News Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser coming to Walt Disney World 2021

[Unplugged]

"Pink Nightmare" was when they repainted the whole damn castle to look like a giant cake for the 25th Anniversary. While unbelievably clever, it was hard to look at for more than 10 minutes.

 

[spotpkt]

If we think of this experience like a point to point cruise, I could see it structured this way:

Board the "ship" at Disney, which just happens to be in a galaxy far far away.

Your journey is a 2 day trip at sub-light to a tropical paradise planet.

The cruise starts out normal, but then you get attacked by the first order. Turns out the cruise is smuggling rebels.

The closest rebel base: Batuu

Alternatively, you are the rebels and are being transported to Batuu.

At the end of the trip, you arrive at Batuu and disembark at the Galaxy's Edge port (this would be the exclusive access portion).

All conjecture.

As for the exiting argument about breaking immersion... They will have ways for cast members and supplies to come into and exit the building (ship) without breaking immersion. They will have ways for people to leave without breaking immersion for other experience goers.

 

[rreading]

I think that the fact that we have had multiple people with polar opposite opinions posting in the past few hours about whether they would split their party or bring the hypothetical “Star Wars hating granny” with them proves this isn’t a straw man argument. Many people travel to WDW with extended families and people of varying ages and interests. This is a very real issue Disney needs to consider and I’m sure they have a plan or at the very least a team working on a plan. A lot of it comes down t how they market it.

You are probably correct based on past history at WDW but I am giving it the benefit of the doubt that maybe this will be different. I honestly believe that people bringing babies and toddlers should be discouraged (I know Disney will never ban it completely because of PR). Everything doesn’t have to be for toddlers and if the place is clogged up with mega strollers and 3 year olds looking for autographs it will take away from other guest’s experience. I say this as a parent of 2 kids who were toddlers not so long ago. When my kids were toddlers they would have been more than happy with the SW meet and greets and rides in the parks. (This is where someone posts how their special snowflake was so into Star Wars at 18 months and would love to go to a place like this). I know by posting this I’m making a generalization and there are exceptions but on average this type of experience is really not for the preschool and under crowd...the vast majority of WDW is so they aren’t hurting for stuff to do.

I don’t blame parents for not wanting to separate from their party for multiple days, but kids grow up fast and it won’t be long before they will be old enough to enjoy and play along so maybe just wait a few years.

Many pages later, I fully expect that this has been answered, but I am not there yet...

I very much expect that the:
1) lack of ready availability at this resort;
2) expense of the resort; as well as the
3) seeming lack of connection to the remainder of WDW (they could conceivably also not offer FP+ at this resort to limit half-interested parties)

will all induce families to choose whether they are going into the SW hotel experience OR the WDW/SW park experience. Those with toddlers who have the means to pay for the SW hotel are hopefully not dense enough to realize that their kids would far rather be running around Cinderella's castle, and that those who are committed should arrive in Orlando a couple of days early, with the rest of the family greeting them 48h later.

 

[rreading]

I'm rather fascinated with the money argument. A $5000 add-on is a drop in the bucket for many families. In fact, those are exactly the travel groups Disney has been targeting more and more lately.

But why would they if they're not interested? I'm not sure that I get that aspect of it your position. Especially when what they're (probably) really there to experience (a nice room at WDW) is so otherwise available?

 

[rreading]

Because, it's a "family vacation". Sure, people do different stuff at different times of day. But, they're all still on the same family vacation.

In this example, the options being presented are:

1. Split the family vacation into 3 distinct and independent vacations. One for the 2 Star Wars fans, one for the two who are not (with 0 interaction for 48 consecutive hours across 3 days and 2 nights), and one combined trip before of after those independent vacations. If it's a 6 night 7 day total trip length, that's a third of the total trip done as separate vacations.
2. Don't go at all to the Star Wars experience. Deprive 50% of the travelers from what they want to do.
3. Everybody goes and doesn't do anything else. Forcing 50% of the travelers to do only stuff they're only partially interested in for a third of the trip.
4. Do the experience with 50% of the guests doing everything and 50% of the guests doing some stuff, but not all of it and instead taking advantage of something else that's less than 10 minutes away for parts of that third of the trip, while also getting back together for some stuff every day.

