyed yourself! With so many issues and missteps the company has made recently they really need this to be a success. I trust your opinion and thank you for the honest coverage of the place we all love
Really appreciate your brutally honest review and realistic perspective, especially when pointing out that yes, it's amazing, but no, it's not something people should go into debt for. Thank you so much! 👍
I was on the same first cruise as Tom, I think this is a very balanced and fair review - the only thing I feel much differently about is that I think the food is better than his review indicated (though breakfasts did have some misses for me as well), and I personally think the price is worthwhile for what you get. I also think the captains table is actually an OK value for the few extra courses and a bit extra character interaction, however it's not at all a captains table experience you get on other cruise ships or restaurants - it also does not cost nearly as much as a "normal" captains table. But some people I've seen on boards are really stressing trying to get this and I wouldn't feel too sad if you can't get it, it's just kind of a nice addition. P.S. Tom I was right in front of you for the finale and trying really hard not to block your video with my head or my own phone, hope I mostly succeeded...
Thanks lol
Yep, if you have $6000+ for less than a 2 full day experience you can interact with characters, but if you spend $10,000+ for a regular mutli-day park stay, no interaction with characters for you! Spend $6000+ for a 7 DAY cruise in a luxury suite and have fireworks and Marvel or Star Wars experience and all your food is included!
Why are you reviewing the Star Wars Hotel dressed as a Vulcan? 😉😆
Was waiting all week for this review and it did not disappoint - thank you! I appreciated Tom’s heartfelt ending and how he finds a way to tie in the heart and soul of WDW into the review. Would love to hear another review after the second trip!
Yay, it’s Tom! It was a pleasure meeting you on the second voyage! I anxiously await your review of the second voyage! Tracee from Queens, NY. 😉
I sincerely appreciate your review and wholeheartedly trust your take away. And yes, I’d be as involved as possible. And yes, I agree that at this price point it’s not happening for me. I hope these CMs are being compensated at a significant increase for the level of entertainment they are providing.
You did a great job filming and reviewing the Starcruiser. I would love to take my cousins, who are huge Star Wars fans. The only problem is the pay wall. This is definitely extremely overpriced. Let’s hope that the prices are decreased, so more people can go. Once again, great job on the review.
Give it a year or so and it will decrease in price for sure. This is unsustainable...
Something to add that is SW related. Sadly, Alan Ladd Jr. the producer of many of the SW films, passed away today at age 84. He was the one who approved the very first SW film. He even worked as an agent for Judy Garland early in her career. Other movies on his resume include Blade Runner, Alien, Chariots of Fire and Braveheart. He kickstarted movies that received a whopping 150 Oscar nominations. Unbelievable.
RIP. Your contributions to cinema history are a permanent part of my childhood and teen years.
Hey by the way! I was one of the people in the elevator distracting Croy, if you want to see the elevator ride it's on my channel right now! It's THE BEST!!
Thank you, Tom. This is THE review I was waiting for. NJ trusts an honest NJ review bc we don't BS. Lol
Cast members deserve all of the love.
This along with your individual videos of the various experiences aboard the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser are the best videos you have ever produced and I thank you for all of the time, effort and resources you put into it
exactly the raw honest take the internet was waiting for! thank you, tom! brilliant as always!
A good,honest review by good,honest man.
Thank you
Thank you for your honest review! I'm going in 3 months and you just made me more excited for my voyage!!! Please keep posting about the cruise
You sir are the most honest review. I've seen and heard and I've watch alot of them but you are so fair and insightful your wisdom. Is so rare I sollute you sir and admire you sir . I really wish I knew you sir . what a great friendship it would be ,thank you for your honesty 😁😁😁
Thanks Tom for giving us this.
Our family will wait a few years until the price becomes more reasonable.
From what I gather on all these starcruiser videos, what you accomplish on Batuu seems to affect what experiences/path you take when back on the ship. That's so cool!
A review of the review. So often reviewers do their jobs with a certain sterility or detachment or faux emotionalism... which is fine, and expected, but not terribly compelling. This review was rare in that it seemed to me, a profession cynic, to be not only honest but very heartfelt. Tom clearly cared, no, passionately cared....
... or he's one hell of an actor :-) .
Seriously, I very much appreciate, and understand, the sentiment and the passion. When Disney does things right, the high craft and attention to detail can at least feel like they have actual magic that is worthy of celebration. Please continue to not lose sight of that and hold them to account when they decide to just be high priced amusement park.
You will undoubtedly gain quite a few new subs for such an honest and thorough review. Great job.
Thank you for your honest review, and I'm glad that you got some value for your money. We know someone Disney watches this channel, so maybe they'll actually listen to real constructive criticism for once (I doubt it, but you never know)
A mother says: "I've never seen my kid this happy." That tells it all.
I was so very happy to see Tom so very passionate about his experience! I wish I could afford something like this, but I have to live on a retirement budget. Still I want to Thank You Tom for your honest and insightful review!
Even tho I am probably never gonna get to do this, I already have my character all thought out lol
So good to hear reliable feedback on Galactic Starcruiser. I was worried this was going to be a letdown, but your videos and review clearly show otherwise. Glad that we got to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. Really excited to try this on the next WDW trip, might need to wait out the $ though.
Cancelled when we found out the timeline and it was the sequel crap. If they made original trilogy content or mixed it up maybe but sequels = poop. So glad we saved our $$$$!
Wait so you booked even without researching about it at all? Why would they make it about the original trilogy. It will ruin the story then if they go to Batuu. So it's okay with you to cruise on the original trilogy and go to batuu and ride the sequal trilogy rides?
Cool story, bro
The more I learn about it, the more I like it. Disney Marketing really blew it. They really should have marketed this as a murder mystery type event on a cruise ship in space.
If you ever seen Turtle Talk or Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, it’s like that, but on ultra-steroids with real actors in an escape room type story for 2 days. Or how the Whispering Canyon or Prime Time Cafe used to be.
I’m honestly super jazzed as I’ve noticed throughout the videos of the Halcyon’s maiden voyage how many faces I’ve recognized among the cast and crew of the ship (and the special characters aboard who partake in the story) that it *almost* makes me forgive the price point; but as much as I love my fellow actors, Disney (really PayCheck) needs to stop kidding themselves with the prices for this experience (especially when you consider that you get a *week* on a DCL ship over *2 days* on the Halcyon) if they knocked down the prices to being more reasonable for what it is? I would highly consider stepping aboard for my own adventure
I agree, you'd think that not having to pay for fuel and maintenance, as well port/docking fees, they could afford to charge less for a fake cruise. But then again, all of the cast members, both actors and non-actors, are all Americans, or at least Green Card holders so the labor cost is going to be higher than aboard an actual cruise liner where many of crew and staff would be paid a lot less. But I'm sure that this hotel employs a lot fewere people than a cuise ship does so that should or at be close to evening out.
I don't think you can compare this at all to anything like a normal cruise ship. Imaging if you packed all the fun of a seven day cruise into two days, that's kind of what this feels like... I feel like I got more value out of the Halcyon cruise than I have out of many longer, also expensive cruises. it's a super compact but awesome experience. and honestly I would not have wanted it to be much longer. I needed a day or rest after. I don't think people understand the level of staffing and quality staffing at that something like this takes, especially when you are not relying on severely underpaid 3rd-world staff to provide most of the service.
@@galacticcurator8788 I fail to see how a 2 day experience in a sealed environment is better than a 7 day one in the open sea, even if the amount of activities is comparable.
@@pinoarias8601 I'm sure you do, but I've done both and the Galactic Starcrusier experience was just more amazing in a differnet way, but and more of an experience in terms of memories than most of the cruises I have been on. They are actually total opposites since mostly you go on cruises to relax, and the StarCrusier is about living a story, not relaxing. It's not for everyone but for those is is for, it is spectacular and there is literally nothing like it on Earth.
This is the best video WDW News has put out. It did get me excited about the Galactic Starcruiser. Can we go now? No. But man do I hope it is in our future! Robert Burton
Thank you to you and everyone at WDW for the excellent coverage and review!
I love that you noticed the same thing I did first thing, the beck of Batuu. I made so many jokes about that on the way in. 🤣 I thought it was a bad omen but thank God I was wrong. What a life changing experience. ♥️
Fantastic review. It is definitely a ton better than I think many of us expected, I am still hesitant to commit to spending the money, and also worried some of these aspects may be toned down (Devices, white glove service, etc.). Thanks so much for the review!
I wouldn't spend $1,200 a day for this disaster. And only two days? And NOBODY gave the food good reviews. Ugh. not worth it at all.
It was promised and I think it was delivered with the introduction of the Starcruiser. The pandemic definitely put a stop to progress, but here's exactly what they said they'd give you. I loved GE in Disneyland back in 2020. It was obvious that things were missing, but I'm so happy to see what they've done now. It's great...
Except this was promised with general admission and not a 6000 dollar extra price attached.
