News Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser coming to Walt Disney World 2021

[LSLS]

We’re gonna see…

I don’t think they’ll retheme it…I don’t think they’ll board it up…they can’t integrate it into the park…

Their go to option will be to discount it some and dig in.

But my guess is that fundamentally Star Wars fans don’t want this. Period. And that’s who you need. I’m not even sure that kinda fan will continue to replenish over time? I mean…the sheen is off that gem in a lot of ways. It’s really cheapened. Less actually ended up to be more…contrary to what we all thought.

None of what we say here matters. Disney under Bob the builder doesn’t care. They’ll do what they’ll do. Critics will criticize and diehards will defend.

Oh I agree they don't want it. Amd also agree the discount is the way to go, though the problem is going to be they will cut too just to try and keep their crazy profit margins on it. I'm still not sure just the retheme saves it though. Personally speaking, it's theme is far from the issue I have with going

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

HA, sorry, that should be immersive. Autocorrect from "immersive" to "impressive" kind of changed my statement, huh?

Well…neither applies

It’s a hyper expensive spin on dvc pool games

 

[Mickey's Pal]

Very, very slowly.

At its current price point.

The only voyage paying customers pay for with this thing is a voyage to the bottom of the barrel. They are only able to fill up 25% of some voyages. This whole thing is voluntary confinement but without windows and most importantly- without Star Wars. Or a pool.

 

[_caleb]

I don’t understand the utter glee people are expressing over the announced canceled dates. Disney is trying something new/different. Even if you don’t particularly like what they’re trying or how they’re going about it, don’t you want them to keep trying new things?

• Some are saying they should focus on the parks, but this isn’t an either/or thing. Characters, droids, and aliens could still be added to SW:GE
• Some want OT theming, but Disney obviously wants to promote the current generation of SW
• Some still don’t seem to understand that this is a newer category of activity
• Some point to the cheesy parts (the dance lessons, the dining room), but don’t have a problem with acoustic ceiling tiles and fiberglass statues throughout WDW
• Most say it all comes down to the price, and it sounds like the price may be coming down

When Disney does something interesting, as a fan I’m generally supportive. I’ve enjoyed watching it play out, seeing reactions, and hoping they learn and adjust to make it something great.

P.S.- Before you respond “they never learn,” where do you think the Starcruiser idea came frrom?

 

[celluloid]

Even if the vacancy is a few rooms occupied, you have to staff the same performer levels and crew to make the entertainment work. this is why a theme park can still operate most attractions at thousands of guests less, because ancillary spending and entertainment in bulk.

This thing is all inclusive.

The fact that they are booking people at half off to combine a more full time period that they have to staff anyway tells you that right there.

The idea is for demand to increase, not diminish.

 

[Tha Realest]

I don’t understand the utter glee people are expressing over the announced canceled dates. Disney is trying something new/different. Even if you don’t particularly like what they’re trying or how they’re going about it, don’t you want them to keep trying new things?

• Some are saying they should focus on the parks, but this isn’t an either/or thing. Characters, droids, and aliens could still be added to SW:GE
• Some want OT theming, but Disney obviously wants to promote the current generation of SW
• Some still don’t seem to understand that this is a newer category of activity
• Some point to the cheesy parts (the dance lessons, the dining room), but don’t have a problem with acoustic ceiling tiles and fiberglass statues throughout WDW
• Most say it all comes down to the price, and it sounds like the price may be coming down

When Disney does something interesting, as a fan I’m generally supportive. I’ve enjoyed watching it play out, seeing reactions, and hoping they learn and adjust to make it something great.

P.S.- Before you respond “they never learn,” where do you think the Starcruiser idea came frrom?

I think a lot of this perceived “glee” is because much of what constitutes the Galactic Starcruiser was intended to go into Galaxy’s Edge (live entertainment, an interactive story that follows you around, a unique dining experience) but instead was put behind an exorbitant paywall, diminishing SW:GE in the process.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I don’t understand the utter glee people are expressing over the announced canceled dates. Disney is trying something new/different. Even if you don’t particularly like what they’re trying or how they’re going about it, don’t you want them to keep trying new things?

• Some are saying they should focus on the parks, but this isn’t an either/or thing. Characters, droids, and aliens could still be added to SW:GE
• Some want OT theming, but Disney obviously wants to promote the current generation of SW
• Some still don’t seem to understand that this is a newer category of activity
• Some point to the cheesy parts (the dance lessons, the dining room), but don’t have a problem with acoustic ceiling tiles and fiberglass statues throughout WDW
• Most say it all comes down to the price, and it sounds like the price may be coming down

When Disney does something interesting, as a fan I’m generally supportive. I’ve enjoyed watching it play out, seeing reactions, and hoping they learn and adjust to make it something great.

P.S.- Before you respond “they never learn,” where do you think the Starcruiser idea came frrom?

Disney has
ingratiated itself with neither Star Wars nor park fans in recent years…start there for the ethos

 

[_caleb]

I think a lot of this perceived “glee” is because much of what constitutes the Galactic Starcruiser was intended to go into Galaxy’s Edge (live entertainment, an interactive story that follows you around, a unique dining experience) but instead was put behind an exorbitant paywall, diminishing SW:GE in the process.

I know, but part of this has been an experiment to see if people would pay extra for the live/interactive stuff and still enjoy the land without it. Some people love streetmosphere and characters, and some absolutely hate it. This is why they do character meet and greets in designated locations like they do now instead of just walking around like they used to. It’s also why Avengers Campus is basically mainly streetmosphere.

I’m among those who think SW:GE should be a wretched hive of droids, aliens, and characters bustling about. The thing is, they can do both–streetmosphere in SW:GE and immersive role playing in the Starcruiser.

 

[celluloid]

I’m among those who think SW:GE should be a wretched hive of droids, aliens, and characters bustling about. The thing is, they can do both–streetmosphere in SW:GE and immersive role playing in the Starcruiser.

They can do a lot of things, but they wanted to the biggest ROI for as little effort as possible.

Since a lot of people shared their "oh no" moment of when they felt it was not going to work well. For me, it was that light saber switch as a micro example of what little effort was put into it. If you can't pull the most basic stage direction distraction technique off for that, than I knew so many other things were overlooked.

It works in a theme park because it is an offering to please some in your party while the others play along.

It does not work in an all inclusive where people have to bunk with strangers to afford the experience because the spouse and kids would prefer a pool and a few days at the parks during their stay in FL.

 

[_caleb]

Disney has
ingratiated itself with neither Star Wars nor park fans in recent years…start there for the ethos

I think it’s funny that you seem to think yours is the majority opinion on Star Wars. I’m a huge fan, and I generally like what Disney’s done with it (better than what I imagine Lucas might have done with it). I think it’s great to see the stories I loved so much as a kid continue on in movies and series and all the parks stuff.

 

[Tha Realest]

I know, but part of this has been an experiment to see if people would pay extra for the live/interactive stuff and still enjoy the land without it. Some people love streetmosphere and characters, and some absolutely hate it. This is why they do character meet and greets in designated locations like they do now instead of just walking around like they used to. It’s also why Avengers Campus is basically mainly streetmosphere.

I’m among those who think SW:GE should be a wretched hive of droids, aliens, and characters bustling about. The thing is, they can do both–streetmosphere in SW:GE and immersive role playing in the Starcruiser.

My concern is they haven’t done both- there’s precious little streetmosphere in SWGE.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I think it’s funny that you seem to think yours is the majority opinion on Star Wars. I’m a huge fan, and I generally like what Disney’s done with it (better than what I imagine Lucas might have done with it). I think it’s great to see the stories I loved so much as a kid continue on in movies and series and all the parks stuff.

you seriously think that most Star Wars not under allegiance to ya boy Bob are pleased with their direction?

That’s an interesting opinion…for sure.

We’ve been at this a long time. You think things have gone well…knowing what you know?

 

[celluloid]

My concern is they haven’t done both- there’s precious little streetmosphere in SWGE.

And sadly, the theme parks in general have had so much entertainment cut.

 

[_caleb]

They can do a lot of things, but they wanted to the biggest ROI for as little effort as possible.

I guess you’re saying this because it’s just generally true of all business decisions? Because I don’t think it’s actually true in the case of the Starcruiser.

Since a lot of people shared their "oh no" moment of when they felt it was not going to work well. For me, it was that light saber switch as a micro example of what little effort was put into it. If you can't pull the most basic stage direction distraction technique off for that, than I knew so many other things were overlooked.

Have you done the Starcruiser experience, or are you saying this based on a video you’ve seen? Because you know how misdirection works—in-person it can be much more effective than on a video where you’re looking for it (or the camera is trained on it).

