Hyperspace views and cosmic brews: Our impressions of the first 'Star Wars' bar at sea on Disney Wish
Editor’s note: TPG writer Summer Hull sailed on Disney Wish on a free trip provided by Disney Cruise Line. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren’t subject to review by the line.
A slice of a galaxy far, far away is now sailing the waters of the Caribbean thanks to the new Disney Wish. That's right, Disney's newest cruise ship — its first in over 10 years — is home to the world's newest "Star Wars"-themed bar.
And let me tell you, it's the hottest ticket in town, with the waitlist to get in on the first night far exceeding the capacity.
Dubbed Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, this gin joint is not some old Mos Eisley cantina.
Instead, it's a high-end, intergalactic, gold-clad lounge where you can sip a cocktail while watching one of seven scenes through the "windows" that look out into space. Expect to see some fan-favorite destinations such as Coruscant, Tatooine, Batuu and more.
Oh, and there's a $5,000 drink on the space menu — the Kaiburr Crystal.
Given that I'm a "Star Wars" nut, this was obviously one of the first spots I dashed to at lightspeed once on board the new Disney Wish. Here's a look inside Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge.
What it's like inside Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge
To get into Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, located on Deck 3 aboard Disney Wish, you must pass through a "space door," complete with a signature swoosh sound. Inside, you'll see the large windows with views of TIE fighters, X-wings and other iconic ships in the "Star Wars" universe.
The design of this bar reminds me of the upscale setting of the casino scenes in "The Last Jedi." It's the kind of place where you'd be more likely to find Lando Calrissian in his cloak than Han Solo with his scruffy vest and clumsy blaster.
The lounge is on the intimate side, with a handful of chairs, barstools, circular booths and inviting nooks. Given the massive scale of the ship, Disney is running a real risk that the space is too small for the demand. (I'll come back to that in a moment.)
Related: 7 ways the brand-new Disney Wish surprised me
Beyond the space-facing windows, clearly the focal point of the lounge, there's not a ton of actual decor in here.
However, tucked in the corner to the right of the bar, you'll find oversize containers of some otherworldly "cocktails" glowing and bubbling in shades of red, orange and blue. Spoiler alert: Those aren't real cocktails, but they do add a bit of ambiance to the room.
What's on the menu at Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge
The cocktail menu in Hyperspace Lounge isn't extensive, but it does offer some variety. As a fun touch, the menu lists the provenance of each drink, listing ingredients such as Bantha hides from Tatooine.
Straight from the moons of Endor, the Golden One was a fruity, creamy concoction. The cocktail was more dessert than beverage, but as long as you're OK with that, it's a solid winner.
If you want something more refined, go for the Chancellor, a smoky cocktail inspired by the planet of Coruscant.
Last but not least, I tried a drink from the planet of Mustafar dubbed Berken's Flow. The interesting mix of white chocolate, coconut and other flavors mixed together into an easy and pleasant sipping experience.
Just don't miss the surprise waiting when you shine a black light on the top of the drink.
If cocktails don't meet your tastes, the menu also lists wine and beer.
The most fascinating options have to be the $250 and $5,000 beverages on the menu. Try as we might, we couldn't get a lot of intel about these drinks out of Disney or the bartenders, but we did learn that a white and unassuming box sitting on the corner of the bar may have something to do with at least one of them.
We also heard rumors of codes and stormtroopers involved with the $5,000 cocktail, said to be an epic experience. Of course, for the price tag, it better be amazing since the cost is roughly the same as two nights at the already expensive "Star Wars"-themed hotel, Galactic Starcruiser.
Can kids visit Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge?
Kids actually have their own "Star Wars"-themed space in the Oceaneer Club, but they are welcome at Hyperspace Lounge until 9 p.m. The lucky Padawans can take their pick from a section of alcohol-free beverages on the menu.
In the evenings, the joint becomes an adults-only haven for scum, villainy and some pretty solid cocktails.
How to get into Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge
On this Disney Wish preview cruise, the process to get into the lounge has been in flux as the ship tries to manage the demand. By the second night, it had changed to a reservation system as opposed to a waitlist.
I expect there will be a reservation system of some sort going forward as demand will be high for some time to come. My advice is to stay tuned for details on how to book directly from Disney Cruise Line and ask as soon as you are on board to be sure you know the latest information.
Is Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge worth a visit?
If you are sailing on Disney Wish, you should absolutely plan some time to pop in here for a drink — or at least take a quick view into space.
This "Star Wars" bar at sea is not as immersive as the one on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (aka the Star Wars Hotel). That makes sense because Galactic Starcruiser is an entire (landlocked) "ship" dedicated to "Star Wars" where guests role-play for two nights, whereas the Hyperspace Lounge is a place to sit and enjoy a cocktail between dinner and your evening show.
While this may not be the best "Star Wars" bar in all the land, it's certainly the best one at sea. And please call me if someone orders the $5,000 cocktail and I'll hyperjump right over.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.