The Galactic Star cruiser should have been a dinner show experience similar to Medieval times. That would have put it in the price point if a lot more guests, and made it more accessible.
Ironically, Galaxy's Edge was originally supposed to have a dinner show restaurant, but it got cut for budget reasons, along with the third ride and a lot of the characters and interactivity.
Disney unknowingly started competing with themselves when they built Star cruiser. The price point made families choose whether they wanted to spend a week at Disney World or a weekend at Star Cruiser. Wanting to do both in the same vacation would double your vacation costs. Disney forgot who their fan base is, and created an experience that was out of reach for most Disney fans.
Good point! If they were smart, they would have built this somewhere like Texas where there isn’t currently a Disney themed experience, and people want to be indoors anyway due to the heat.
i pointed this out to my wife, we could go to the GSC for 3 days or we could go to Disney land for like 15 days, which one sounds like a better use of money
It wasn’t only the price, it was the fact that it was some random characters, most we didn’t know. That theme could have belonged to any sci-fi movie. It just didn’t scream the Star Wars we’re all familiar with.
I think that pretty much sums up most of the Disney-era Star Wars... it just doesn't feel "familiar." The Resistance vs. First Order scenario was probably the biggest mistake Disney has made with Star Wars. It doesn't feel like Star Wars, it feels like a big-budget rip-off with the Star Wars name...
I agree with this. We had an amazing time, so much fun, and were planning to go back, but I was disappointed in the lack of true connection to the storyline. I also felt that they should have just made it a little easier/more transparent about what you had to do to get invited to the secret events. Instead of forcing so many awkward interactions with cast members, just say, “here are the potential assignments you can complete; you’ll find them on your app. The more tasks you complete, the more events you’ll see,” for example. I figured that out quickly, but other family members were frustrated that they weren’t getting invited to all of the events.
If the cruise to you to a reconstruction Luke's old homestead of Tatooine and say cloud city or Echo base from Empire now that would be worth paying for. But the sequel setting with sequel characters?. Yea no thanks.
Very true. The first few ads made the place look very bad, to the point Disney actually pulled down the first ad. Plus the wealthy tend to be older which means less likely to be interested in the sequel era.
@@agentmaine8126I know allot of wealthy people that spend $6k frequently at casinos (some of which look like warehouses), and some never leave home and spend it on the stock market! My point is, if people have the money to spend it, they will on anything anywhere or joyfully give it to anyone wherever. There's no limit to how wealthy people will spend their money, and yes, Galactic Starcruiser was aimed for those people
@@harmonvlog clearly you didn't make them enough revenue to keep it open. You went twice but they wanted Daily attendence plus spending, my friend went and he said it was like just being locked up Ina. Warehouse with cool rooms but not all that fun after a while
Imagine Universal Studios announcing a Harry Potter experience, charging $6000 to enter, then giving it a generic European theming and throwing in a couple of Fantastic Beasts characters. That's what Disney did.
The price was insane for the average person. Despite them hosting sooooo many influencers to try and push it and hype it up. In fact that was a huge turn off. I feel like everyone knew this was going to happen. So expensive and kinda lame for the price.
Honestly, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. I remember when folks on social media caught wind of the price tag for a 2-night stay. I'm a die hard Star Wars fan, but can think of about 500 better ways to spend that kind of money.
It was too expensive AND it was too niche. I don't think everyone wanted to be "in the story" and cosplay and have every minute of their stay on a schedule. It was expensive and it wasn't even a full two days.
You are 10,000% dead-on-the-money regarding the psychology of guest participation. Absolutely right. MOST people do not want to "be responsible for their own entertainment." It's the same reason why so many people cringe away from audience participation in theater. Not only is it often awkward, but it cancels out the "surrender" necessary in good storytelling. Anyway, I think your insights are correct.
ANd that is why Pirates and Mansion, more than 50 years later, still gets guest lining up for them. But, there are a lot of people, mainly the under 30 crowd that do like the immersive participation experience. Half their lives have been spent not just “watching” but participating in everything.
@@FunAtDisney No question about it. But, given how the modern American economy makes it nearly impossible that under-30's have the money to meet the Galactic Cruiser price points, perhaps Disney could be said to have litrally priced out the very demographic that would be attracted to this experience. I'm just speculating, of course. I don't have the credentials, internal numbers, or market research to know for sure.
@@Davaldod I agree, but my older daughter and her boyfriend went, both at the time 29. They have good jobs but since we all live in the Orange County (Calif) area with all the California taxes, prices, etc. it’s hard for them to save for a house. But it was worth it for them to go and something they will always remember. I think if you a re into it, on anything it maybe, folks will find a way to at least go once. And there is where I agree with you and David. Spending $5-$6K once for a couple day “event” is usually a one-time deal.
@@FunAtDisney I certainly get it when it comes to CA house prices. I live in L.A. and home prices are sheer lunacy (although, to be clear, I absolutely love CA and wouldn't live anywhere else). As for the Galactic Cruiser pricing, of course you're right. Everyone has a different calculus as to what's worth spending and what's not. Everyone has different tastes and interests. One person may spend thousands on a safari to Mt. Kilimanjaro, pitching tents and camping in the bush. But another person would rather lounge for a week at a resort being brought umbrella drinks. I suppose all we can say for sure at this point is that Disney did the math and decided that Galactic Cruiser was more of a burden than an asset.
@@Davaldod I think you are right about it being a burden. I also think they did not look at a long-term logistical view of how this would go. It was a bold idea and they should be applauded for that. I think it could still work by, as David said, they change up the stories, bring the original characters in and so on. And of course get the price down - but then if they lowered the price, how much of the cast and experience would they have to cut back? It’s a tough choice. As Mu original comment said, it would have better to build a fully themed Star Wars hotel and then have an all-day extra cost experience where all this could have been done for those who wanted it. If you ever saw some of the RUclipsrs who went on that first “cruise” (invited by Disney) if was all compressed into about 6 hours or so for the media - That would have been perfect. Price it at about $300 0r a bit more per person and it would have been a sustainable hit!
Can’t wait for Kevin from Defunctland to make a Galactic Starcruiser episode. People will think it’s all a wild story years from now like Beastly Kingdom
You're right, Disney can't just convert it into a "regular" SW themed hotel without dumping a LOT of money into the property. None of the rooms have windows. There are no amenities (food court/swimming pool/exercise room). There is no bus stop for transportation around the WDW resort. The outside of the building is a bare slab. The rooms are small. There is a main dining room and a small bar and a gift shop. As WDW info said today, Disney COULD convert the existing Dining room/rework the story into a Hoop-Dee-Doo type dinner show, where you pay $70 a ticket for an all you can eat meal and have a character story unfold in front of you during your meal. Close off the hotel rooms and just leave the atrium, gift shop, and dining room open.
I would definitely stay there for a couple of nights, even without a window or balcony. The lack of pool, yeah that would be nice and wouldn't be too difficult for them to put in. Bus routes can be changed and I think the response would be huge getting people in there. Plus it has direct access to the park which is pretty amazing.
@@vwellons It only has direct access to Galaxy's Edge and even that is only via shuttle bus, there is no stepping out of the hotel and then stepping right in to any one of the parks.
For me, the experience would make me somewhat extremely claustrophobic because you can’t go outside, except for the climate simulator, and the price was absolutely ridiculous
Exactly! This was my big issue with it, as well as the insane cost. I wasn't about to drop 6+ grand to be locked in a hotel with no windows for 3 days/2 nights!
Not being able to go outside wasn't the problem...making the rooms look like prison rooms that you see in Andor, was the problem, plus the cheap plastic looking ATARI BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Chucky Cheese expensive birthday party inside...that...was the problem
Destined to fail from the beginning. Great concept indeed, great experience indeed, great value or return experience, absolutely not. They really messed up by advertising it for everyone while really excluding 98% of their fans. All that waste of money could have gone to rebuilding Tomorrowland at both US parks which we've all been screaming for over the years!