Lt Cory was just perfect in every video I’ve seen of him. Disney need to reward that actor well, so pitch perfect. 👏
Thank you guys for being genuine and honest with this.
Thanks for the great review. The challenge for our family isn't so much the money. But instead its what we could use that money for in competition to this. You can do some pretty incredible vacations for much less. Happy to hear the quality onboard was so good. I hope they keep that level high. Thanks for all the content.
Thank you for your advice! And your experiences!
Very smart to do 2 in a row to be able to compare & contrast while fresh in the memory. Please let's hear about differences, etc because as a paying journalist & fan, I trust your opinion. Thx Tom & crew (esp sun burned Eric filling in)
Omg been waiting for this all week
Watched an hour long influencer review, and chalked this up as silly. Now I watched this entire review and I’m enthralled. The live theater, passion, and magic of the experience flowed through you and got me so damn excited. I had the worst Disney world hotel experience of my life last year and I had really lost some faith... this review brings back some hope. Thanks for being so honest, Tom.
Your review was the only one we were looking forward to.
The Box Truck ride would be great if it also shuttled Aliens and Droids from the Halcyon to Battu and back. Even if it was just a prop of a sleeping Wookie.
Since we know Disney watches what you do, hopefully they will take your review and make some needed changes. The box truck was poor. But I don't see this thing lasting more than two year before it changes to just a deluxe hotel.
This has been the most honest/positive review I’ve seen so far.
Disney really needs to start leaning into reviewers that aren’t going to give an automatically positive review, either because they’re just happy to be there or because they want to keep getting invited to events.
Thank you
Great review, Tom! I really hope this becomes more affordable as it would be a trip of a lifetime for me and the family with the travel costs (and I'd want to spend some time in the parks as well). Funny to see Scott Trowbridge pop up in the video enjoying one of the key events with guests! I gather the budget was seriously slashed close to opening so what they have done is really impressive in terms of details, storytelling, cast etc. I know many people are just going to hate it but as someone who enjoyed LARPing and tabletop RP when I was younger this just seems like a dream experience that most LARP organizers would kill to create.
Tom, first and foremost; Thank you. As one of the many fans who will likely never get to have these experiences first hand I want to earnestly thank you for all your wonderful coverage. From the over-all coverage (yours here, as well as others) I am left with the sense that this experience is akin to paying for the experience of being an extra in your favorite movie for two days. For the fortunate few this will be a wonderful experience, and with luck super-fans will gain access through promotions, lotteries and giveaways if it is embraced. Disappointed to hear that the cuisine was not better, this price-point and environment demands excellent options, service and cocktails. Additional support for these services could be offset by a conjoined yet exclusive dinning experience with access to properly attired park guests, Disney bounders and merch sales would skyrocket.
Can’t wait for the review for the second cruise. Stuff like this is why you guys are at the top of the list for my Disney news outlets.
Not excusing the budget cuts, but at least it's possible for Disney to neplace the box truck Batuu transport with something better in the future. It would be a lot more difficult to relocate the entire starcruiser complex so the backside of Galaxy's Edge isn't visible.
I agree with you about the box truck transport. They should have a what looks like a droid driving and the view of where you’re going via a screen.. that would be so cool !
Yes this was the one thing I was wishing was better, any kind of screen in the transport would have made it much better. Very strange it was not at least as good as the initial transport to the ship.
Thanks for the review Tom. As a big star wars fan I will wait for the price to drop as coming from the UK, its alot for just a short time. The looks of it really do look good and the expereince on the story. WIll be a wait and see now.
Thank you for this sir
I have been coming to this channel for the honest customer focused reviews that you provide. Like you, my parents have raised my siblings and I with Walt's dream and now we are all doing so with my our own children. I have been forwarding your videos to all of the family members and now we all come to your channel for pure unadulterated reviews of Disney experiences and products. Please continue to work hard and know that your work is very much appreciated by this community.
Tom your review was the one above all others that I’ve been waiting for. I knew you wouldn’t sugar coat the downsides to this experience. I’m excited to hear there’s some positives to go with the negatives. Thanks so much for giving us a solid preview so we can decide for ourselves.
Glad it was helpful!
Well said, Tom! I will take your advice and wait it out a bit… not to mention stacking up those credits in the meantime. Safe journey on the next voyage and may the stars guide your way!
I would love to see another review after your second voyage! I appreciated your thoughts on the financial aspect of a trip like this. Well said!
No matter if this is good or bad, $6000 for 2 days is still crazy expensive. I cannot justify paying for this for just 2 days.