Disney's Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel now has opening timeline
There's good news today for those who want to experience a 'galaxy far, far away.'
We're now one big step closer to being able to experience the immersive world of Star Wars. One of the most-anticipated additions to its Disney World Resort — Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. just released a new teaser video loaded with details -- including a spring 2022 opening timeframe.
This is in line with rumored opening dates that have circulated based on job postings for cast members and construction permits filed in recent months.
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The full video linked on the official Disney Parks Blog features Disney Imagineers talking through the creative process and some of the complexities behind building what is set to be the most immersive experience in existence for guests.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a project more than five and a half years the making, and Scott Trowbridge, portfolio creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, said the storyline for the Starcruiser experience was developed alongside the storylines for other touchpoints and attractions at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
"We're inviting guests to step into a galaxy far, far away and live out a Star Wars story over two days and two nights," said Ann Morrow Johnson, executive producer and creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering.
That's right — while the story begins when you walk through the terminal and are transported to the bridge of the Starship Halcyon, you won't be spending the full experience onboard the ship.
Guests will be able to take special transport to the planet of Batuu (aka Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge inside Hollywood Studios) to explore and continue the story throughout the park. Guests will have the chance to 'fly' aboard the Millennium Falcon in the Smuggler's Run attraction and try and evade the First Order on Rise of the Resistance.
Both of those attractions play a part of the larger story that unfolds over the course of the experience.
Related: Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World
In the recently released video, Disney Imagineers also discussed how guests will have an opportunity to not only watch the story as it happens around them but will be able to truly step into roles and play a part in the story. Who you talk to, the missions you take on, the choices you make while aboard the ship and while on Batuu will shape your own unique experience in this epic story that will be told.
Do you want to be a fighter pilot that helps the resistance throughout your stay? You can come in full cosplay gear (as long as it meets Disney costume guidelines, of course) and live out that story.
Do you want to train as a Jedi? Grab your lightsaber and learn how you can tap into the Force.
Alternatively, you can also take a step back to simply watch the story as it happens around you while still getting a truly immersive and breathtaking experience that is unique to your journey onboard.
The goal was to create a dynamic experience that everyone can enjoy — regardless of their knowledge level inside the Star Wars galaxy.
"There's something for people who have loved the older movies or who are really into the TV shows or the novels or the graphic novels, those types of things. There's just a lot of different ways to access the content," said Anisha Deshmane, assistant producer at Walt Disney Imagineering.
Based on the discussion, it sounds like guests might also have access to exclusive deals for souvenirs or special experiences as a member of the Starcruiser passenger manifest.
Related: Everything we know about the Star Wars hotel
Could we see a May 4, 2022, official opening date for the Galactic Starcruiser? It's certainly possible that the opening will coincide with the unofficial May-the-Fourth Star Wars holiday, but there's no confirmation on the exact date beyond 'spring'.
But regardless of the exact opening date, it's clear that this experience will be unlike anything in this galaxy. Disney is taking the term "immersive" to a whole new level, inviting guests not only to experience the story first-hand but also play a unique role in a larger canon story that exists beyond the confines of the resort and the park gates.
"I think that's one of the things that's so special about Star Wars, right, is that there is that depth and breadth of storytelling within the galaxy far, far away," said Johnson. "It allows us to generate this completely new storyline that is specifically so that our guests can live out their stories within this piece of canon. But it really does touch and connect to movies, tv shows ... the land, and it all kind of interweaves with the history of the planets that we know and love."
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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
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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.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
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.