They should've either had a regular hotel that was Star Wars themed or else a scaled down version of the interactive stuff where it only lasts a few hours. Combining the two and having it be so crazy expensive can't work long term.
The worst part is that behind the scenes all the interactive stuff was apparently supposed to be involved in the original galaxies edge theme park only to cut that out not only as an incentive for people to pay the way more expensive themed hotel but also because she said cost in the actual theme park did you get it out on schedule?.
About 8 months after it opened sales quickly fell off. It was a one and done too expensive. They shorted them from 3 nights to 2 nights due to lack of demand. They began cancelling ones that were not filling up offering 50% off discounts. They gave CM and DVC big discounts to try to fill the 100 rooms. It just wasn’t selling. That’s it.
Yeah, the demand just wasn't there. If Universal opened an interactive Hogwarts hotel... it would never close and people would never leave the hotel and they would keep coming back over and over.
I don’t recall it ever being 3 nights? Maybe I am wrong but every RUclipsr that went, and we watched a lot, it was only two nights. Arrival day 1 at 1pm, full day of activities, Batuu, dinner show and then the Kyle-Rey battle on day 2, then just a simple breakfast on day 3 before you leave. Perhaps they were initially planning to have a 3-night cruise at one time before it opened but never did.
Demand actually fell off before it opened. Until Disney released promotional spots for it people booked their stay on it solely based on hype alone. And when the ad spots debuted during the Superbowl two years ago, people cancelled in droves and demanded their money back because the Star Cruiser looked like an over priced laughably cheap knock off of what Disney promised us.
I think one of the major reasons that the interactive portions of Galaxy's Edge have not worked out so well is that they simply chose the wrong vehicle for it. If instead of saying bright suns they had said May the force be with you more people would know what that meant and might reply. The same thing with the galactic starcruiser. I hate to say it but if this were Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia and Han Solo a lot more people would be interested in it probably not at this price point but if they were to reduce it some I think they would have a lot more traffic.
Disney continues to make bad decision after bad decision. I love Disney and always have (classic Disney, Walt Disney’s Disney) but it is getting harder and harder to support them. Star cruiser was destined to fail, it was so outrageously insipid to think people would pay for that.
This was a GOOD business decision. And the lake Nona move was misguided to begin with.. then Lil fascist Gov. Of Fla. gave em all the reason they need to cancel. Another great move.
@@Jay-wk9xj People on the Internet love to call people fascist. It used to mean something. Now it's just what you call someone who votes for another political party.
This is why I have plans to seize Disney in a hostile takeover and bring back the Disney of Walt's time by ushering the Make Disney Great Again era. "What would Walt do?" will be the guiding mantra again like it was after his death.
Also, remember the Disney Institute? Disney Quest? La Nouba? Pleasure Island - Adventurer's Club - Manquins... Original EPCOT - never realized. River Country. Discovery Island. NBA Experience. BUILT THINGS - now gone. Alien Encounter.
I'm surprised that they built a hotel for this experience and not have a themed cruise instead. That way, you could have generic SW themed activities, plus you could do the role play for those who wanted a more immersive experience. Plus, going to different ports would work with the theme of roaming the "galaxy." At 5-7 days, it would be worth the price.
Love your videos! I was at Hollywood Studios Wednesday. I’m a Star Wars fan but could not fathom dropping so much money on the GSC. I had a great interaction on Rise of the Resistance with the First Order. I had a Porg on my shoulder and he said, “I see you brought lunch.” I said they are delicious roasted and he asked if I’ve tried “Pulled Porg.” I said I have not and he recommended it. That’s the type of interaction we need more of in the parks. It doesn’t take much to give someone a magic moment. I also got to see Mando and Din Grogu and might have teared up a bit. 😂
Wow! There is some truly excellent analysis here. You made points that I have not heard argues anywhere before. You are 100% right about the Adventures By Disney being something that no one is ever upset about…but this price tag was just mercilessly pilloried in the press. One thing I will add to this is that when you pay $100k or whatever for AbD trips, I am sure you get World-class everything. But Starcruiser looked cheap. Four Seasons or Ritz hotels charge a fortune but everything inside looks expensive. You would be angry if a Holiday Inn Express charged as much as a Four Seasons…and Starcruiser looked like a very cheaply made and thrown-together Holiday Inn version of what could have been amazing if they spent more money to really make it look spectacular. The other thing that no one at Disney will admit is that they made a huge mistake in not having this be Luke Leia and Han with Vader as the villain. They keep trying to force the Disney sequels on people. But those movies do not have the same emotional resonance.
Yes. I agree really excellent analysis. I have never been on AbD disney trips, but looking at some of the itineraries, I don't think you get world class hotels. A lot of itineraries are in national parks where that type of luxury accommodation does not exist. Most people could probably book a similar or better itinerary at a fraction of the cost. What you probably do get is a full time tour guide. Looking at AoD US itineraries, they probably only make sense for people from overseas who might have trouble driving in the US or speaking English. I took a 'luxury' vacation with a company that had vacations similar to AbD. There definitely were not any luxury accommodations. The benefit was primarily having a full time tour guide so you never had to order your own taxi or struggle to try to decipher a foreign menu.
If it was OT centered it would have had a better shot. Most fans (not all) are not interested in the Disney Sequel timeline. The cost was too prohibitive to the vast majority of consumers.
@@ttintagel I’d suggest going to rotten tomatoes and looking at the audience score for the sequel trilogy compared to the original trilogy. The fans that could afford to go to this place or all of the original trilogy age like myself, I wouldn’t waste $6000 on rain Kylo for any reason.
It was too expensive, but you also couldn’t book online. You had to call. If you’re at all worried it’ll be too expensive, it’s incredibly awkward to call to find out the actual pricing. Dissuades folks who might’ve been willing to consider trying to budget for it if they knew the actual price.
Great analysis. Imagine spending all the money to travel to and stay in Florida and most of the time you are kept indoors in spaces not unlike a prison. There is time set aside to visit Galaxy's Edge but one can do that without staying at the hotel.
Because the demand Curve looked like the head of a pin. The number of customers who could afford such a holiday was exhausted in six months . I could have told you that for free.
Let's say even a family could afford the $6,000 to go to the galactic starcruiser this year. Next year they're probably not going back to Disneyland or Disneyworld, they're probably going to go camping cuz it's what they can afford to do after spending $6,000
I think the audience that would love to role play in the universe (myself included) were priced out. Sounded amazing, but the price wasn’t favorable. Got to see you walking into the parks today! Woohoo!
The Lake Nona project was shut down not only because of a fight with Florida. It was unpopular from it's announcement. 200 imagineers did sell their homes and had already relocated but the problem is bigger than Disney now. Because the state keeps making draconian laws that they just drove off a huge part of the work force down there. So, I imagine with the scarcity of workers that the cost to build was about to go through the roof to where even a 1 billion dollar tax break might not be worth it.
I agree David. You nailed the GSC problems and what it would have taken to fix the problem. They eliminated 95% of their target audience with the price. I was very excited for this, and would have found a way to pay for it, but when I saw the price it immediately sidelined it. When I saw Adam the Woo's videos on this I was once again excited, but the price I just couldn't get over.
I think it was 2 things (that David hits on here). 1. It was too expensive. 2. Most people don’t want to work that hard at being entertained: there was a joke headline from the fake news site the onion about a stage performance “oh no they’re coming into the audience”.. I know some people enjoy live action role playing, but I think most people just want to passively enjoy entertainment. I might be projecting but I’m one of those people who don’t want to work that hard to be entertained, and I couldn’t afford it anyway. If it was a Star Wars hotel themed in the way the Polynesian is (which is to say more passive and a tenth of the price but still pricey, I’d be way more tempted.
I think it could have been more successful if they somehow managed to also include an option for those that don’t want to participate. If you have a 4 person family and 2 want to go and 2 have no desire, especially given the cost, it is not a family vacation. An opt out option, maybe even access to the deluxe resort pools, and the option to go do your own thing for family members not into it would make the prices slightly more palatable - in my case let them do their thing while maybe go to a spa or hit up Epcot or Disney Springs. 🤷🏻♀️
Influencers that received totally free or highly discounted trips were really the only "great reviews" they got. Seems like all full paying guests had some negative follow ups. Still believe Disney dropped the ball by pushing their Star Wars narrative and not giving what they knew Trilogy fans really wanted.
