News Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser coming to Walt Disney World 2021

[GoofGoof]

But we know the layouts of the curbs, roads, paths, etc. I think it's just people not letting the subject go...

I mean, do we really expect Disney to have guests walking across multiple roads, through parking lots, and up the backside of buildings?
(insert Let it Go gif...)

I haven’t seen the plans you are talking about but I haven’t followed the parking lot thread really at all. If there are plans posted there or somewhere else showing all of the curbs, roads and paths and no road or path goes near that “back ally” then you are probably right that it won’t happen.

Based on the layout there would only be a need to cross 1 road if they built a pedestrian walk but even that seems unlikely without a pedestrian overpass (which I guess could still come when they build the actual hotel). The most likely and practical way to have a “back entrance” would be a shuttle bus to that gate not a walking path, but again if the plans show there is no back gate then it’s not happening.

 

[GoofGoof]

We've already heard from our insider that the guests won't be coming in through there but through the entrance I indicated on the map a few pages back.

I thought that was the same place. I see now your spot is to the right of my picture all the way over next to the backstage building that was not removed.

 

[danlb_2000]

I haven’t seen the plans you are talking about but I haven’t followed the parking lot thread really at all. If there are plans posted there or somewhere else showing all of the curbs, roads and paths and no road or path goes near that “back ally” then you are probably right that it won’t happen.

Based on the layout there would only be a need to cross 1 road if they built a pedestrian walk but even that seems unlikely without a pedestrian overpass (which I guess could still come when they build the actual hotel). The most likely and practical way to have a “back entrance” would be a shuttle bus to that gate not a walking path, but again if the plans show there is no back gate then it’s not happening.

 

[GoofGoof]

Thanks guys

So I assume that this set of plans posted by @danlb_2000 above:

Is the basis for this diagram by @MisterPenguin a few pages back:

It takes me a little while with these plans but I think I get it now. So there is definitely a road leading back behind the show buildings. The only thing in question is whether they would have guests shuttled there from the resort.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Thanks guys

So I assume that this set of plans posted by @danlb_2000 above:
View attachment 309446

Is the basis for this diagram by @MisterPenguin a few pages back:
View attachment 309445

It takes me a little while with these plans but I think I get it now. So there is definitely a road leading back behind the show buildings. The only thing in question is whether they would have guests shuttled there from the resort.

Yep. The most telling things, IMO are bus parking spots:

In front of the resort:

And perhaps here, if they're not pulling in further (the blueprint ends here)...

 

[danlb_2000]

Yep. The most telling things, IMO are bus parking spots:

In front of the resort:

View attachment 309447

And perhaps here, if they're not pulling in further (the blueprint ends here)...

View attachment 309448

It's interesting to note that those angled spaces are just under 30 ft in length, which is to large for a car, but to short for a full sized bus.

 

[Disnutz311]

I think an indoor walkway is very achievable. It’s not hugely expensive and is the most practical way to connect such a small distance. Something like the skyway system in Minneapolis that connects many buildings:
View attachment 309196

Imagine this but maybe with screens or solid walls instead of windows:
View attachment 309197

I would agree with this approach. The talk about being bussed over is highly unlikely in my opinion. This walkway could be elevated and use a moving sidewalk of types. Something better than that I am sure. This could be added later on the plans as add on and permitted at a later date. I don’t believe we are seeing the final set and more will be revealed.

 

[larryz]

I would agree with this approach. The talk about being bussed over is highly unlikely in my opinion. This walkway could be elevated and use a moving sidewalk of types. Something better than that I am sure. This could be added later on the plans as add on and permitted at a later date. I don’t believe we are seeing the final set and more will be revealed.

When we say "bussed" we need to recognize that Disney has the engineering wherewithal to convert a "bus" into "an interactive ride vehicle" that could easily simulate a short-range shuttle from low orbit to the surface.

Note that I said they can, not that they're guaranteed to.

