Monthly Archives: May 2023

Takeaways from the Galactic Starcruiser

Posted on by
Reply

So Walt Disney World has announced the closure of the Galactic Starcruiser Resort. The final adventures have been booked,  and the experience will end in September of this year. Very briefly,  the Starcruiser was an ambitious project by Disney. It was an entirely immersive resort experience.  Guests would arrive at the resort for a 2 night stay. During their time, they would be able to remain completely inside the Star Wars universe.  There was transportation directly to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. For an ultimate Star Wars fanatic, there was nothing else like it in the universe.

Star Wars:  Galaxy’s Edge

What Happened

Walt Disney World recently announced that the Starcruiser will permanently close in September. The cost of the experience proved to be too high, while the demand was too low. Disneyay have overestimated how many Star Wars fans would be willing to pay for the resort. Star Wars may not be the franchise they’re looking for. I wouldn’t think it was. The recent trilogy did not live up to expectations. And I think the success of the Marvel movies also damaged the Star Wars brand. As Marvel rose, Star Wars fell.

Not All Is Lost

The Galactic Starcruiser was a risky and ambitious project.  Those are great components of creativity and innovation. Those are things that make Disney great. They are always moving forward and pushing through limits. We want Disney to keep doing that. Disney executives also have a lot to learn from this project.  There were things I’m sure that worked well, and things they would not repeat.  They tried something that had never been done before, and can use those lessons learned for future endeavors.

A few days after the initial announcement of the closure, it was revealed that closing the resort was a tax write off thay would save Disney hundreds of millions of dollars. It is unclear at this time what will happen to the actual building of the resort. I don’t know if it has to be torn down for the write off, or if it can be repurposed.

Walt Disney World has the BEST employees

Posted on by
Reply

There are many, many things that separate Walt Disney World from other theme parks. Walt Disney World is home to so many beloved characters and the universe of story telling is unmatched. With 4 distinct and unique theme parks, 2 water parks, and a shopping/dining/entertainment complex, Walt Disney World is a magnificent vacation resort destination. But what really makes the biggest difference are the employees.

Animal Kingdom

Firstly, Walt Disney World has absolute world class performers. There are so many amazing actors, comedians, singers and dancers. There are acrobats, gymnasts, and animal trainers. There are so many more specialists that it is actually astounding. EPCOT employs people from all around the world to showcase their culture.

Oga’s Cantina

What this post is truly about, though, are the countless cast members that cheerfully interact with thousands of people. These are the people at the park entrance, ride operators, bartenders and waitresses. They are so awesome. It is amazing there are so many cast members that obviously love what they are doing. In the above picture, the bartender at Oga’s Cantina offered to take a picture of us. She then took the selfie with us in the background. It was so fun she was great.

The difference is really noticeable. I have been to many amusement parks and nobody anywhere can do what Disney does. The cast members are so helpful, engaging and happy. I strongly suggest you take notice of this on your next trip to Walt Disney World. Interact with them and thank them for what they do. Keep the Magic strong.

Disney Dining Plan Returns and a look towards 2024

Posted on by
Reply

The Disney Dining Plan is finally back!!! Missing since the start of the Covid pandemic,  the Dining Plan returns in January 2024. Check out why I missed it so much here.

Magic Kingdom

The Disney Dining Plan allows guests to budget their dining expenses.  Every time I used it, I pretty much didn’t pay for any food while I was in the parks. You know how many meals and how many snacks you have each day, and if you stick to the plan, you won’t end up going overboard on food. I found when I did have the Dining Plan, it was easy to refrain from excessive purchases.

Hollywood Studios

Big News Under the Radar

The return of the Disney Dining plan wasn’t the only jaw dropping information included in Disney’s recent 2024 announcements. Without admittedly providing any details, Walt Disney World acknowledged that Disney Genie Plus needs some changes. Disney reportedly will make Disney Genie simpler, and allow for more planning and purchases before the day of the visit. That is amazing news. I do enjoy Disney Genie Plus, but as Disney (responsibly) admits, using it takes away from the experiences enjoying a day in the theme park. It takes a lot of time and attention to plan the next reservation. When this is done every few hours, it can seem like you are on your phone a little too much.