I'm the kind of person who WOULD'VE interacted, and even then, it came down to cost. If I'm going to Florida from California, I'm going for much more than two days. It always cost me a lot just to get there and stay. I thought, hey, eventually, if it drops in price, I can incorporate the Starcruiser into a longer vacation. But we ordinary types never had the chance.
In fact, at least four of my kids would be willing to interact, and the other two would go along with their siblings. And then there's at least one of my daughters-in-law who would be willing to do the interaction. But the more family I have that would've gone with us, the less possible it becomes that we could've afforded it.
@@gissneric I’m an introvert and don’t like interacting, but I made myself do it for my son’s sake. It turned out that the interactions were actually less important than completing missions that came through the app. Those were like scavenger hunts/ exploring and discovering things on the ship, and were soooo fun. I had the best time.
The “spirit” of Disney is not the same anymore. It’s more of a thing where a lot of people go because they don’t want to be “left out” AND things like Genie + almost force you through the park and you don’t get to appreciate the little things like the smell of popcorn, the staff, the horses, shops on main street. When you’re an out of town guest (fly in) you can get caught in this cycle It’s sad…
Exactly. The “Park” is suppose to be a place you can get away from it all, relax and enjoy a few rides and entertainment. Exploring the park at your own place and experiencing the new places and things you discover. You paid your entry fee and you could enjoy all the facilities equal with everyone else. Now, it seems, you need to have to be on your iPhone, and constantly planning ahead, and run around the park to meet your appointed times while either paying more or having to endure longer lines and watching the people who did pay more get to the head of the line, making you wait longer for your turn.
If you can't count on repeat customers, then you risk going into the red. It also gives Disney the numbers when it comes to having to fire employees. Shut a whole hotel down and save millions in electricity, water, paychecks, etc.
Like you said David, Star Wars is for everyone. It’s generations upon generations. It needed to definitely have a better price point. The rooms needed to look more appealing. Would have been better to me if they would have had shows like they put on in Tomorrowland with the characters - think it was called the Jedi training- and the crowds knew before the main characters come out what to expect and how to participate. On a much larger scale though. Plus having the characters fans know from the movies and shows. I’ve never been. Only seen footage from RUclipsrs. Thanks for the update David. Have a wonderful day 😀
I saw an interesting discussion on Twitter about whether it could be turned into a Galaxy's Edge extension with an "immersive dining experience", which I think is a possibility. It all depends on whether there's an appetite at Disney to salvage the building and make it work, or whether they want to scrap it asap and forget it ever existed.
My guess is, since they cancelled the lake Nona Campus, WDI is going to move into the Star cruiser. If they don't do that, they should make Batuu East an expanded world that includes the hotel as a reimagined attraction. It would be a total shame if we lose characters like Oanni and Gaya the Galactic Superstar --- i love those two characters especially and hope to see them on Batuu!
I agree with you that they should keep the characters in the park. Universal has Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees putting on a show in Diagon Alley so everyone can enjoy it.
I went on the Starcruiser when it first opened and I will be going again in September. I loved the experience and I am sad to see it go. But kudos to you sir for offering one of the most insightful and even handed videos regarding its closing. And you hit the nail on the head about needing stakes in an RP game/environment. When Disney sent me a survey after my first stay I said the story needed to be more flexible. I also echoed your sentiments to improve the experience by adding more characters, improving the graphics of the bridge training and adding more amenities. But yes, good video and I guess after September I will have to just keep doing my roleplaying around Galaxy’s Edge.
it's not that it was just too pricey. it simply was not worth the cost. if it was worth the cost, enough wealthy people will book and rebook. but the product was not worth it to do it again and again. much better things to do with 6k. Plus, where was the star wars? Who were the characters? Was Darth Vader or Skywalker there? The product, which was for a limited crowd, failed to hook that crowd.
It was for a VERY niche group of ppl. You have to LOVE star wars, have the $$$, be okay with doing "improv" & engage w/ the characters, etc. its so hard to find a big enough griup to last you years/decades. Especially if, like u said, its the same storyline everytime.
The Imagineers that I have talked to have no interest in returning after the absolutely horrible way they were treated by the Chapek team. He nuked those bridges.
Totally agree with your thoughts on the way to get out of the mess they're in is to move forward - invest in the parks specifically. The parks are what keeps the Disney Corp afloat so put more into them and trust that by giving us the best possible will reap greater rewards. Good rant! 😄
And I also agree and am super happy that imagineering is gonna stay in Burbank. Although I feel bad for the people who already moved or quit. But the successor of WED enterprises should be here where Walt built it and where the entertainment industry creatives live.
I always went to Disneyland because I built many memories there and I wanted to build on those. Never had a bad day there because I wasn't looking for a premium experience, just entertainment, Disney-flavored if you will. It seems that the modern model is not about the quality like in the past, but to squeeze dollars from guests so shareholders get dividends. I feel Disney is being driven by marketing data - data that overrules creative decisions. I read somewhere that when John Lassiter became the head of creative decisions he said something like, "If you don't know how to draw, this is your last day." I know he had his issues but the notion that decision makers should be well versed in the creative process. I wash that Disney would consider something like this again. I bet they'd keep the parks full of happy guests, but what do I know...I'm just a music teacher. And a fan.
Disney does a great job with Star Tours, for example, changing the ride visuals and movements on each ride vehicle, it makes it a forever changing experience for each guest because you don’t know what planets you will be visiting next
What with the cosplay, immersive experience, and running storyline that you have to be certain places to follow, this sounds a lot like your typical Renaissance Faire. The difference being that you don't pay five thousand dollars to spend two days at a Ren Faire.
Aside from it being too expensive for sustainability, they gave us a product we didn't want. Disney keeps double, tripling and quadrupling down on the sequel trilogy. Their customers have spoken for years. They don't want those toys, they don't want those movies or shows, and they certainly don't want to drain their bank accounts on a Star Wars skinsuit cosplay experience.
@ttintagel It all? Do you mean your evidence is a declining box office return data point that's almost 4 years old? Look at recent data my frend, something more contemporary than of that found in an Almanac.
the starcruiser was not only too niche and expensive but it also required too much participation. a lot of people, most actually, prefer to not be stressed or have to do extra work they dont want to on their vacations. it was sold like cruiseship but you dont go anywhere, you are in one place and it cost 2-3 times more than other cruises. not only that but regular cruises has way more things to do IF the guests chooses, they can only just chill and relax and enjoy the trip and visiting a new country instead of being stuck inside a building with no real windows the starcruiser is simply put, a very expensive cosplay experience
Let's be honest. The average Disney guest doesn't appreciate or care about Disney history, insider knowledge or the inner workings of the parks. They go to ride rides, see shows and eat food...period. The details, the nods to the past, the theming is lost on them.
What he's saying reminds me of when I experienced Extra Terrorestrial before they changed it to Stitch. I went on it, and was terrified. I loved it. The second time I went on it, I sat there a little bored and thought in my mind how they pulled off the effect. Not exactly a great repeatable attraction. What is needed is something that people can experience the same enjoyable way each time. A rollercoaster gives the same adrenaline rush time after time. Most of the rides are like that. Disney really needs to think things through a lot more before spending so much money on it.
The price was way too high for the starcruiser. And the cast members don't go because of the price and didn't have the money to enjoy it. And some didn't want to go back because of the high price and were sad about it. And the governor of Florida ruined it and what a loss of tax money and now he is getting sued because he wanted more control and anyone else with him.
I think the Galactic Starcruiser can still work maybe by crafting a story that allows in-park guests to participate in a tour of the ship. They have the shuttles to transport guests to the "Ship." And then once guests arrive, they can chose the dinner show, or maybe flying the ship on the bridge. I think more people would've been open to something like that where they have a choice, but aren't forced to play along if they don't want to. Plus the cast members and performers wouls still be able to give top service because you would constantly have people coming.
