One year after the Star Wars: Galactic Cruiser took his last flighthere's a look back at the best of Disney Parks' bold venture into the immersive entertainment space — and why in the end, it didn't really work.
On io9, Star Wars and science fiction fantasy realms brought to life are a major component of what we write through films, shows and theme park experiences. And that's because bringing to life some of the idealized futuristic worlds we hold dear presents many challenges, especially when embedded in a very real world that may only share themes of reunification with civil unrest against a fascist tyranny. In Star Wars people find ways to come together and play a role in defeating the bad guys; in real life, things are much more complicated.
Too much Star Wars fans who were able to check Galactic Cruiser In its short existence, the attraction offered a chance to act on the frustration many share in their daily lives of watching atrocities occur and feeling there is little we can do about them. There was an irony there, since Galactic Cruiser was part of Disney, a large company that prioritizes its bottom line.
And in fact, Galactic CruiserThe exorbitant cost of this project discouraged many people who thought it was a hotel, which that was never the casemore like a sophisticated theater camp where you could tapestry or actively participate in your own corner of Star Wars. Hotels are generally built around recreational and relaxing spaces like a swimming pool or spa; the only amenities that reflected a familiar aspect of a Disney vacation on board Galactic Cruiser were Galaxy's Edge Dinners and Excursions at adjacent Walt Disney World. On the surface, this is what probably misled ordinary people – vacationers who don't actively follow the immersive experiences niche – into thinking Galactic Cruiser was a Disney cruise on land. Coming on board and realizing that wasn't the case and that you had to get involved in a way that could be compared to pretending to be a coach for your fantasy football league, in an area where you're in the game, made discouraged the unprepared. It's a big part of what ultimately led Disney to close the attraction, which was at its core a community-building effort born out of Imagineering and Lucasfilm's trust in the story to inspire at least some of the people to feel like they could be a part of it. of a story like Star Wars, then maybe they could transfer their experiences into the real world, in ways big or small.
Although there is much outrage at the idea of deconstructing the clean end result of an ambitious idea, many people who have had the opportunity to visit Galactic Cruiser enjoyed the experience, whether they saw it as an interactive, imaginative playground to bring their loved ones to or as an experience on their own. It was a sandbox: if you wanted to be there to cosplay while enjoying funky looking food and drinks, this was a route you could take; if you wanted to embrace the childlike wonder of lightsaber training and sending bad guys into space, there was that too. And some people just wanted their kids to play and meet their heroes.
The mileage varied depending on how open and sociable you are to find the path to the best pleasure. On my own visit, I went there as a disenchanted space witch on my honeymoon, and with the intention of leaving behind how limited I felt in my ability to change the real world. I quickly formed an alliance with some reluctant scoundrels to help the good guys, playing up a bit of a Cassian Andor vibe (I pretended to be a parent). I had some issues with having to be on my “data-pad” (what that really means: my own phone) to do more things with the gaming apps around Galaxy's Edge; it wasn't for me as a non-gamer. But I found the character interaction and roleplaying aboard the ship to be a very rewarding experience. I made friends with other guests, young and young at heart; moved contraband goods (how did they know I was going to shake up the Empire?); and when my sweetheart and I needed a moment of romantic space to share our vow renewals, the room droid – D3-O9, who encouraged me to help the Resistance – organized an entire ceremony which still makes me cry today, because right after, she sacrificed herself and was attacked by the First Order.
This event, like any hero's journey, quickly radicalized me and I was able to find the rebel princess for the people in me that I dreamed of being since I was little. Then it was on and with the Padawans in training, we led stormtroopers to their own imprisonment by pretending to lock up Chewbacca, used a fake guess to move precious cargo, and stood alongside a galactic pop star with our comrades in the Resistance to support Rey when Kylo Ren showed up for the epic finale. And finally, when the good guys won, I was able to take back my power and begin the Jedi (witch princess) training that I felt like I had given up hope on a long time ago. As soon as I ignited my lightsaber last night, I was ready to fight again.
Oh, and here are the vows D3-O9 recited for us:
D3-O9: You have come today to declare your pledge of devotion to your chosen partner.
Please repeat after me:
…We are committed to sharing our triumphs and our problems…
…No matter what difficulties might arise…
…We share each other's successes…
…Not with jealousy, but with joy and admiration…
…We promise ourselves a cycle of life…
…Filled with curiosity, humor and adventure…
…We promise unquestionable dedication…
…because we are worthy of each other's love.
You are destined. The galaxy has connected you among millions of other inhabitants. Even if you once traveled singular paths, you now travel united and stronger because of it. Treasure your link and seek to share it, because your link will inspire others to seek theirs. From love to love, the galaxy grows stronger. And you are now part of this big, endless chain.
As those who have found that the best of our experiences outweighs the problems that have so much potential to be solved, it is nice to feel part of this “great and endless chain” with those whose lives have been enriched by the experience of Galactic Star cruiser.
Learn more about Guest visit from io9 to Galactic Cruiser here.
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