Walt Disney World’s insanely expensive themed hotel, based on its woke Star Wars franchise, is shutting down operations after just 18 months in the latest financial disaster to befall the company. The closure was announced on May 18th.
The Galactic Starcruiser Hotel offered a nearly full-immersive experience for guests willing to pay an exorbitant cost for a two-night stay aboard a mock starcruiser, replete with light-saber training and space-themed fare.
The Daily Caller, citing Disney’s own website, pegged the cost of staying at the hotel as more than most people pay for their monthly mortgage, for just one night.
“Costs for the voyage came in at a staggering $1,200 per person, per night. Family packages began at a whopping $6,000,” the outlet wrote. “The price tag included food and drink, admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a planetary excursion to Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars-themed land, an exclusive magic band, and a two-night stay in either a cabin or suite.”
Disney’s website expanded on the experience guests could expect, boasting that it was the “most immersive Star Wars story ever created.” The website says:
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a revolutionary 2-night experience where you are the hero. You and your group will embark on a first-of-its-kind Star Wars adventure that’s your own. It’s the most immersive Star Wars story ever created—one where you live a bespoke experience and journey further into a Star Wars adventure than you ever dreamed possible.
Arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort terminal, board a launch pod and rendezvous with the magnificent Halcyon starcruiser. Stay in a cabin or suite with an exquisite view of space.
Throughout the ship, you’ll interact with an eclectic collection of characters, sit down to exotic galactic cuisine and perhaps even plot a secret mission together.
As the itinerary continues, you’ll take the story further and deeper. Choose your path. Seek out the inner workings of the legendary starship, learn the traditional art of wielding a lightsaber and even jump on a transport to the planet Batuu—where your mission continues at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
Unfortunately for Disney shareholders, the hotel closure wasn’t Disney’s only recent financial flop. It also lost Disney+ subscribers for the first time ever in the first quarter of 2023, as Variety reported, saying:
Disney ended the quarter with 157.8 million subscribers at Disney+, significantly missing Wall Street’s estimate of 163.17 million subs. That projected figured would have been up from the 161.8 million subs Disney+ fell to the prior quarter.
This second sub drop was driven by a 4.6 million sequential decline at Disney+ Hotstar, the version of the service offered in India and parts of Southeast Asia. Last year, Disney lost streaming rights to Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches, which prompted it to lower growth targets for Disney+ Hotstar in India.
So, while Disney is still far from being in dire financial straights, it’s also not completely avoiding defeat.
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