Option 1 feels like crap. It's possible but an inconvenience. One that some people are willing to pay money to make go away, but that others will do. Remove the option to pay to make it go away and some will not be willing to do this at all.

Option 2 and 3 are both bad. Option 2 denies those who want it any experience at all and option 3 forces others who will not enjoy something to be stuck with it for an entire 48 hours.

Option 4 sounds expensive at first glance, if you only focus on the "per person cost and per person usage". This is where we think someone is wasting money they're not using. But, take a different frame of reference. This is someone paying extra to be able to do the experience and not be split up for the entire time.

With option 4, stop thinking of it as $2,000 * 4 people and not getting $2,000 worth of enjoyment from each of the 4 people. While that's the pricing model, that's not really the enjoyment model. Think of it as $8,000 for the family of 4 to go. We know they will not all enjoy the experience the same amount. So, let's allocate out the enjoyment as $3,500, $3,000, $1,000, and $500. One super fan who it's worth almost anything to, a large fan, one who get's limited enjoyment, and one who likes to see the pretty spaceship and is glad to still be able to spend time together. Option 4 may sound like a waste, but it doesn't mean it is a waste. In this case, the cost to not be option 1, 2, or 3 was $2,500 ($4,000 - $1,000 - $500). It may be well worth it for the first two. This exact math will be different for every group.

All making option 4 work requires is allowing people to leave the immersion and do whatever else they want while in the middle of hundreds of acres of entertainment space where money can be made from them with all those things. And, there's a bus loop right out front and a huge fleet of buses. Options 1, 2, and 3 all reduce the ability to attract people to this attraction by imposing artificial restrictions.

This is a good summary of these ideas, but in my world women go on girl's weekends to spas or wineries or just to a nice hotel in a nearby city to "get away"; there are guys who go on hunting trips for a few days or to Vegas for the weekend.

Why in the world would to take the children to WDW and not take them to WDW if they're not all-in to SW?

 

[GoofGoof]

Those with toddlers who have the means to pay for the SW hotel are hopefully not dense enough to realize that their kids would far rather be running around Cinderella's castle

As a parent who has recently had young kids I’ve seen first hand that this is not always true. It’s not necessarily that they are dense...more like selfish. People drag really young kids a lot of places because that is where they want to be. Often times they then get annoyed or frustrated that there is nothing appropriate for their kid to do. The only thing that stops those types of people is an actual rule prohibiting it which Disney will never do.

 

[Pixieish]

As a parent who has recently had young kids I’ve seen first hand that this is not always true. It’s not necessarily that they are dense...more like selfish. People drag really young kids a lot of places because that is where they want to be. Often times they then get annoyed or frustrated that there is nothing appropriate for their kid to do. The only thing that stops those types of people is an actual rule prohibiting it which Disney will never do.

#truestory

 

[Lets Respect]

An age requirement will make all the difference in the atmosphere of this hotel. It would be great if they made it 10 and up. Even the VR experience at DS has a height requirement of 48' which is an average 8 yo

 

[seabreezept813]

As a parent who has recently had young kids I’ve seen first hand that this is not always true. It’s not necessarily that they are dense...more like selfish. People drag really young kids a lot of places because that is where they want to be. Often times they then get annoyed or frustrated that there is nothing appropriate for their kid to do. The only thing that stops those types of people is an actual rule prohibiting it which Disney will never do.

Taking kids to Disney (any part) is hardly selfish—it is a family entertainment institution. There are plenty of places just for adults to enjoy outside and inside the world —bars, late night movies, spas, etc. Adults who get upset about kids (even toddlers) at places like Disney, worry me. I think Disney would really have to advertise this in a certain way to make it an adult only area. If you look at Disney merchandise, it’s clear that Disney equally targets young kids and adults with Star Wars merchandise.

 

[Pixieish]

Taking kids to Disney (any part) is hardly selfish—it is a family entertainment institution. There are plenty of places just for adults to enjoy outside and inside the world —bars, late night movies, spas, etc. Adults who get upset about kids (even toddlers) at places like Disney, worry me. I think Disney would really have to advertise this in a certain way to make it an adult only area. If you look at Disney merchandise, it’s clear that Disney equally targets young kids and adults with Star Wars merchandise.

No one has said anything about the SW resort being adults only, just that it won't likely be appropriate for all ages. The concern is younger children who a) might not understand what's going on, b) will very likely throw temper tantrums until they get to see The Mouse, c) will affect the "immersion" experience simply because they don't know that they shouldn't rush costumed characters for autographs, d) tend to get VERY loud with the expression of their wants/needs.

You wouldn't believe the lengths I've seen some parents go to in the effort to not change their lives one iota upon having children. There are many people in the world today who would rather drag their children along on an experience they may not necessarily enjoy just because it's something the adult wants to do...then they turn around and get angry at the kids for being fidgety/cranky/bored. THIS is what is being referred to as selfish.

I have 2 sons - 12 and 7. My 12-year-old would likely dive right into an immersive experience (and perhaps get a little too enthusiastic with a light saber), but my 7-year-old just isn't there yet. He'd expect it to be like the rest of Disney where you wait in line to meet a character. We will wait until our kids are both ready for an immersive experience before we even think about bringing them.

 

[Lets Respect]

They may even write a "recommended" age. The Disney shows on Broadway right now (Aladdin, Lion King and Frozen) all have age recommendations before you buy the tickets. Aladdin and LK are 6 years old and Frozen is 8 years old.

But they don't ban kids under those ages. Maybe they will do something like that.

 

[danlb_2000]

An age requirement will make all the difference in the atmosphere of this hotel. It would be great if they made it 10 and up. Even the VR experience at DS has a height requirement of 48' which is an average 8 yo

No way they put an age restriction on this.

 

[GoofGoof]

An age requirement will make all the difference in the atmosphere of this hotel. It would be great if they made it 10 and up. Even the VR experience at DS has a height requirement of 48' which is an average 8 yo

Zero chance there is an age requirement.

Taking kids to Disney (any part) is hardly selfish—it is a family entertainment institution. There are plenty of places just for adults to enjoy outside and inside the world —bars, late night movies, spas, etc. Adults who get upset about kids (even toddlers) at places like Disney, worry me. I think Disney would really have to advertise this in a certain way to make it an adult only area. If you look at Disney merchandise, it’s clear that Disney equally targets young kids and adults with Star Wars merchandise.

Who said anything about taking kids to Disney being selfish? I’ve taken both of my kids to WDW when they were toddlers and we had a great time. The vast majority of things to do at the place are great for even little kids. There are some things which are not appropriate for toddlers. Not many, but a few.

Who said anything about making the Star Wars resort adults only? The specific discussion was around toddlers (kids under 3) at this resort experience. Of course there will be tons of kids who would love to go to a place like this and I’m sure plenty of people will take them. The specific comment that I was referring to was that people would see this is not a good fit for a toddler and do something else at WDW instead for the sake of the child. I have witnessed some people who would not have any issues taking their toddler to something that wasn’t appropriate for them if it was something the parents wanted to do. That’s selfish.

 

[Incomudro]

An age requirement will make all the difference in the atmosphere of this hotel. It would be great if they made it 10 and up. Even the VR experience at DS has a height requirement of 48' which is an average 8 yo

NOT happening.
Have you seen the Jedi Training? (of course you have)
No way WDW is going to exclude anyone by age at this hotel.
Experiences perhaps. As in paid for immersive packages that may come up.
I can certainly see experience packages that are segregated into age ranges.
But WDW will not age restrict that hotel just so some fanbois who take Star Wars too seriously can stay in their bubble.
Disney likes families.

 

[Pixieish]

NOT happening.
Have you seen the Jedi Training? (of course you have)
No way WDW is going to exclude anyone by age at this hotel.
Experiences perhaps. As in paid for immersive packages that may come up.
I can certainly see experience packages that are segregated into age ranges.
But WDW will not age restrict that hotel just so some fanbois who take Star Wars too seriously can stay in their bubble.
Disney likes families.

Actually, children over the age of 12 aren't allowed to do Jedi Training. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is for 3-12 year old children, and Pirates League is 3 and over. (Just pointing out that Disney does restrict by age where appropriate.)

I think we've already established that it isn't likely Disney will age restrict this. Is it still a concern? Absolutely. And not just for fanbois, either. Ever seen a bunch of 4-year-old kids in a museum that specializes in historic artifacts? It isn't pretty.

I could also venture to say that an "immersive" resort in and of itself classifies as a "paid for, immersive package".

 

[GoofGoof]

NOT happening.
Have you seen the Jedi Training? (of course you have)
No way WDW is going to exclude anyone by age at this hotel.
Experiences perhaps. As in paid for immersive packages that may come up.
I can certainly see experience packages that are segregated into age ranges.
But WDW will not age restrict that hotel just so some fanbois who take Star Wars too seriously can stay in their bubble.
Disney likes families.

I mostly agree with this. I think they will likely cater this (at least some) to their typical guests at the expense of some of the “immersion” people keep saying they are expecting.

Jedi Training Academy does have an age requirement. You have to be between 4 and 12. It is also only 20 minutes long (plus some waiting pre-show) so it’s easy for a party to split up and take younger kids who don’t qualify somewhere nearby while they wait for the show to start. If this experience is multiple days that’s not going to be an option. Not sure how Disney will handle that, but I agree I can’t see them outright banning the toddler crowd.

 

[seabreezept813]

Zero chance there is an age requirement.

Who said anything about taking kids to Disney being selfish? I’ve taken both of my kids to WDW when they were toddlers and we had a great time. The vast majority of things to do at the place are great for even little kids. There are some things which are not appropriate for toddlers. Not many, but a few.

Who said anything about making the Star Wars resort adults only? The specific discussion was around toddlers (kids under 3) at this resort experience. Of course there will be tons of kids who would love to go to a place like this and I’m sure plenty of people will take them. The specific comment that I was referring to was that people would see this is not a good fit for a toddler and do something else at WDW instead for the sake of the child. I have witnessed some people who would not have any issues taking their toddler to something that wasn’t appropriate for them if it was something the parents wanted to do. That’s selfish.

Sorry I think I read the post as Disney being the thing that parents drag toddlers to that is inappropriate, because I was tying the Star Wars Resort into Disney World options in general. I would categorize Star Wars as slightly more adult, but generally more family-friendly than the customer base for the Universal Parks. This makes much more sense now. Babies at rock concerts, etc. no go

 

[Lets Respect]

Universal has barely anything without a height requirement. That's why you see a different customer base there

 

[Incomudro]

Actually, children over the age of 12 aren't allowed to do Jedi Training. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is for 3-12 year old children, and Pirates League is 3 and over. (Just pointing out that Disney does restrict by age where appropriate.)

I think we've already established that it isn't likely Disney will age restrict this. Is it still a concern? Absolutely. And not just for fanbois, either. Ever seen a bunch of 4-year-old kids in a museum that specializes in historic artifacts? It isn't pretty.

I could also venture to say that an "immersive" resort in and of itself classifies as a "paid for, immersive package".

I said that experiences may be age restricted.
Not the hotel itself.

 

[Thelazer]

Good lord... stop thinking this will be some 24/7 LARP.

You get rooms with themed bed sheets, a VR Window that lets you look out at the "Stars", a little extra decor in the lobby and priority admission into the park in the AM..... that's about it.

(okay and a high priced restaurant only accessible IF you stay at that resort)

Don't worry though, marketing dept is going to sell you the moon and the stars and price this accordingly. They just know people are going to be ready to pay the highest room rates this side of endor.