Hopefully this means they can now bring a show to Galaxy's Edge. Forget the Interactive stuff, just do something like they did on Star Wars night but less cheesy and with some more effects and wireworks n stuff.
Thank You for the news updates. Sad that the Galactic Starcruiser failed, but honestly, I never could justify spending that kind of money on a two night trip. Seems like Iger is serious about cutting the fat and trying to save the company money in any way possible. I agree, that moving forward, they will only spend money on things that they know will bring in money. Thank you for keeping us updated on everything Disney. 😁
The people who could afford the stay for the most part i don't think are the core fans of Star Wars. Ithink they could work it around to a regular hotel with interactions of Star Wars characters.
Operational costs were not sustainable. 100 rooms would basically have to be booked 100% of the time. Universal is sitting back and taking notes. Epic Universe is going to be a winner, while Disney continues to fall.
I used to do a LARP-based experience at a Renaissance Faire between, like, 2011 and 2019. They did, in fact, have a leaderboard and points and winners and prizes. It became a toxic, cutthroat mess to where the casuals who were just in it for fun were trod upon by the veterans and cliques that inevitably emerged. And that was when people were only paying about 10$ for the game and 20$ for the ticket to the faire. Imagine the people who are not only entitled and cutthroat, but also paying 6000$ for the experience. ‘Stakes’ I dig, but not so much PVP.
The Lake Nona campus was never going to happen after Chapek left. Disney waited until now to announce it to try to bury the Galactic Star Cruiser disaster as much as they could.
I really wanted to do that but the cost of the hotel and then the cost of flying over there was too much. If it was in California, I would definitely been there.
My option of the Lake Nona project was that it made sense. Yes I know they may be unpopular, but Orlando area is the center of the theme park industry. Universal Creative is there as well as many designs firms and studios dedicated to theme park development and a huge talent pool. This is also where IAPA is based and where their convention is held each year. And Disney has far bigger area there, more theme parks, more resorts and thousands of undeveloped property. Yes DeSantis and the Florida state government has basically pissed that all away now., but I think as negative as it would have been for the Imagineering workforce here, it made sense. (And the bonus for those Imagineers that would have moved, or new ones to come in, that pay goes a lot further in central Florida then it does in California!
If demand is low you have to increase your quality or lower your prices. Creating a lunch and dinner show that any guest can go to. Smaller groups can visit the bridge and other areas before and after their meal.
I work at Renaissance Faires, and the whole thing is supposed to be about immersion, we have a hard enough problem with immersion our chewing gum and duct tape budget
The whole point of closing and shutting down lake Nona was to save money for shutting down the star cruiser it had nothing to do about anything Florida or DeSantis it was a money saver for Disney it only makes total sense they did both in one day it was a money saver
I had 2 friends go, i was supposed to go, but the price tag was ridiculous, though i can afford it, i opted not to go, my friends that went told me they where disappointed and wouldn’t com back.
I still think Star Wars laser tag at Disney theme parks would be a massive hit. Think Battlefront in real life. Imagine getting to play laser tag, maybe even in costume, on the Death Star or other iconic Star Wars locations…
David you're wrong about people not wanting to cosplay. There's a ton of people out there that were excited for this experience BECAUSE it was role-playing but once they found out the price, there was no way they were going to be able to experience it. So yeah, price is a HUGE reason why this didn't work out.
1. Too much cost. 2. Same experience every time pretty much. 3. Limited your options. Its not like you could leave and go to the parks whenever you want. 4. No pool. 5. No windows. 6. Some people just arent that into roleplaying. The average person likes visiting the worlds they like, they dont necessarily enjoy being a character within the story. 7. Disney shouldve just made a line of hotels. Imagine: -Naboo. Imagine a relaxing hotel themed to the Spanish inspired world with pools and a beautiful lake. -Tatooine. A desert themed resort with comfortable rooms, a Pod Race themed game, Jabba's Palace show, and the Mos Eisley Cantina. -Cloud City. I have no ideas for this really but its pretty iconic and doable. -I had to include one from the Sequels and they couldve just done a Galaxy's Edge world themed hotel extension. But no, we got whatever this was lol
I believe it didn't do well because not alot of people are fans of the sequel trilogy. I think more people would have gone if it was the original trilogy.
Unfortunately, I think Disney has completely lost the plot on what BETTER is. Again and again they're trying to force feed us things nobody wants or asked for. Making things BETTER would mean a kind of surrender.
Most of the imagineers were choosing to quit, so they would have lost all their talent too. Friend told me the glendale campus was cheering at the announcement.
Don't discount the cost. For us we live in western canada, so it would be 8 thousand cdn to go some where for two nights? never going to happen no matter how much I love star wars. Then we would want to stay and do the parks so add on another 5 grand cdn. No, just no.
My prediction - Galatic starcruiser will be reworked - and will reopen as a hotel - and separate lunch and dinner shows. They will have add-on experiences, but the role-play main room shows will be eliminated. They will also add a pool.
I think it was a huge mistake to put the star cruiser in Florida because it has to compete with Disney World. If they had put it near a different major metro area + tourist draw area - like San Francisco or New York - then it might have a chance to draw high net worth travelers looking for add on experiences in those areas - and to draw high net worth people from Silicon Valley /SF or NY for local weekend experiences. When people are in Orlando they are there for WDW parks and hotels - and yes the Star Cruiser has to compete with the Parks there. There are tons of high net worth options at WDW. I think even some basic surveys and research would have discovered that Star Cruiser can’t beat WDW parks and hotels.
A smaller experience--like an interactive show--on one of their cruise ships would be interesting. I feel like they could have captured the magic of this experience in a smaller more cost effective way that doesn't include the hotel portion.
Who's going to pay a premium for a generic science fiction experience? The concept could have worked if they would have leveraged the IP people actually cared about.
The Galactic Star cruiser should have been a dinner show experience similar to Medieval times. That would have put it in the price point if a lot more guests, and made it more accessible.
That's exactly what I was thinking
Ironically, Galaxy's Edge was originally supposed to have a dinner show restaurant, but it got cut for budget reasons, along with the third ride and a lot of the characters and interactivity.
Disney unknowingly started competing with themselves when they built Star cruiser. The price point made families choose whether they wanted to spend a week at Disney World or a weekend at Star Cruiser. Wanting to do both in the same vacation would double your vacation costs. Disney forgot who their fan base is, and created an experience that was out of reach for most Disney fans.
Good point! If they were smart, they would have built this somewhere like Texas where there isn’t currently a Disney themed experience, and people want to be indoors anyway due to the heat.
i pointed this out to my wife, we could go to the GSC for 3 days or we could go to Disney land for like 15 days, which one sounds like a better use of money
Truth.
Great point. The vast majority of families will choose WDW over the star cruiser.
They haven’t forgotten who their fan base is, they despise us and think (thought) we could be replaced by the very wealthy.
It wasn’t only the price, it was the fact that it was some random characters, most we didn’t know. That theme could have belonged to any sci-fi movie. It just didn’t scream the Star Wars we’re all familiar with.
I think that pretty much sums up most of the Disney-era Star Wars... it just doesn't feel "familiar." The Resistance vs. First Order scenario was probably the biggest mistake Disney has made with Star Wars. It doesn't feel like Star Wars, it feels like a big-budget rip-off with the Star Wars name...
I agree with this. We had an amazing time, so much fun, and were planning to go back, but I was disappointed in the lack of true connection to the storyline. I also felt that they should have just made it a little easier/more transparent about what you had to do to get invited to the secret events. Instead of forcing so many awkward interactions with cast members, just say, “here are the potential assignments you can complete; you’ll find them on your app. The more tasks you complete, the more events you’ll see,” for example. I figured that out quickly, but other family members were frustrated that they weren’t getting invited to all of the events.
