Explore the rise and fall of Disney's "Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser" hotel through Jenny Nicholson's viral YouTube deep dive. Discover its impact on Disney's future park expansions.
In 2023, Disney closed its highly-publicized luxury hotel, "Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser," located on the Walt Disney World property. For Disney superfans, this event was a moment of high drama and schadenfreude, as the hotel's promises of an immersive Star Wars world clashed with the rocky reality of some guests' experiences. Now, a year later, a four-hour-long YouTube deep dive by Jenny Nicholson has resurfaced details about the concept and spread this niche piece of Disney lore to millions of viewers.
The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Starcruiser
Jenny Nicholson, a YouTuber known for her commentary on various corners of fan culture, has gained significant attention with her video, "The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel." Over 20 video chapters, Nicholson details her 2022 stay at the "Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser" hotel in Orlando, Florida. She paid over $6,000 for a two-night stay, expecting an immersive, customizable Star Wars experience that Disney marketing had equated to live-action roleplaying (LARPing). Guests were encouraged to dress up and engage with cast members through a special app that guided them through a three-day Star Wars storyline.
Mixed Experiences and High Costs
Nicholson's experience mirrored the critical reviews the hotel received: cramped rooms, inconsistent technology, and a general sense of confusion about the venture's purpose or audience. Despite some enjoyable aspects, such as cast member performances and detailed interiors, the high cost and mixed experiences led to the hotel's closure. Disney announced the closure in May 2023, stating that the project provided an opportunity to try new things and set a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment.
The Viral Video's Impact
Nicholson's video quickly garnered over 2 million views in two days, resonating with both Disney and Star Wars fans. The video combines several winning formulas: Disney, Star Wars, insider information (including pictures and videos from Nicholson's stay), and the allure of discussing failures. The long-form format of the video is part of a growing trend on YouTube, where in-depth explorations of fan culture content are becoming increasingly popular. According to a 2022 Google consumer insights report, 61% of Gen Z describe themselves as "really big" or "super fans" of someone or something, indicating a healthy appetite for detailed content.
Disney's Future Ambitions
The resurfacing of the Galactic Starcruiser's story comes at a time when Disney is planning significant expansions. Earlier this year, Disney announced a $60 billion, 10-year expansion program for its parks, cruises, and experiences worldwide. This includes a 14-acre expansion at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando's Walt Disney World and a major investment in the Disneyland resort and surrounding areas in Anaheim.
Will Disney's New Projects Succeed?
As Disney prepares for its annual D23 Expo, where new projects and attractions are announced, enthusiasts are eager to see if these new ventures will live up to expectations or become the next subject of a four-hour YouTube deep dive. The story of the Galactic Starcruiser serves as a cautionary tale and a lens through which to view Disney Parks' future ambitions.
Source: CNN