Halcyon Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World

2 March | Amy Baranek

Have you ever watched the film “Hunger Games?” Remember the game makers with their giant room, coordinating all the tributes to be sure the “game” is kept entertaining for all?  This level of fine detail is exactly what you will find when you embark upon the Halcyon Galactic Starcruiser. 

From the moment you arrive, you are greeted with bottled water, your own personalized Mband (magicband), and your bags waiting for you in your room the second you enter. If you’re driving, complimentary valet parking is included. They have thought of everything to make your arrival as smooth and easy as possible! 

TIP: Be sure to take your pictures outside with the Starcruiser sign before you board, especially if you are dressed up!  This is the only chance you will have other than when you leave. 

As you enter, you will scan your Mband and go through a security screening-similar to the airport.  You will have a security briefing and then you are off to your transport pod to the ship!  As you exit your pod, you will be greeted by a host who gives you a brief tour and shows you to your room.  Take a minute to explore your room, chat with the droid (D3-09) by video and head to lunch to get a bite to eat! 

TIP: If you have something you love at lunch, go get seconds, there is no guarantee it will be available the next day! 

While eating, take out your data pad: AKA, your handy dandy smartphone with the Disney Play app opened.  You will have several messages to start responding to from the on-board crew.  How you answer these questions will start to form your journey.   

This is also a good time to see what is on the schedule that you may want to participate in.  There is usually a more detailed tour of the Halcyon which can be a good place to start, if you have time. There are also lessons on playing Sabaac, fashion shows, and more!  You will also find some mandatory things like the muster drill.   

When you report for the muster drill, the festivities really will start on your voyage!  I highly recommend trying to interact with as many people on the ship that you can, especially if you have an idea about which way your story (resistance vs first order) is going!   At some point during your journey, you will have 2 scheduled sessions-DO NOT MISS THESE!   They are for lightsaber training and bridge training, and both are core memory experiences!   

TIP: The more you participate in, the more your story while on the ship grows, so take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves! 

As your journey progresses, be sure you keep checking your data pad for new missions.  All of these missions are unique experiences, and not everyone will have the same missions.  The more you report for your mission, the more your story grows.  You never know what or who you may see on some of these missions!   

Usually around 10pm or so the action will start to die down, and it’s a great time to get some rest as you will be heading to Batuu tomorrow, but don’t forget to stop for breakfast before you depart! 

For Batuu, you will be scheduled a transport pod time. Never fear, however; you won’t be kept from visiting if you miss your time as they’re simply guidelines to help get everyone on the planet in a timely manner!  You will have many missions while on planet which includes some lightning lanes through Smuggler’s Run and Millenium Falcon. 

TIP:  If anything goes wrong while on Batuu, just head back to the transport area, they have extra battery chargers, cables, water and will even store anything you purchase until you are ready to head back to the ship. 

While here, your Mband is loaded with a complimentary meal from Ronto Roasters or Docking Bay 7. For adults, one alcoholic beverage is included as well.  If you are unsure when ordering, just ask; you will have your pin on identifying you as a Halcyon visitor, so they are very familiar with everything that is included!   

There will be A LOT happening on the ship tonight, so once you have completed your missions on Batuu, I would recommend heading back on the ship.  Remember, you are paying for a Starcruiser experience, you can visit Hollywood Studios anytime!  

 This full day is truly one you will not forget! There is so much that is constantly happening, and this is where the coordination is just amazing. One group is focused on one task while another group is focused on another, and while you know it’s all part of the plan you become so immersed in the story that you are so happy that you were able to help Rey access the data pad or lock the First Order troopers up as a distraction. At the end of the night, I CANNOT stress to you enough what an unbelievable experience occurs…. even if you have watched YouTube videos on it, there is NOTHING that will prepare you for what happens!

TIP:  Are you currently without a mission?  Hang out in the lobby area, grab a snack, refill your water, and sit back and wait for some action.  Chances are good that something will be happening soon, and if you see a commotion, go jump in and follow!  Another great hang out area?  Deck 4 around the engineer room and hallway!   

On your departure day, breakfast will be served.  If you put your bags out your door by 8am, they will be taken down for you and waiting as you get off the ship.  Everyone must be off by 10am.  The excellent service doesn’t stop as you exit.  If you had valet parked your car, it will be pulled up and waiting for you (our bags were even loaded in the car) once you arrived outside.  Staying on property at Disney afterwards?  Just talk to a cast member and they will get you a voucher for transportation to your resort!   

So many people have asked me if we would do this again, and my answer is ABSOLUTELY!  There is nothing else out there that even starts to compare to this experience.  Are you worried because not everyone is a Star Wars fan in your group?  That’s ok, they will have an amazing time as well!  Only half of my family loves Star Wars, one enjoys it, one barely tolerates it and we all had a wonderful time!   

I would love to answer any questions you have and help plan your unforgettable Starcruiser adventure. Please reach out to me at amyb@wishesfamilytravel.com Not ready to plan yet? Follow my adventures on Facebook, Instagram, orYouTube!   

This experience was purchased at full retail price.