If the cruise to you to a reconstruction Luke's old homestead of Tatooine and say cloud city or Echo base from Empire now that would be worth paying for. But the sequel setting with sequel characters?. Yea no thanks.
Very true. The first few ads made the place look very bad, to the point Disney actually pulled down the first ad. Plus the wealthy tend to be older which means less likely to be interested in the sequel era.
Appreciate your honest thoughts
It was priced for the wealthy and not for the majority of the population.
The Wealthy would rather go to Monaco over a Large Indoor Warehouse hotel.
@@agentmaine8126I know allot of wealthy people that spend $6k frequently at casinos (some of which look like warehouses), and some never leave home and spend it on the stock market! My point is, if people have the money to spend it, they will on anything anywhere or joyfully give it to anyone wherever. There's no limit to how wealthy people will spend their money, and yes, Galactic Starcruiser was aimed for those people
I'm not wealthy and we went. Actually, going a second time.
@@harmonvlog clearly you didn't make them enough revenue to keep it open.
You went twice but they wanted Daily attendence plus spending, my friend went and he said it was like just being locked up Ina. Warehouse with cool rooms but not all that fun after a while
@@agentmaine8126 define wealthy!!
Imagine Universal Studios announcing a Harry Potter experience, charging $6000 to enter, then giving it a generic European theming and throwing in a couple of Fantastic Beasts characters. That's what Disney did.
The price was insane for the average person. Despite them hosting sooooo many influencers to try and push it and hype it up. In fact that was a huge turn off. I feel like everyone knew this was going to happen. So expensive and kinda lame for the price.
Honestly, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. I remember when folks on social media caught wind of the price tag for a 2-night stay. I'm a die hard Star Wars fan, but can think of about 500 better ways to spend that kind of money.
Like a full set of Mandalorian armor.
Me too!
It was too expensive AND it was too niche. I don't think everyone wanted to be "in the story" and cosplay and have every minute of their stay on a schedule. It was expensive and it wasn't even a full two days.
You are 10,000% dead-on-the-money regarding the psychology of guest participation. Absolutely right. MOST people do not want to "be responsible for their own entertainment." It's the same reason why so many people cringe away from audience participation in theater. Not only is it often awkward, but it cancels out the "surrender" necessary in good storytelling. Anyway, I think your insights are correct.
ANd that is why Pirates and Mansion, more than 50 years later, still gets guest lining up for them. But, there are a lot of people, mainly the under 30 crowd that do like the immersive participation experience. Half their lives have been spent not just “watching” but participating in everything.
@@FunAtDisney No question about it. But, given how the modern American economy makes it nearly impossible that under-30's have the money to meet the Galactic Cruiser price points, perhaps Disney could be said to have litrally priced out the very demographic that would be attracted to this experience. I'm just speculating, of course. I don't have the credentials, internal numbers, or market research to know for sure.
@@Davaldod I agree, but my older daughter and her boyfriend went, both at the time 29. They have good jobs but since we all live in the Orange County (Calif) area with all the California taxes, prices, etc. it’s hard for them to save for a house. But it was worth it for them to go and something they will always remember. I think if you a re into it, on anything it maybe, folks will find a way to at least go once. And there is where I agree with you and David. Spending $5-$6K once for a couple day “event” is usually a one-time deal.
@@FunAtDisney I certainly get it when it comes to CA house prices. I live in L.A. and home prices are sheer lunacy (although, to be clear, I absolutely love CA and wouldn't live anywhere else). As for the Galactic Cruiser pricing, of course you're right. Everyone has a different calculus as to what's worth spending and what's not. Everyone has different tastes and interests. One person may spend thousands on a safari to Mt. Kilimanjaro, pitching tents and camping in the bush. But another person would rather lounge for a week at a resort being brought umbrella drinks. I suppose all we can say for sure at this point is that Disney did the math and decided that Galactic Cruiser was more of a burden than an asset.
@@Davaldod I think you are right about it being a burden. I also think they did not look at a long-term logistical view of how this would go. It was a bold idea and they should be applauded for that. I think it could still work by, as David said, they change up the stories, bring the original characters in and so on. And of course get the price down - but then if they lowered the price, how much of the cast and experience would they have to cut back? It’s a tough choice. As Mu original comment said, it would have better to build a fully themed Star Wars hotel and then have an all-day extra cost experience where all this could have been done for those who wanted it.
If you ever saw some of the RUclipsrs who went on that first “cruise” (invited by Disney) if was all compressed into about 6 hours or so for the media - That would have been perfect. Price it at about $300 0r a bit more per person and it would have been a sustainable hit!
As most things Disney does today - it was out of touch with what the fans wanted AND out of most their fans price range.
Can’t wait for Kevin from Defunctland to make a Galactic Starcruiser episode. People will think it’s all a wild story years from now like Beastly Kingdom
You're right, Disney can't just convert it into a "regular" SW themed hotel without dumping a LOT of money into the property. None of the rooms have windows. There are no amenities (food court/swimming pool/exercise room). There is no bus stop for transportation around the WDW resort. The outside of the building is a bare slab. The rooms are small. There is a main dining room and a small bar and a gift shop. As WDW info said today, Disney COULD convert the existing Dining room/rework the story into a Hoop-Dee-Doo type dinner show, where you pay $70 a ticket for an all you can eat meal and have a character story unfold in front of you during your meal. Close off the hotel rooms and just leave the atrium, gift shop, and dining room open.
I would definitely stay there for a couple of nights, even without a window or balcony. The lack of pool, yeah that would be nice and wouldn't be too difficult for them to put in. Bus routes can be changed and I think the response would be huge getting people in there. Plus it has direct access to the park which is pretty amazing.
@@vwellons It only has direct access to Galaxy's Edge and even that is only via shuttle bus, there is no stepping out of the hotel and then stepping right in to any one of the parks.
For me, the experience would make me somewhat extremely claustrophobic because you can’t go outside, except for the climate simulator, and the price was absolutely ridiculous
Exactly! This was my big issue with it, as well as the insane cost. I wasn't about to drop 6+ grand to be locked in a hotel with no windows for 3 days/2 nights!
Not being able to go outside wasn't the problem...making the rooms look like prison rooms that you see in Andor, was the problem, plus the cheap plastic looking ATARI BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Chucky Cheese expensive birthday party inside...that...was the problem
Also the characters would be up in your face throughout your entire experience
Destined to fail from the beginning. Great concept indeed, great experience indeed, great value or return experience, absolutely not. They really messed up by advertising it for everyone while really excluding 98% of their fans. All that waste of money could have gone to rebuilding Tomorrowland at both US parks which we've all been screaming for over the years!
Such a good point! That would have been a way better use of those funds!
Amen. Horizons could have been rebuilt.
They should've either had a regular hotel that was Star Wars themed or else a scaled down version of the interactive stuff where it only lasts a few hours. Combining the two and having it be so crazy expensive can't work long term.
The worst part is that behind the scenes all the interactive stuff was apparently supposed to be involved in the original galaxies edge theme park only to cut that out not only as an incentive for people to pay the way more expensive themed hotel but also because she said cost in the actual theme park did you get it out on schedule?.
Don't forget the screen that supposed to replace the window. It cost them money just to maintain it.
About 8 months after it opened sales quickly fell off. It was a one and done too expensive. They shorted them from 3 nights to 2 nights due to lack of demand. They began cancelling ones that were not filling up offering 50% off discounts. They gave CM and DVC big discounts to try to fill the 100 rooms. It just wasn’t selling. That’s it.
Yeah, the demand just wasn't there. If Universal opened an interactive Hogwarts hotel... it would never close and people would never leave the hotel and they would keep coming back over and over.
I don’t recall it ever being 3 nights? Maybe I am wrong but every RUclipsr that went, and we watched a lot, it was only two nights. Arrival day 1 at 1pm, full day of activities, Batuu, dinner show and then the Kyle-Rey battle on day 2, then just a simple breakfast on day 3 before you leave.
Perhaps they were initially planning to have a 3-night cruise at one time before it opened but never did.
Demand actually fell off before it opened. Until Disney released promotional spots for it people booked their stay on it solely based on hype alone. And when the ad spots debuted during the Superbowl two years ago, people cancelled in droves and demanded their money back because the Star Cruiser looked like an over priced laughably cheap knock off of what Disney promised us.
@@FunAtDisney You’re correct that it was for two nights.
@@FunAtDisney correct, it was never 3 nights. We went not that long after it opened, and it was 2 nights.
I think one of the major reasons that the interactive portions of Galaxy's Edge have not worked out so well is that they simply chose the wrong vehicle for it. If instead of saying bright suns they had said May the force be with you more people would know what that meant and might reply. The same thing with the galactic starcruiser. I hate to say it but if this were Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia and Han Solo a lot more people would be interested in it probably not at this price point but if they were to reduce it some I think they would have a lot more traffic.
Disney continues to make bad decision after bad decision. I love Disney and always have (classic Disney, Walt Disney’s Disney) but it is getting harder and harder to support them. Star cruiser was destined to fail, it was so outrageously insipid to think people would pay for that.
This was a GOOD business decision. And the lake Nona move was misguided to begin with.. then Lil fascist Gov. Of Fla. gave em all the reason they need to cancel. Another great move.
@@Jay-wk9xj People on the Internet love to call people fascist. It used to mean something. Now it's just what you call someone who votes for another political party.
This is why I have plans to seize Disney in a hostile takeover and bring back the Disney of Walt's time by ushering the Make Disney Great Again era. "What would Walt do?" will be the guiding mantra again like it was after his death.
@@perceivedvelocity9914 There's a whole list of words that have been rendered meaningless.
Also, remember the Disney Institute? Disney Quest? La Nouba? Pleasure Island - Adventurer's Club - Manquins... Original EPCOT - never realized. River Country. Discovery Island. NBA Experience. BUILT THINGS - now gone. Alien Encounter.
I'm surprised that they built a hotel for this experience and not have a themed cruise instead. That way, you could have generic SW themed activities, plus you could do the role play for those who wanted a more immersive experience. Plus, going to different ports would work with the theme of roaming the "galaxy." At 5-7 days, it would be worth the price.
This is what I was thinking, it'd be better off as a themed cruise.
They touted it as a cruise anyway. This is a good idea.
Love your videos! I was at Hollywood Studios Wednesday. I’m a Star Wars fan but could not fathom dropping so much money on the GSC. I had a great interaction on Rise of the Resistance with the First Order. I had a Porg on my shoulder and he said, “I see you brought lunch.” I said they are delicious roasted and he asked if I’ve tried “Pulled Porg.” I said I have not and he recommended it. That’s the type of interaction we need more of in the parks. It doesn’t take much to give someone a magic moment. I also got to see Mando and Din Grogu and might have teared up a bit. 😂
Wow! There is some truly excellent analysis here. You made points that I have not heard argues anywhere before. You are 100% right about the Adventures By Disney being something that no one is ever upset about…but this price tag was just mercilessly pilloried in the press. One thing I will add to this is that when you pay $100k or whatever for AbD trips, I am sure you get World-class everything. But Starcruiser looked cheap. Four Seasons or Ritz hotels charge a fortune but everything inside looks expensive. You would be angry if a Holiday Inn Express charged as much as a Four Seasons…and Starcruiser looked like a very cheaply made and thrown-together Holiday Inn version of what could have been amazing if they spent more money to really make it look spectacular.
The other thing that no one at Disney will admit is that they made a huge mistake in not having this be Luke Leia and Han with Vader as the villain. They keep trying to force the Disney sequels on people. But those movies do not have the same emotional resonance.
Yes. I agree really excellent analysis. I have never been on AbD disney trips, but looking at some of the itineraries, I don't think you get world class hotels. A lot of itineraries are in national parks where that type of luxury accommodation does not exist. Most people could probably book a similar or better itinerary at a fraction of the cost. What you probably do get is a full time tour guide. Looking at AoD US itineraries, they probably only make sense for people from overseas who might have trouble driving in the US or speaking English. I took a 'luxury' vacation with a company that had vacations similar to AbD. There definitely were not any luxury accommodations. The benefit was primarily having a full time tour guide so you never had to order your own taxi or struggle to try to decipher a foreign menu.
If it was OT centered it would have had a better shot. Most fans (not all) are not interested in the Disney Sequel timeline. The cost was too prohibitive to the vast majority of consumers.
I'd like to know what your data source is for the claim that "most" fans are not interested in the sequels.
@@ttintagel I’d suggest going to rotten tomatoes and looking at the audience score for the sequel trilogy compared to the original trilogy. The fans that could afford to go to this place or all of the original trilogy age like myself, I wouldn’t waste $6000 on rain Kylo for any reason.
It was too expensive, but you also couldn’t book online. You had to call. If you’re at all worried it’ll be too expensive, it’s incredibly awkward to call to find out the actual pricing. Dissuades folks who might’ve been willing to consider trying to budget for it if they knew the actual price.
Great analysis. Imagine spending all the money to travel to and stay in Florida and most of the time you are kept indoors in spaces not unlike a prison. There is time set aside to visit Galaxy's Edge but one can do that without staying at the hotel.
Because the demand Curve looked like the head of a pin. The number of customers who could afford such a holiday was exhausted in six months . I could have told you that for free.
Let's say even a family could afford the $6,000 to go to the galactic starcruiser this year. Next year they're probably not going back to Disneyland or Disneyworld, they're probably going to go camping cuz it's what they can afford to do after spending $6,000
I think the audience that would love to role play in the universe (myself included) were priced out. Sounded amazing, but the price wasn’t favorable.
Got to see you walking into the parks today! Woohoo!
“They should have had a coupon day” - The Lawyer from Jurassic Park
The Lake Nona project was shut down not only because of a fight with Florida. It was unpopular from it's announcement. 200 imagineers did sell their homes and had already relocated but the problem is bigger than Disney now. Because the state keeps making draconian laws that they just drove off a huge part of the work force down there. So, I imagine with the scarcity of workers that the cost to build was about to go through the roof to where even a 1 billion dollar tax break might not be worth it.
I agree David. You nailed the GSC problems and what it would have taken to fix the problem. They eliminated 95% of their target audience with the price. I was very excited for this, and would have found a way to pay for it, but when I saw the price it immediately sidelined it. When I saw Adam the Woo's videos on this I was once again excited, but the price I just couldn't get over.
I think it was 2 things (that David hits on here). 1. It was too expensive. 2. Most people don’t want to work that hard at being entertained: there was a joke headline from the fake news site the onion about a stage performance “oh no they’re coming into the audience”.. I know some people enjoy live action role playing, but I think most people just want to passively enjoy entertainment. I might be projecting but I’m one of those people who don’t want to work that hard to be entertained, and I couldn’t afford it anyway. If it was a Star Wars hotel themed in the way the Polynesian is (which is to say more passive and a tenth of the price but still pricey, I’d be way more tempted.
I think it could have been more successful if they somehow managed to also include an option for those that don’t want to participate. If you have a 4 person family and 2 want to go and 2 have no desire, especially given the cost, it is not a family vacation. An opt out option, maybe even access to the deluxe resort pools, and the option to go do your own thing for family members not into it would make the prices slightly more palatable - in my case let them do their thing while maybe go to a spa or hit up Epcot or Disney Springs. 🤷🏻♀️
Expectations = Westworld
Reality = Upscale Chuck E Cheese’s
😂😂😂
Influencers that received totally free or highly discounted trips were really the only "great reviews" they got. Seems like all full paying guests had some negative follow ups. Still believe Disney dropped the ball by pushing their Star Wars narrative and not giving what they knew Trilogy fans really wanted.
I wanted to do the starcruiser, but the cost and needing to interact with cast members to get the full experience, held me back.
I'm the kind of person who WOULD'VE interacted, and even then, it came down to cost. If I'm going to Florida from California, I'm going for much more than two days. It always cost me a lot just to get there and stay. I thought, hey, eventually, if it drops in price, I can incorporate the Starcruiser into a longer vacation. But we ordinary types never had the chance.
