Try as we may, no spoilers. But also, no promises…
This Star Wars franchise thing might make it one day. Of course, we’ve known this for 45 years now. But just recently, Disney has taken the relationship with the most successful movie franchise in history into hyperspace. Not only did they open Galaxy’s Edge in multiple Disney parks, they have now created a totally immersive land-cruise that combines hospitality, entertainment, theatre, gaming and role-playing. And for one of our agents, it sounded like heaven on earth…or in space…
Welcome to Believe Vacations’ Weekly Post where this week, we will provide you with a special look at the Galactic StarCruiser multi-night experience at Walt Disney World. Meet Whitney White. Whitney has been an incredible agent and friend of Believe Vacations for 4 years and had the opportunity to experience this once-in-a-lifetime cruise with her husband and friends. She was kind enough to share some thoughts about her journey.
PRE-CRUISE
What are the basics to know?
This is not the cheapest vacation. Each cruise is 2 nights and 2 days. Check-in is at 1PM and then check-out is 10AM. For 4 adults, we did a standard cabin and it was around $6,000. Prices can vary from there depending on amount of people and type of room. There are suites that can go to 8 people. Our room had bunkbeds and they were very accommodating for taller people. We brought a good bit of luggage and there is plenty of room to store it.
What all do you pack?
Of course, we brought costumes! But you do not have to do that. There are plenty of people who wore casual wear but yes, some people go all out! If you’re just doing the 2 days and 2 nights, you don’t need to pack various changes of clothes. Just your normal long weekend packing. There are special occasions and add-on purchases like special photos that you may want to dress up for.
Do they send you anything pre-cruise?
You will not receive anything you have to bring ahead of time but you will have time before the cruise to book those special onboard activities. But once you arrive, you get your special Magic Band, a really nice pin that indicates you are a guest and a few other items.
DURING THE CRUISE
Where do you go when you arrive?
You drive and park or get a rideshare service and get dropped off. It looks deceiving because it could be a 2-story office building from the outside. But security does check you in and ask some random questions, I guess to set the mood. You pull up to the entrance, unload your baggage and then officially get checked in and leave your luggage to magically find your room.
What is the DataPad you use during the trip and what is the special MagicBand you receive?
Before you arrive, you should download the Play Disney App. Once you log in, that’s where you will access the Data Pad and it will open up all the information you need once you are on the grounds. The MagicBands are delivered before the cruise and you can not purchase them. They are only for StarCruiser guests. You scan in and then you go through the metal detector and we get ready to shoot into space!
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you are officially onboard?
Holy Batuu! It really is amazing with the details and the presentation and the sheer beauty of it all. And the layout is perfect – there is the bar in the corner and the elevators ahead and over to the left is overlooking space. The views are breathtaking and you have to stop for a minute to gather yourself. Even as a novice Star Wars fan, I was impressed.
Where are the first few places you and your family are visiting?
We explored the atrium and the gift store which has costumes to merchandise. We spent most of the time on that bridge area taking photos and then it’s up to you because your DataPad will start going off and that’s when the excitement and the missions begin. You do have a few times during the day where everyone has to be together like the welcome toast but you do have plenty of free time. The dining area is surprisingly smaller than you would imagine. A max of 500 people fit on the ship at one time so you’re talking about 250 or so people at each dining seating.
Is there really a droid in your room?
Yes but don’t get your expectations to see R2D2 rolling around. But, you can call the droid from your room and it will pop up and converse with you. It’s very fun and the responses are pretty ad lib and not as pre-programmed as you would think. Kids will definitely love it.
What are some non-spoiler descriptions of the cruise?
It’s part cruise, part theater, part gaming. Guests may go all out like they are trying to win an Oscar or guests can just sit and enjoy the show playing out in front of their eyes. You can jump in and complete the missions or root from the sidelines. Star Wars characters are walking around for photos, assistance with missions or even helping you with clues to the next task, all depending on the body clues of the guest they are interacting with. But the story that plays out is so well written and the ending truly is an emotional moment of celebration.
After the Cruise
What keepsakes did you get to bring home?
The photos you took onboard can be downloaded when you get home. just like you do Memory Maker in the parks. You get a gold coin trinket, your magic band, your pin and then anything you want to buy in the gift shop onboard. However, once you depart from the ship, there is a gift store for final purchases. They will also email you a code to go to ShopDisney to purchase when you get home. But if you do not buy after logging in that first time, you may not get a chance to purchase again. It’s that exclusive!
What do you do after a total immersive experience like that?
A lot of people just simply got in the cars and went home. Or, you can use a voucher with MEARS taxi service to be dropped off locally and of course, we went to Bay Lake Tower for a few days in the parks!
What is the biggest piece of advice you have for anyone wanting to book this experience through Believe Vacations?
There is so much to talk about so I would honestly recommend talking to an agent who has done it personally or an agency with at least one agent who has done the experience. And that’s Believe Vacations!
