As Disney finishes up work on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcriuser ahead of the March 1, 2022 opening date, we have a first look at what appears to be the box truck that will take guests between the immersive, expensive hotel and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
At first, the rumor was that a bus would be outfitted with a highly-themed interior and guests would feel like they are taking a transport shuttle down to the planet of Batuu (aka Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge). As it turns out, it looks like Disney actually outfitted a box truck as the out-of-story method of transport that will take guests on a roughly 1/2 mile journey to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As a reminder, the docking bay that guests will arrive at is located near First Order Cargo and the Milk Stand.
Before we take a look at the box truck, here’s a look at the concept art released for the themed transport “shuttle”. This will be the in-story space that guests aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will experience when being transported from the ship down to Batuu.
Here’s a look at the box truck as seen from Osceola Parkway, a public road that travels next to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
You can see the themed door that will (hopefully) sit flush with the in-story transport dock located on the first floor of the hotel. You can see the transport dock (and where the box truck has been spotted) in the photo below. Note that the box truck that will serve as the transport, and the one seen in the aerial photo appear to be two different trucks.
To the left of the galactic U-Haul in the photo below is the “Climate Simulator”, an outdoor room where guests can get some fresh air while remaining in story. The idea is that the Climate Simulator will mirror the atmosphere of the nearest planet that the Starcruiser is passing by (aka Batuu, aka Central Florida). For example, today, the Climate Simulator would be about 50° and rainy.
A closer look at the open door in the box truck shows some theming inside – leading us to believe that this box truck is the themed transport vehicle for the hotel.
Again, while it’s fun to see these types of sneak peeks, this is not what guests will be seeing or experiencing when they are taking part in the Starcruiser hotel experience. That said, keep an eye out next time you’re merging from Osceola Parkway to World Drive and you might get a glimpse of the Star Wars box truck for yourself!
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Immersive Hotel
While we’ll recap the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience below, you can find in-depth, day-by-day reports in the following articles!
Guests will arrive at the hotel like any other hotel, but it’s billed as something unlike anything else built by Disney. The adventure begins when you arrive at the Galactic Starcruiser Terminal at Walt Disney World and check-in for your two-night experience. Valet is included in the price of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
Once you’ve checked into the hotel, you’ll board a launch pod where you’ll blast off into space and rendezvous with the Halcyon, the ship you’ll spend the next 2-nights aboard. Through windows above, you’ll see yourself leave the real world behind as you jump to hyperspace and draw closer and closer to the Halcyon.
Here’s concept art of the experience compared to a photo of the actual guest experience in the launch pod.
During your journey, you will sleep aboard a ship known throughout the galaxy for its glamour and style—crewed by the incomparable interplanetary travel group, Chandrila Star Line.
Chandrila Star Line is renowned throughout the galaxy for its fleet of comfortable and stylish starcruisers, top-tier service, delicious cuisine and exotic destinations—from the Core Worlds to the Outer Rim and beyond. Chandrila Star Line’s legendary Purgill-class starcruisers were some of the first commercial vessels to offer hyperdrive travel, and their spirit of adventure continues to this day.
Rest assured that in these times of galactic conflict, Chandrila Star Line operates with the utmost care, and encounters with either the First Order or the Resistance are rare. While itineraries do occasionally experience some disruptions due to the unrest in certain parts of the galaxy, Chandrila Star Line starcruisers are well equipped with the latest shield and turbolaser technology to defend themselves in the unlikely event of dire circumstances—which are never an issue. Well, almost never.
The Halcyon starcruiser is the jewel of the Chandrila Star Line. Onboard the 100-cabin Corellian MPO-1400 model starcruiser, you’ll voyage to the far reaches of the galaxy in legendary comfort and style. Recently refurbished and reoutfitted, the starcruiser combines modern conveniences with the romance of the age of exploration.
When the Launch Pod docks with the Halcyon and the airlock opens, you will step into the ship’s main deck Atrium to begin your journey through a galaxy far, far away. Again, here’s a comparison of the concept art versus the actual product.
A visit aboard the Halcyon becomes a multi-day story that interweaves with members of the crew, other passengers, familiar Star Wars characters, and an excursion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Visiting the starcruiser’s Bridge to learn about ship systems and how to operate them, including navigation and defense – skills that may come in handy during a journey through this adventure-filled galaxy.
Other areas within the ship include the Engineering Room, where guests can sneak into a crew-only area of the ship and discover the inner workings.
Guests can also complete lightsaber training! Wielding a lightsaber while facing off against a training remote, where you may discover your own connection with the Force.
Of course, it’s not going to all be action. There will be time to head to The Sublight Lounge – an inviting retreat for passengers of all ages.
Guests will also be able to experience luxurious meals – included with your stay in the main restaurant. At night, guests might even be treated to an otherworldly dinner show.
Every window in the Halcyon – including those in each cabin – has a view of the galaxy beyond, with ever-changing vistas as the ship progresses from place to place.
The starcruiser features 100 well-appointed cabins and suites, each one radiating an atmosphere of elegance, style, comfort, and exclusivity. Your Star Wars story continues even in your cabin or suite. You’ll be amazed by the attention to detail!
Each Standard Cabin is fitted with furnishings and fixtures designed to ensure comfort while traveling throughout the galaxy—including a pullout table and a TV with entertainment from your home planet—and a window with a view out into space.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
I know what’s on the inside matters more then the outside in this case. But might I suggest the Dulles Airport people mover as a basis ?
As long as it works and keeps the customer in the story, what does it matter what the outside looks like. The one thing I can see crop up is if there is an accident or some type of traffic jam between the cruiser and batuu entry.
I m holding judgment until I see some actual footage, but let’s be honest the pie in the sky dream Disney has is not going to work out for everyone.
It doesn’t matter what the outside looks like as the guests will never see it. Much like a move set with facades that only show one side.
Walt Disney built a freaking monorail in 1959. Now Disney is repurposing box vans. He would be turning flips in his grave to see this. What a joke
Spend $6000 to stay at a motel, you get a Box Truck for transport. What’s next – a Box Lunch for Dinner!
WOW, that is so off brand for Disney! It seems that they are half-…ing this experience. It looks like the pixie dust is running low and they are out of touch with what the Disney Magic is all about. In the past they took their time and got everything just the way they want the experience to be. Then they would execute that vison. Now, it seems like it’s let’s see how quick we can get it done.
That deathtrap had better have an emergency exit, or I see a lot of lawsuits in the future.
This is a very expensive joke on Disney guests.
…the Batuu express pod is brought to you by our friends at U-Haul