Step Aboard the Galactic Star Cruiser

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

It is a time of great turmoil. The legendary hero Luke Skywalker is no more, having become one with the force on Ahch–To, as the First Order continues to battle the Resistance. Meanwhile, General Leia Organa continues to fight the powerful forces of tyranny, while the brave hero Rey continues her training.

 Against this backdrop, the Star Cruiser Halcyon is setting out on a journey, as it has done since the days of the High Republic. But the passengers aboard the Corellian MPO-1400 are not simply idle tourists, and their decisions may very well tip the balance of power in the conflict that rages on…

The Galactic Star Cruiser

Disney’s theme park entertainment is all about immersion, stepping out of the real world, and into a land of imagination and adventure. It blurs the line between the art and the audience, allowing Guests to step inside and become a part of the story. As former Imagineer Joe Rohde once said, they “involve this sort of transformational power of adventure. To go somewhere you’ve never been, to do something you’ve never done, to see something you’ve never seen…”

Nowhere is this concept more fully embraced than in the forthcoming Galactic Star Cruiser. Opening March 1, 2022, the experience is a two-night “voyage” that blends the traditional amenities and luxuries of a Walt Disney World resort, with interactive theater that allows Guests to become a part of the greatest adventure of all time.

The story takes place between the events in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. In conjunction with the opening of the hotel, Disney also announced a mini-series of comics called Star Wars: Halcyon Legacy, which will trace the ship’s history from the days of the High Republic.

Here’s what you need to know about the voyage.

The Halcyon

Most of the action takes place aboard the Halcyon Star Cruiser, the jewel of the Chandrila Star Line. Guests are transported to the ship via launch pod. The ship has 100 rooms, which consist of a mix of cabins and suites, each with a beautiful view of outer space. Gazing out the window, you may see passing vessels, planets, and more.

Once aboard the ship, you are no longer a Guest being entertained. You become a full-fledged part of the story. Think of it like a trip to the Renaissance Faire, or a game of Dungeons & Dragons. The more you embrace your role as a character, and not simply that of a spectator, the more enriching the experience becomes. Over the course of your stay, you’ll interact with new and familiar characters from the Star Wars universe, undergo training, and take part in dangerous missions.

The Cast Members aboard the Halcyon are fully in character, working to make sure that nothing breaks the illusion that you’ve left earth far behind. As a card-carrying, 100%, grade-A geek (a subtle fact about me you may have picked up on when I referenced both D&D and Ren Faire in the same sentence) this is the sort of thing I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. Literally. I used to sit around my room at night hoping I’d be whisked away to a celebration on Endor or to a dirty booth in the corner of the Mos Eisley cantina. But enough about me…

Your Itinerary

Now that you understand the basic concept of the Star Cruiser, you might be wondering about specifics. What exactly will you do as you journey out among the stars? Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until the hotel opens to find out, as Disney posted a sample itinerary on their webpage.

Day one activities include orientation, sabacc lessons, muster, a captain’s reception, dinner & music, and “unexpected story moments.” As an example of the latter, the page says you may have to prove your mettle to join a smuggling ring or hide a stowaway to aid the Resistance.

Day two includes a trip to Batuu for a ride on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run as well as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. There, you’ll also encounter another unexpected story moment. Perhaps you’ll be asked to broker a deal for a heist or steal a First Order ship. Who knows? But you’d better be ready. Later, you’ll undergo lightsaber training, take part in droid racing, build a model ship, and take part in a sabacc tournament.

Before the night ends, you’ll face another story moment such as putting your heist plan into action or bringing the stolen First Order ship aboard. The evening ends with a spectacular finale, but to learn more about that you’ll have to book a passage on the Halcyon.

Day three includes breakfast and your passage back to earth, bringing your adventure to an end.

The Crown of Corellia Dining Room

One thing I’ve always loved about Disney is that they understand the keen connection between cuisine and creating a true sense of place. The unique foods on Pandora and Batuu help you feel as though you’ve truly stepped into a different time and place, and this tradition continues aboard the Galactic Star Cruiser.

Aboard the Halcyon, dining takes place in the Corellia Dining Room. As an all-inclusive trip, food and drink are included with your ticket (with the exception of alcohol and specialty beverages). 

Your first dinner features live entertainment from a galactic superstar. On night two, you’ll enjoy the Tastes Around the Galaxy, a meal which, “showcases courses inspired by the geography and environments of iconic destination planets throughout the galaxy. With the serving of each course, a brief introduction presents the name, inspiration, and ingredients for the dishes.”

For an extra fee, you can also book a place at the Captain’s Table. Located in the center of the Corellia Dining Room, you’ll be treated to extra courses, each a favorite of the ship’s captain.

Guests can also pay a visit to the Sublight Lounge, where you can sip drinks while mingling with the sundry characters that are aboard. You may even find a little time to conspire with them.

May the Force Be With You

While the Halcyon is yet to take its first “official” voyage, it already looks like an absolutely mind-blowing experience. A true bucket list item for any Star Wars fan.

Will you join the Resistance and help defeat the sinister specter of the First Order? I hope to see you there. And until that day, may the force be with you.