 

[geekza]

When we say "bussed" we need to recognize that Disney has the engineering wherewithal to convert a "bus" into "an interactive ride vehicle" that could easily simulate a short-range shuttle from low orbit to the surface.

Note that I said they can, not that they're guaranteed to.

I can see them doing something similar to Hogwarts Express. Have the guests board the bus through a hallway where they don't get a real look at the actual exterior of the vehicle and have the interior themed like some sort of Star Wars-appropriate conveyance. Have it divided into several 4-6-guest compartments with screens where the outer windows would be. Even taking slight variations in travel time because of traffic, etc., they could have certain "events" on the screens in each guest compartment be triggered by the bus' location, with general looping scenery for the sections in between events. It's very doable and effective. You'd be immersed in the world the whole time. You know, until you unloaded in GE where you are suddenly surrounded by people with mouse ears and sandals with socks.

 

[ChrisFL]

I can see them doing something similar to Hogwarts Express. Have the guests board the bus through a hallway where they don't get a real look at the actual exterior of the vehicle and have the interior themed like some sort of Star Wars-appropriate conveyance. Have it divided into several 4-6-guest compartments with screens where the outer windows would be. Even taking slight variations in travel time because of traffic, etc., they could have certain "events" on the screens in each guest compartment be triggered by the bus' location, with general looping scenery for the sections in between events. It's very doable and effective. You'd be immersed in the world the whole time. You know, until you unloaded in GE where you are suddenly surrounded by people with mouse ears and sandals with socks.

Agreed, I can definitely see Disney doing something like this. I'm SURE they were not happy about how well done the Hogwart's Express did for Universal in making it an actual transportation AND fully themed ride experience and Disney will want something like that for themselves.

 

[Bocabear]

Agreed, I can definitely see Disney doing something like this. I'm SURE they were not happy about how well done the Hogwart's Express did for Universal in making it an actual transportation AND fully themed ride experience and Disney will want something like that for themselves.

If they were unhappy that Hogwarts did this well, one would wonder why they did not put an elevated rail type shuttle in, instead of using the crappy busses... Busses with screens for windows are still busses... Disney can well afford to put a specific shuttle in for this hotel...Heck, 20 years ago Luxor put one in to Mandelay Bay... Disney can do amazing things, they just dont seem to want to spend the money to do it right... Unless they are thinking about the whole SWL Resort as more of an experiment than a permanent forever feature...

 

[TrojanUSC]

If they were unhappy that Hogwarts did this well, one would wonder why they did not put an elevated rail type shuttle in, instead of using the crappy busses... Busses with screens for windows are still busses... Disney can well afford to put a specific shuttle in for this hotel...Heck, 20 years ago Luxor put one in to Mandelay Bay... Disney can do amazing things, they just dont seem to want to spend the money to do it right... Unless they are thinking about the whole SWL Resort as more of an experiment than a permanent forever feature...

Mandalay Bay + Luxor + Excalibur (full length of the monorail system) services 10,000+ hotel rooms. This would service four hundred. Cost benefit analysis is way off for something incredibly expensive.

 

[GoofGoof]

Mandalay Bay + Luxor + Excalibur (full length of the monorail system) services 10,000+ hotel rooms. This would service four hundred. Cost benefit analysis is way off for something incredibly expensive.

But I can get a room at Excalibur or Luxor for $25 a night (plus resort fee). This hotel will allegedly cost at least 40X that

I agree it’s still not practical to build a tram like that, but an enclosed walkway seems like a reasonable expense.

 

[Lensman]

I agree it’s still not practical to build a tram like that, but an enclosed walkway seems like a reasonable expense.

Why enclosed? For theming or for rain coverage/climate control? I could see how air conditioning an enclosed walkway across a parking lot could be a nightmare, as well as being a bit claustrophobic. My benchmark are airport jet bridges. They are always too hot in the summer, even when AC is hooked up and they're opened to an air conditioned space on one side.