In fact, at least four of my kids would be willing to interact, and the other two would go along with their siblings. And then there's at least one of my daughters-in-law who would be willing to do the interaction. But the more family I have that would've gone with us, the less possible it becomes that we could've afforded it.
If you're an introvert, this is definitely not for you 😂
@@gissneric which leaves out a lot of Star Wars geeks 🤣
@@gissneric I’m an introvert and don’t like interacting, but I made myself do it for my son’s sake. It turned out that the interactions were actually less important than completing missions that came through the app. Those were like scavenger hunts/ exploring and discovering things on the ship, and were soooo fun. I had the best time.
cause its too expensive
Whoever is in charge of Disney PR knows this from the 48 laws of power: it’s best to spread out good news and dump bad news all at once.
Hey fresh baked love your stuff, can’t wait to see you in the parks one day
The “spirit” of Disney is not the same anymore.
It’s more of a thing where a lot of people go because they don’t want to be “left out” AND things like Genie + almost force you through the park and you don’t get to appreciate the little things like the smell of popcorn, the staff, the horses, shops on main street.
When you’re an out of town guest (fly in) you can get caught in this cycle
It’s sad…
Exactly. The “Park” is suppose to be a place you can get away from it all, relax and enjoy a few rides and entertainment. Exploring the park at your own place and experiencing the new places and things you discover. You paid your entry fee and you could enjoy all the facilities equal with everyone else. Now, it seems, you need to have to be on your iPhone, and constantly planning ahead, and run around the park to meet your appointed times while either paying more or having to endure longer lines and watching the people who did pay more get to the head of the line, making you wait longer for your turn.
I believe it. Surprised it lasted this long.
If you can't count on repeat customers, then you risk going into the red. It also gives Disney the numbers when it comes to having to fire employees. Shut a whole hotel down and save millions in electricity, water, paychecks, etc.
"They're for sale, but they're not selling it " that's the most accurate thing I've ever heard
Like you said David, Star Wars is for everyone. It’s generations upon generations. It needed to definitely have a better price point. The rooms needed to look more appealing. Would have been better to me if they would have had shows like they put on in Tomorrowland with the characters - think it was called the Jedi training- and the crowds knew before the main characters come out what to expect and how to participate. On a much larger scale though. Plus having the characters fans know from the movies and shows. I’ve never been. Only seen footage from RUclipsrs. Thanks for the update David. Have a wonderful day 😀
I saw an interesting discussion on Twitter about whether it could be turned into a Galaxy's Edge extension with an "immersive dining experience", which I think is a possibility. It all depends on whether there's an appetite at Disney to salvage the building and make it work, or whether they want to scrap it asap and forget it ever existed.
It was announced as a hotel, then sold as an experience.
Would have been more profitable as regular hotel, which it will probably end up becoming.
My guess is, since they cancelled the lake Nona Campus, WDI is going to move into the Star cruiser. If they don't do that, they should make Batuu East an expanded world that includes the hotel as a reimagined attraction. It would be a total shame if we lose characters like Oanni and Gaya the Galactic Superstar --- i love those two characters especially and hope to see them on Batuu!
I agree with you that they should keep the characters in the park. Universal has Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees putting on a show in Diagon Alley so everyone can enjoy it.
I went on the Starcruiser when it first opened and I will be going again in September. I loved the experience and I am sad to see it go. But kudos to you sir for offering one of the most insightful and even handed videos regarding its closing. And you hit the nail on the head about needing stakes in an RP game/environment. When Disney sent me a survey after my first stay I said the story needed to be more flexible. I also echoed your sentiments to improve the experience by adding more characters, improving the graphics of the bridge training and adding more amenities.
But yes, good video and I guess after September I will have to just keep doing my roleplaying around Galaxy’s Edge.
Couldn't they just make it a regular Star Wars themed hotel...?
it's not that it was just too pricey. it simply was not worth the cost. if it was worth the cost, enough wealthy people will book and rebook. but the product was not worth it to do it again and again. much better things to do with 6k. Plus, where was the star wars? Who were the characters? Was Darth Vader or Skywalker there? The product, which was for a limited crowd, failed to hook that crowd.
Good points. I guess the plan was for the rich to fly on the galactic star cruiser and the poor to fly star tours with C-3PO and R2-D2
Alienation of the core customer fan base in media and over pricing of the guest experience with sub par technology.
and IP no one cares about.
It was for a VERY niche group of ppl. You have to LOVE star wars, have the $$$, be okay with doing "improv" & engage w/ the characters, etc. its so hard to find a big enough griup to last you years/decades. Especially if, like u said, its the same storyline everytime.
The Imagineers that I have talked to have no interest in returning after the absolutely horrible way they were treated by the Chapek team. He nuked those bridges.
Totally agree with your thoughts on the way to get out of the mess they're in is to move forward - invest in the parks specifically. The parks are what keeps the Disney Corp afloat so put more into them and trust that by giving us the best possible will reap greater rewards.
Good rant! 😄
And I also agree and am super happy that imagineering is gonna stay in Burbank. Although I feel bad for the people who already moved or quit. But the successor of WED enterprises should be here where Walt built it and where the entertainment industry creatives live.
I always went to Disneyland because I built many memories there and I wanted to build on those. Never had a bad day there because I wasn't looking for a premium experience, just entertainment, Disney-flavored if you will.
It seems that the modern model is not about the quality like in the past, but to squeeze dollars from guests so shareholders get dividends. I feel Disney is being driven by marketing data - data that overrules creative decisions.
I read somewhere that when John Lassiter became the head of creative decisions he said something like, "If you don't know how to draw, this is your last day." I know he had his issues but the notion that decision makers should be well versed in the creative process. I wash that Disney would consider something like this again. I bet they'd keep the parks full of happy guests, but what do I know...I'm just a music teacher.
And a fan.
Disney mismanagement at it's finest.
Disney does a great job with Star Tours, for example, changing the ride visuals and movements on each ride vehicle, it makes it a forever changing experience for each guest because you don’t know what planets you will be visiting next
What with the cosplay, immersive experience, and running storyline that you have to be certain places to follow, this sounds a lot like your typical Renaissance Faire. The difference being that you don't pay five thousand dollars to spend two days at a Ren Faire.
Great video David!
Aside from it being too expensive for sustainability, they gave us a product we didn't want. Disney keeps double, tripling and quadrupling down on the sequel trilogy. Their customers have spoken for years. They don't want those toys, they don't want those movies or shows, and they certainly don't want to drain their bank accounts on a Star Wars skinsuit cosplay experience.
It all sold pretty well for something you claim nobody wanted.
@ttintagel It all? Do you mean your evidence is a declining box office return data point that's almost 4 years old? Look at recent data my frend, something more contemporary than of that found in an Almanac.
I'm looking forward to the Defunctland video on the Star Wars Hotel 🤣
the starcruiser was not only too niche and expensive but it also required too much participation. a lot of people, most actually, prefer to not be stressed or have to do extra work they dont want to on their vacations.
it was sold like cruiseship but you dont go anywhere, you are in one place and it cost 2-3 times more than other cruises. not only that but regular cruises has way more things to do IF the guests chooses, they can only just chill and relax and enjoy the trip and visiting a new country instead of being stuck inside a building with no real windows
the starcruiser is simply put, a very expensive cosplay experience
They should transfer all the entertainment in the Starcruiser to GE like the Rey vs Kylo lightsaber finale. Gaya singing and Lt. Croy roaming around.
“Star Wars belonged to all of us”
Wow. You nailed it. 😢
Let's be honest. The average Disney guest doesn't appreciate or care about Disney history, insider knowledge or the inner workings of the parks. They go to ride rides, see shows and eat food...period. The details, the nods to the past, the theming is lost on them.
What he's saying reminds me of when I experienced Extra Terrorestrial before they changed it to Stitch. I went on it, and was terrified. I loved it. The second time I went on it, I sat there a little bored and thought in my mind how they pulled off the effect.
Not exactly a great repeatable attraction. What is needed is something that people can experience the same enjoyable way each time. A rollercoaster gives the same adrenaline rush time after time. Most of the rides are like that.
Disney really needs to think things through a lot more before spending so much money on it.
The price was way too high for the starcruiser. And the cast members don't go because of the price and didn't have the money to enjoy it. And some didn't want to go back because of the high price and were sad about it. And the governor of Florida ruined it and what a loss of tax money and now he is getting sued because he wanted more control and anyone else with him.
Did anyone go on the starcruiser and felt like they did not have a good time? 🤷
I think the Galactic Starcruiser can still work maybe by crafting a story that allows in-park guests to participate in a tour of the ship. They have the shuttles to transport guests to the "Ship." And then once guests arrive, they can chose the dinner show, or maybe flying the ship on the bridge. I think more people would've been open to something like that where they have a choice, but aren't forced to play along if they don't want to. Plus the cast members and performers wouls still be able to give top service because you would constantly have people coming.
Hopefully this means they can now bring a show to Galaxy's Edge. Forget the Interactive stuff, just do something like they did on Star Wars night but less cheesy and with some more effects and wireworks n stuff.
There was originally supposed to be a dinner theatre in Galaxy’s Edge. They should finally get around to building that.
Thank You for the news updates. Sad that the Galactic Starcruiser failed, but honestly, I never could justify spending that kind of money on a two night trip. Seems like Iger is serious about cutting the fat and trying to save the company money in any way possible. I agree, that moving forward, they will only spend money on things that they know will bring in money. Thank you for keeping us updated on everything Disney. 😁
The people who could afford the stay for the most part i don't think are the core fans of Star Wars.
Ithink they could work it around to a regular hotel with interactions of Star Wars characters.
Operational costs were not sustainable. 100 rooms would basically have to be booked 100% of the time. Universal is sitting back and taking notes. Epic Universe is going to be a winner, while Disney continues to fall.
I used to do a LARP-based experience at a Renaissance Faire between, like, 2011 and 2019. They did, in fact, have a leaderboard and points and winners and prizes.
It became a toxic, cutthroat mess to where the casuals who were just in it for fun were trod upon by the veterans and cliques that inevitably emerged.
And that was when people were only paying about 10$ for the game and 20$ for the ticket to the faire. Imagine the people who are not only entitled and cutthroat, but also paying 6000$ for the experience.
‘Stakes’ I dig, but not so much PVP.
And Disney didn't want to renew the Character actors' contracts.
Where one Interactive Experience fails, an older one (DisneyQuest) will hopefully rise from the dead.
1:08 EXACTLY!!!
The Lake Nona campus was never going to happen after Chapek left. Disney waited until now to announce it to try to bury the Galactic Star Cruiser disaster as much as they could.
I really wanted to do that but the cost of the hotel and then the cost of flying over there was too much. If it was in California, I would definitely been there.
My option of the Lake Nona project was that it made sense. Yes I know they may be unpopular, but Orlando area is the center of the theme park industry. Universal Creative is there as well as many designs firms and studios dedicated to theme park development and a huge talent pool. This is also where IAPA is based and where their convention is held each year. And Disney has far bigger area there, more theme parks, more resorts and thousands of undeveloped property. Yes DeSantis and the Florida state government has basically pissed that all away now., but I think as negative as it would have been for the Imagineering workforce here, it made sense. (And the bonus for those Imagineers that would have moved, or new ones to come in, that pay goes a lot further in central Florida then it does in California!
It will stay vacant because it can be used for years as depreciating asset and thus a massive annual tax write-off
If demand is low you have to increase your quality or lower your prices. Creating a lunch and dinner show that any guest can go to. Smaller groups can visit the bridge and other areas before and after their meal.
I work at Renaissance Faires, and the whole thing is supposed to be about immersion, we have a hard enough problem with immersion our chewing gum and duct tape budget
The whole point of closing and shutting down lake Nona was to save money for shutting down the star cruiser it had nothing to do about anything Florida or DeSantis it was a money saver for Disney it only makes total sense they did both in one day it was a money saver
I would’ve given the hotel a try if it was based on the original trilogy.
I had 2 friends go, i was supposed to go, but the price tag was ridiculous, though i can afford it, i opted not to go, my friends that went told me they where disappointed and wouldn’t com back.
Yes, better role playing experience if you have a goal. Laser tag is more interactive and star wars like!
I still think Star Wars laser tag at Disney theme parks would be a massive hit. Think Battlefront in real life. Imagine getting to play laser tag, maybe even in costume, on the Death Star or other iconic Star Wars locations…
David you're wrong about people not wanting to cosplay. There's a ton of people out there that were excited for this experience BECAUSE it was role-playing but once they found out the price, there was no way they were going to be able to experience it. So yeah, price is a HUGE reason why this didn't work out.
1. Too much cost.
2. Same experience every time pretty much.
3. Limited your options. Its not like you could leave and go to the parks whenever you want.
4. No pool.
5. No windows.
6. Some people just arent that into roleplaying. The average person likes visiting the worlds they like, they dont necessarily enjoy being a character within the story.
7. Disney shouldve just made a line of hotels. Imagine:
-Naboo. Imagine a relaxing hotel themed to the Spanish inspired world with pools and a beautiful lake.
-Tatooine. A desert themed resort with comfortable rooms, a Pod Race themed game, Jabba's Palace show, and the Mos Eisley Cantina.
-Cloud City. I have no ideas for this really but its pretty iconic and doable.
-I had to include one from the Sequels and they couldve just done a Galaxy's Edge world themed hotel extension. But no, we got whatever this was lol
I believe it didn't do well because not alot of people are fans of the sequel trilogy. I think more people would have gone if it was the original trilogy.
Unfortunately, I think Disney has completely lost the plot on what BETTER is. Again and again they're trying to force feed us things nobody wants or asked for. Making things BETTER would mean a kind of surrender.
Most of the imagineers were choosing to quit, so they would have lost all their talent too. Friend told me the glendale campus was cheering at the announcement.
Don't discount the cost. For us we live in western canada, so it would be 8 thousand cdn to go some where for two nights? never going to happen no matter how much I love star wars. Then we would want to stay and do the parks so add on another 5 grand cdn. No, just no.
Not to mention cost of travel
My prediction - Galatic starcruiser will be reworked - and will reopen as a hotel - and separate lunch and dinner shows. They will have add-on experiences, but the role-play main room shows will be eliminated. They will also add a pool.
I don’t know. It has only 100 rooms. I think it will be demolished like the Epcot barges.
I hope so! My family would definitely spend deluxe resort money on a stay there, but $6,000 was just too far out of our price range.
Best takes on the star cruiser I’ve heard! Good job DAVID!
I think it was a huge mistake to put the star cruiser in Florida because it has to compete with Disney World. If they had put it near a different major metro area + tourist draw area - like San Francisco or New York - then it might have a chance to draw high net worth travelers looking for add on experiences in those areas - and to draw high net worth people from Silicon Valley
/SF or NY for local weekend experiences. When people are in Orlando they are there for WDW parks and hotels - and yes the Star Cruiser has to compete with the Parks there. There are tons of high net worth options at WDW. I think even some basic surveys and research would have discovered that Star Cruiser can’t beat WDW parks and hotels.
A smaller experience--like an interactive show--on one of their cruise ships would be interesting. I feel like they could have captured the magic of this experience in a smaller more cost effective way that doesn't include the hotel portion.
Glendale, not burbank. Can you imagine if they were able to get back some of the people who left due to the move? Weiss, Rhodes, etc.??! oh man.
I think they'll reboot it as a dinner and show things like Medieval Times.
Yeah I said that yesterday at Chris Provost's live stream.
@@JeremyBechtold it seems silly to totally demolish it maybe even utilize the dining room for a long drink after a show or something my best guess?
Who's going to pay a premium for a generic science fiction experience? The concept could have worked if they would have leveraged the IP people actually cared about.