BAY LAKE, Fla. – Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser set the bar for innovation and immersive entertainment. Nearly two years after its closure, it appears the former hotel site will be the place where future Walt Disney World ideas will be made.
According to a Walt Disney World spokesperson, the building located just steps from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will be transformed into offices for Disney Imagineers. Cast members were first told about the move in October.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Opened in March 2022, the short-lived experience transported travelers into a galaxy far, far away.
The adventure started when guests arrived at the Starcruiser terminal and checked in for their two-night experience. Guests could journey through many of the features of the Star Wars movie series, including meeting characters, and get an “exquisite view of space” from their own suite.
The cost of it all wasn’t budget-friendly. In fact, a two-night stay on the Starcruiser easily set a family of four back $6,000.
The hotel closed in September 2023 shortly after CEO Bob Iger announced plans to cut back on an estimated $5.5 billion in costs for the company, including thousands of job cuts and the cancellation of its Lake Nona project, which would have relocated thousands of Disney jobs to Florida, including Imagineers.
In June 2023, Disney Parks Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro was questioned as to what might be done with the hotel in the future, saying in part “...something will happen with it.”
Disney has not said when the official transformation into offices will happen or how many Imagineers would be working in the building.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: