Disney World is to close its $1billion Star Wars hotel just one year after it opened - as its fans couldn't afford the huge $2,400 a-night stay.
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opened in Orlando, Florida, on March 1, 2022 and was marketed as an immersive experience where die-hard fans would spend thousands of dollars for a two-day package, which would include being surrounded by characters from the franchise.
Fans paid to stay in cabins or suites and would experience light saber training, space themed food and drinks, while also attending Disney Hollywood Studios.
The hotel was praised by Star Wars fans and even won a prestigious Thea Award for outstanding achievement in a themed entertainment space.
However, the price was criticised by some customers, as a cabin sleeping two guests cost a pricey $4,809 and a three-guest cabin for three adults and one child costing a whopping $5,999.
The price for a couple sharing a room cost $2,405 per person for a one-night, two-day stay - before taxes.
In addition, the most premium experience is said to have cost a staggering $20,000 for a stay in the Grand Captain suite, which houses eight and has a living room, kitchenette and several bathrooms.
Glasses of beer cost $13.50, wine $11 and customers could spent an extra $30 per person to sit at the captain's table starcruiser’s Crown of Corellia dining room.
Guests could also hire a Disney photographer for portraits - with prices starting at $99 and can include up to eight guests per session.
Scott Trowbridge, the Disney creative executive, or imaginer, who oversaw the development and construction of the Galactic Starcruiser, said at the time of the launch: “We’ve made the first of something that will hopefully change the way we think about the possibilities of immersive experiences.
“Some people out there are still calling it the Star Wars hotel, which is so not what this experience is.”
Despite initially selling out its rooms, interest in the experience soon started to slip and Disney was finding it hard to shift some of the rooms in the autumn.
The entertainment giant was forced to slash some of its prices.
But despite the desperate ticket cuts, the Disney experience will bid farewell in September this year.
Disney said in a statement: “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment.
“This premium, boutique experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms, and as we prepare for its final voyage, we will take what we’ve learned to create future experiences that can reach more of our guests and fans.”