I'd love to see a well-themed walkway, but I'm not sure it would be worth the price if it also brought a host of other concerns.

As a reality check, we still don't know if there is access planned and the only real information we have are the plans from the permit that show this possible walking path and @MisterPenguin's bus parking, right?

 

[danlb_2000]

Why enclosed? For theming or for rain coverage/climate control? I could see how air conditioning an enclosed walkway across a parking lot could be a nightmare, as well as being a bit claustrophobic. My benchmark are airport jet bridges. They are always too hot in the summer, even when AC is hooked up and they're opened to an air conditioned space on one side.

I'd love to see a well-themed walkway, but I'm not sure it would be worth the price if it also brought a host of other concerns.

As a reality check, we still don't know if there is access planned and the only real information we have are the plans from the permit that show this possible walking path and @MisterPenguin's bus parking, right?

To keep it properly themed you would probably have to enclose it, there is just to much back in that area that woul ruin the immersion.

The permits don't show for sure that there will be a walking path. The only thing we know for sure is this quote from Disney: "his location will allow the experience to be seamlessly connected to the highly-anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land a".

 

[twilight mitsuk]

How about a thyssenkrupp multi directional elevator

 

[michmousefan]

Also wondering if there will be any access back to the hotel for non-hotel guests. In other words, will a day guest visiting GE be able to take the transport over to the hotel to check it out?

I'm imagining no, as the insane crowds at GE would likely overwhelm whatever transportation system they come up with, let alone crowd the lobby/reception area with gawkers. I would think that to go back to the SW hotel you'll need to show some sort of credential/proof of hotel guest status.

 

[GoofGoof]

Why enclosed? For theming or for rain coverage/climate control? I could see how air conditioning an enclosed walkway across a parking lot could be a nightmare, as well as being a bit claustrophobic. My benchmark are airport jet bridges. They are always too hot in the summer, even when AC is hooked up and they're opened to an air conditioned space on one side.

I'd love to see a well-themed walkway, but I'm not sure it would be worth the price if it also brought a host of other concerns.

As a reality check, we still don't know if there is access planned and the only real information we have are the plans from the permit that show this possible walking path and @MisterPenguin's bus parking, right?

As @danlb_2000 said, enclosed mainly for theming. Nothing kills the immersion of being part of the Star Wars Universe like walking through an active parking lot looking up at the back of the show buildings. IMHO if they do have direct access to the park, in terms of not breaking immersion I would rank it indoor tram/shuttle, then enclosed walkway, then bus, and last outdoor walking path. My gut says the most likely is a bus.

If it’s an enclosed walkway there wouldn’t be windows to the outside (to keep you from seeing the parking lot and back of show buildings) so it makes it much easier to keep it cool. Walking through you would feel like you were in a hallway within the resort. They could maybe even use some screens as fake windows. The effect could be pretty seemless for resort guests.

Also wondering if there will be any access back to the hotel for non-hotel guests. In other words, will a day guest visiting GE be able to take the transport over to the hotel to check it out?

I'm imagining no, as the insane crowds at GE would likely overwhelm whatever transportation system they come up with, let alone crowd the lobby/reception area with gawkers. I would think that to go back to the SW hotel you'll need to show some sort of credential/proof of hotel guest status.

Agreed, it’s very unlikely they will allow the general public a look inside. A kiosk somewhere in the park selling the SW resort packages is definitley possible.

 

[peter11435]

It’s entirely possible to use a “bus“ and have the guests never realize they are entering or riding a bus.

 

[GoofGoof]

It’s entirely possible to use a “bus“ and have the guests never realize they are entering or riding a bus.

I would assume any bus used would not have windows you can actually see out of to avoid the same issues of having a walking path and seeing the parking lot and back of show buildings. They would just need to have a side entry and closed off driver area. Something like this, but less “pimp themed” and more “galaxy far, far away”:

Maybe something like this with a different seat configuration: