Exploring the Controversial 'Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser' Hotel Through a Viral Longform Video

In 2023, Disney shut down a fancy hotel at Walt Disney World known as “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.” For fans of Disney, it was a moment filled with excitement and curiosity as the hotel's immersive experience did not meet guests' expectations.

Fast forward to today, a year later, a lengthy YouTube video has brought back information about the unsuccessful project, capturing the interest of millions of viewers and spreading this unique piece of Disney history.

YouTuber Jenny Nicholson, who is known for her commentary on different aspects of fan culture, has created some of her most popular videos discussing shows and movies such as “The Vampire Diaries,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and various “Star Wars” films.

Her latest video, titled “The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel,” stands out as one of her longest videos yet.

In 20 video chapters, Nicholson shares her experience staying at the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” hotel in Orlando, Florida in 2022. The story may be familiar to Disney and Star Wars enthusiasts who heard about the exclusive hotel and its closure in 2023.

Nicholson reveals that she spent over $6,000 for a two-night stay at the hotel, designed to resemble a Star Wars spaceship known as the Halcyon. The main attraction of the hotel was its immersive Star Wars experience, described by Disney as customizable. Nicholson compared it to LARPing, where guests were encouraged to dress up and engage in a three-day Star Wars storyline guided by cast members and choices made in a special app. This experience was packed with activities and very little downtime if fully embraced.

The experience was designed to be like a "landlocked cruise," with fun details such as working lightsabers and colorful themed food. However, it actually took place in a large, ultra-secure windowless building near Walt Disney World's Epcot resort area.

Nicholson's experience aligned with other critical reviews of the hotel. Some complaints included cramped rooms, inconsistent technology experiences, and confusion about the purpose or target audience of the venture. Despite this, she did mention enjoying cast member performances and the intricate details in the ship-hotel's interior.

Yesterday's drama continues to capture the attention of today's audience, despite the fact that the Galactic Starcruiser closed in September 2023 as previously announced by Disney. In a video posted by Nicholson, which garnered over 2 million views in just two days, viewers found themselves intrigued by a topic they had never cared about before. The video has now become a popular source of memes and references on social media platforms.

A room inside the hotel, featuring futuristic bunk beds.

A room inside the hotel, featuring futuristic bunk beds.

Longform videos on YouTube are becoming more and more popular for entertainment. It's common to find in-depth explorations of older topics that last for hours. One example is Nicholson's video, which covers Disney, Star Wars, insider information (including pictures and videos from her time in the hotel), and failures.

One X user expressed their disinterest in a Star Wars hotel, but showed interest in having 4 hours.

According to consumer research by Google, longform videos are becoming increasingly popular with younger audiences. Surprisingly, these videos tend to perform even better when they focus on content related to "fan culture."

The 2022 Google consumer insights report highlights a strong interest in delving deeper into subjects like film, TV, and sports. This trend allows passionate creators to connect with a dedicated audience, as 61% of Gen Z consider themselves "really big" or "super fans" of certain topics or individuals.

Both Star Wars and Disney boast incredibly devoted fan bases who have a deep knowledge and unwavering enthusiasm for the franchises. Fans of these brands eagerly engage with even the smallest details in movies or theme parks, creating a rich tapestry of fan lore, backstories, and in-depth video analyses.

A spotlight on Disney’s future

Guests enjoy one of the hotel's interactive scenes, featuring Disney cast members.

Guests enjoy one of the hotel's interactive scenes, featuring Disney cast members.

Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Nicholson's video may not be brand new, but it comes out at an intriguing moment for Disney properties. Disney recently revealed a huge 10-year, $60 billion expansion plan for its parks, cruises, and experiences globally. This plan involves a 14-acre expansion at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Orlando, and a potential expansion of the original Disneyland resort in Anaheim.

Additionally, the plan includes exciting new Star Wars-themed technology, such as remote-controlled droids that could wander around guest areas.

Critics have raised concerns about Disney not sharing enough details about its future plans. Disney CEO Bob Iger mentioned in April that some delays were due to legal issues. He also mentioned that a recent settlement with the state of Florida will allow Disney to make significant investments in its Florida parks.

CNN has contacted Disney Parks for a comment.

Disney fans are eagerly anticipating a wealth of new details this August at the annual D23 Expo, where the company will showcase upcoming projects and attractions.

The Galactic Starcruiser hotel has become a legendary part of Disney history, sparking fresh curiosity about its setbacks and achievements. This renewed interest offers a unique perspective on Disney Parks' goals and growth. Will they exceed expectations, or become the focus of the next lengthy YouTube analysis?

Editor’s Note: CNN’s Natasha Chen contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The "Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser" hotel was a highly anticipated project that ultimately failed to meet expectations. Critics cited cramped rooms, inconsistent technology, and confusion about the target audience as major drawbacks. However, the hotel's immersive Star Wars experience, complete with working lightsabers and themed food, still captivated some guests.

The closure of the Galactic Starcruiser has sparked renewed interest in its history and shortcomings. YouTuber Jenny Nicholson's in-depth video on the hotel has garnered millions of views, showcasing the fascination with behind-the-scenes failures and the appeal of longform content that delves into fan culture. As Disney embarks on a massive expansion plan, the Galactic Starcruiser serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges of meeting the high expectations of devoted fans and the importance of balancing innovation with customer satisfaction.