It works in a theme park because it is an offering to please some in your party while the others play along.

And this is exactly what the concept is exploring. Why not take all the folks who want to “play along” and let them do that out of the way of those who don’t care about it all (and charge them obscene amounts of money to do it)? If the price comes down, maybe more people will try it. If the current trend continues, many who try it will be pleased—many will be pleasantly surprised by how much fun it is.

 

[celluloid]

Have you done the Starcruiser experience, or are you saying this based on a video you’ve seen? Because you know how misdirection works—in-person it can be much more effective than on a video where you’re looking for it (or the camera is trained on it).

I know someone who was in entertainment when it was produced.

It is awful. It can be effective, the way they did it was not proper misdirection.

Rey should have dodged a blast as the lighting fixture effect or any other incarnation occurred and a simple stage hand switch with saber double would have worked. Simple blocking that covers it no matter where someone is looking.

Bending over to pick the thing up, which is not only more obvious but risks many things with that direction.

Its terrible. I am also a professional magician. I know the difference of camera and stage. You can know the secret while still knowing it is effective vs not. What they went with was lazy and lacking knowledge.

 

[_caleb]

you seriously think that most Star Wars not under allegiance to ya boy Bob are pleased with their direction?

That’s an interesting opinion…for sure.

We’ve been at this a long time. You think things have gone well…knowing what you know?

I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t call Mr. Iger by his first name like that. So disrespectful!

Kidding! He’s not “my boy.” Lots not to like about his leadership, which has all be hashed and rehashed on these boards. But to sum up my take (which is the same for Disney parks): mixed-bag Star Wars is better than no Star Wars because it generates demand for more Star Wars.

 

[celluloid]

And this is exactly what the concept is exploring. Why not take all the folks who want to “play along” and let them do that out of the way of those who don’t care about it all (and charge them obscene amounts of money to do it)? If the price comes down, maybe more people will try it. If the current trend continues, many who try it will be pleased—many will be pleasantly surprised by how much fun it is.

Theme parks did this back in the day. It was called Nickel and DIming and the Ticketing System, which did not work at a certain point of popularity.

This is why even if you don't ride the rides at a well designed theme park, you are charged the full admission price. As there is more revenue and ease in it to buy the access and enough to please everyone in your party for the day. I could recommend some books for you that explore all of this history.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I’m among those who think SW:GE should be a wretched hive of droids, aliens, and characters bustling about. The thing is, they can do both–streetmosphere in SW:GE and immersive role playing in the Starcruiser.

It’s an amusement park Land…it should be a best effort at representing/delivering the appeal of the themes/characters used.

This is…again…making excuses for management hubris. You don’t tell a large fanbase that what they liked isn’t “the best way to go”.
There’s no logical reason to do it. You’re forgetting what “ingredients” went into this cake.

Have you been to the potter lands? I’m not a potter superfan…but like LOTR and a bunch of other fantasy/sci-fi properties…I enjoy it and was very curious to see how they bring it to life?
Those lands…costing less than one mediocre ride with bad ip down the road…are great because they simply tried to do the best possible to “put you there”. Not perfect…but not trying to steer you away from your fandom.

That has been the fundamental flaw with Disneys approach from the start. With the source material, the lands and the concrete box next to it.

They needed to use the KISS method.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t call Mr. Iger by his first name like that. So disrespectful!

Kidding! He’s not “my boy.” Lots not to like about his leadership, which has all be hashed and rehashed on these boards. But to sum up my take (which is the same for Disney parks): mixed-bag Star Wars is better than no Star Wars because it generates demand for more Star Wars.

Mr Iger??

He works for Disney…don’t you know it’s “Bob”

 

[_caleb]

Theme parks did this back in the day. It was called Nickel and DIming and the Ticketing System, which did not work at a certain point of popularity.

This is why even if you don't ride the rides at a well designed theme park, you are charged the full admission price. As there is more revenue and ease in it to buy the access and enough to please everyone in your party for the day. I could recommend some books for you that explore all of this history.

Can you imagine the outcry if Disney were to make the switch from ticket books to full admission ticketing today? “You’re charging us for things we don’t even want to do!”

In some ways, the Starcruiser concept is circling back to the coupon book approach, but for interactive entertainment; you only have to pay for it if you want to experience it. I would love it if they did this for parades, which aren’t my cup of tea, but I digress.

Again, I’m pleased Disney has tried something new and different.