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Double bed and wall-mounted cabins: Star Wars hotel in Orlando, Florida
Photo: LISA RICHWINE / REUTERS
Less than two years after its opening, Walt Disney is already planning to close its Star Wars luxury hotel in Orlando, Florida. The accommodation called »Galactic Starcruiser« was opened in March 2022. It was designed to offer fans of the sci-fi series an interactive experience with themed spaceship cabins and a menu inspired by galactic expanses.
Disney boss Bob Iger, actress Daisy Ridley
Photo: DANNY MOLOSHOK/ REUTERS
The fun, however, was not cheap: Star Wars fans had to shell out 4800 dollars to sleep in one of the 100 Starcruiser suites. The price was for two people and two nights, including a visit to the Disney World theme park. The fact that Disney may have overestimated the size of the clientele willing to pay became apparent as early as March. At that time, the entertainment company had already reduced travel dates due to a lack of demand. Now the hotel will apparently close completely.
Cost reduction for profit
On the booking page of the Star Wars hotel, Disney promises that operations will continue without restrictions in the next few months. Those who have booked rooms by the end of September 2023 should receive everything that guests have received so far. What happens next is unclear.
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced in February that he wants to subject his company to a tough austerity course. The Mickey Mouse Group is expected to reduce its costs in the entertainment and parking business by $5.5 billion in order to become more profitable.
In addition, Disney is currently at loggerheads with Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. When Disney criticized an anti-gay law of the U.S. state and stopped its political donations, DeSantis severely restricted Disney World's self-governing status. Since then, the parties have been arguing in court – and Disney announced that the company is abandoning its plans to build a nearly billion-dollar site in Florida for the time being.
rai/Reuters