Barely open a year, Disney’s $5,000 Star Wars hotel slashes prices
Less than a year after opening to great fanfare, Disney World’s $5,000-a-stay Star Wars hotel is slashing rates in an attempt to increase bookings.
The Galactic Starcruiser, which opened on March 1, 2022, only has 100 rooms, but has consistently struggled to sell out. Disney billed the pricey hotel as an immersive journey where guests became part of the Star Wars story, interacting with costumed actors and being sent on missions. The cheapest two-night stays were initially priced at about $5,000 per couple and closer to $6,000 for a family of four; guests are required to book exactly two nights, as the storyline of the Starcruiser spans two days.
But from the start, many guests felt the experience seemed cheap for the sky-high prices and lofty expectations set by Disney. The Starcruiser is a luxury cruise ship in space, which means guest rooms are tiny and there are no windows to the outside world; some referred to the hotel as a “windowless bunker.” Others felt full-price cocktails in the hotel’s only bar, the lack of a pool and other fitness amenities standard in luxury hotels and blocked views of the dinner show were surprising given the cost.
Now, Disney is slashing rates to drum up more interest. Back in November, the company announced that discounts of up to 30% were being made available to Disney Vacation Club members. DVC, Disney’s timeshare program, regularly gets access to exclusive deals. But 30% off is a fairly rare sight for Disney’s hotel offerings.
Character Gaya performs as the first passengers experience the Galactic Starcruiser.
Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagThis month, Disney also announced it’s offering its first-ever Galactic Starcruiser discount to non-DVC members. Guests with a reservation for the Starcruiser can get a discount of up to $700 if they also book accommodations before or after at another participating Disney World hotel. The biggest discounts — $350 per night — are for packaging a Starcruiser stay with additional nights at the Beach Club, Grand Floridian or Yacht Club resorts. The offer is valid for stays between February 5 and September 30, although there are some blackout dates.
Considering Disney may have found there’s a limit on how many Star Wars fans can afford to shell out many thousands of dollars for a two-night stay — not to mention the cost of flights, park tickets and incidentals — it’s not clear what will become of the Galactic Starcruiser in the years to come. Fans have long suggested Disney turn the experience into a regular hotel with fewer interactive elements but cheaper rates.
As of Sunday, only Presidents’ Day weekend is fully booked until mid-May.
A First Order loyalist takes control of the ship from captain Riyola Keevan, right center, at the ship’s bridge as the first passengers experience the two-day Walt Disney World Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser.
Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag
RC Show 2023 returns with Heart & Hustle to Toronto –
Canada’s leading hospitality and foodservice expo returns as the year’s most anticipated foodservice trade event.
RC Show 2023 returns to Toronto’s Energy Center at Exhibition Place, combining the best of the hospitality and food service industry – a dynamic in-person trade show, with conferences, competitions and events.
- The looming recession – From inflation significantly affecting grocery prices to supply chain costs, what can we do to mitigate these challenges?
- Labor issues & mental health – Find solutions to help support staff and the consumer experience.
- What’s Trending? Hear about the hottest new and noteworthy trends shaping how we live in 2023, as well as emerging talent and more.
- circular economy – Learn about upcycling, waste prevention and more and how to minimize their environmental impact and please changing customer desires.
- Tipping – Since the pandemic began, suggested gratuities at restaurants have continued to climb becoming a hot-button issue – what does this mean for your customers.
The show is ready to display its HEART & HUSTLE, a theme that highlights an industry that has been challenged, survived, revived itself, and is now looking ahead to the future.
Over three days, learn how to increase your bottom line, get inspired by local and global thought leaders who are changing the game, learn about the latest innovations and trends, and connect with suppliers and brands who are ready to help you grow your business.
What to expect at RC Show 2023
- World-class panels across multiple stages, immersive workshops, informative panel discussions, and fireside chats with leaders who will explore all topics that matter most to operators including mental health, new revenue generation, debt management, labor shortages and more.
- A newly designed, interactive and fully functional pop-up restaurant that will activate brands, equipment, and technologies offering new experiences while showcasing the latest culinary advancements to help generate revenue.
- The return of RC Show’s signature events including the Opening Night Reception, Breakfast With Champions and Industry Night Out.
New and returning competitions in every sector, including mixology, barista and culinary, such as the world-renowned Bocuse d’Or and the Garland Canada Culinary Competitions that will showcase up-and-coming talent from across Canada, as well as a new pastry chef and pizza competitions.
The RC Show is operated by Restaurants Canada, a national not-for-profit association representing Canada’s diverse and dynamic food service industry. All revenue generated goes back into supporting Canada’s food service and hospitality industry.
WHERE:
www.rcshow.com
Energycare Centre
100 Princes’ Blvd.
Toronto, ON
M6K 3C3
WHEN:
Monday, April 10, 2023 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST
Accor announces Orient Express Silenseas luxury adventure to its portfolio –
One hundred and forty years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legend continues with the unveiling of plans for the world’s largest sailing ship, Orient Express Silenseas.
This revolution in maritime history is an ambitious undertaking that pushes the limits of what is possible. The result of a unique French partnership between world leader in hospitality Accor, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a leading shipbuilding company, this extraordinary sailing yacht of the future with spectacular interiors will set sail in 2026.
“With Orient Express Silenseas, we are beginning a new chapter in our history, taking the experience and excellence of luxury travel and transposing it onto the world’s most beautiful seas.
“This exceptional sailing yacht, with roots in Orient Express’ history, will offer unparalleled service and refined design spaces, reminiscent of the golden age of mythical cruises.
“Innovation is at the heart of this ultra-modern ship that will revolutionize the maritime world with new technology to meet today’s sustainability challenges. It is a boat designed to make dreams come true, a showcase for the best of French savoir-faire.” -Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, Accor.
“With a signed letter of intent to order two ships, Chantiers de l’Atlantique is proud to herald a new era in the shipbuilding industry with Silenseas.
“This concept, born in our design offices in 2018, is the quintessence of our savoir-faire in the fields of naval architecture, the construction of sophisticated hulls, as well as the design of luxurious spaces.
“In addition, the installation of three SolidSail rigs, a revolutionary 1,500-square-metre unit wind propulsion system, for which we have developed and tested a first prototype, will contribute significantly to the propulsion of the ship. Combined with a hybrid propulsion system running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), Silenseas will become the ship of reference in terms of environmentally friendly operation and design.” -Laurent Castaing, Managing Director, Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
FASCINATED BY GRANDEUR
In 1867, Georges Nagelmackers boarded the transatlantic ships connecting Europe to America and set off on a journey of discovery to the United States. Fascinated by the grandeur of these huge boats, the founder of Orient Express trains explored the luxurious travelers’ suites, with their rich and sumptuous decor, adorned with exceptional marquetry. He experienced the social scene in the restaurants and the unique ambiance of the lounges, libraries and entertainment venues. This sea travel experience would later inspire the 1883 launch of his now legendary train: the Orient Express.
Inspired by the Golden Age of the French Riviera, Orient Express Silenseas will echo the glorious era when writers, artists, painters, princesses and movie stars spent time between Monte-Carlo, the beaches of Saint-Tropez, Cap d’Antibes, Cannes and its famous Croisette and discovered a refinement tinged with exquisite insouciance and joie de vivre, inviting them to extreme escapes.
A 220-metre-long ocean treasure with a tonnage of 22,300 UMS, Orient Express Silenseas will feature 54 Suites measuring on average 70-square-metres, including a monumental 1,415-square-metre Presidential Suite (including a 530-square-metre private terrace), two swimming pools including a lap pool, two restaurants and a speakeasy bar. The singular cruise ship will celebrate the Art of Travel a la Orient Express: the quintessence of luxury, absolute comfort and dreams.
A tribute to artists and culture, Orient Express Silenseas will invite guests to experience incredible shows in its Amphitheater-Cabaret and a private recording studio will give a voice to the most beautiful melodies. This unique travel experience, guided by the winds, will feature spa treatments, meditation sessions and stopover explorations to discover cultural treasures that allow guests to completely unplug from reality and stop time.
Capitalizing on the experience of these experts in ocean racing, Orient Express Silenseas will sail with a revolutionary technological design known as ‘SolidSail’: three rigid sails with a surface area of 1,500 meters each will be hoisted on a balestron rig, with three tilting masts reaching more than 100 meters high, able to ensure up to 100% of the propulsion in suitable weather conditions. This hybrid propulsion formula will combine wind power with a state-of-the-art engine running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and plans to use green hydrogen once the technology is approved for ocean passenger ships, launching a new, more environmentally friendly vision of sea travel.
The latest feat from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique is a true sailing yacht of the future combining the finest French talents. Renowned architect Maxime d’Angeac will design the interior layout and decor and Nantes-based design company Stirling Design International will handle the exterior architecture. Hetland Maritime also assisted Accor in creating the project and in the ongoing discussions with Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The entire project will be financed up to 70-80% by commercial banks, with the remainder provided by a consortium of equity partners in which Accor will have a minority stake.
ABOUT ORIENT EXPRESS, PART OF ACCOR
Artisan of travel since 1883, the Orient Express sublimates the Art of Travel with its luxury trains, unique experiences, and collections of rare objects. And coming soon: its first hotels around the world, with the opening of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice in 2024. Another project has also been announced in Riyadh, the first city in the Middle East to announce the arrival of an Orient Express hotel. The luxury travel experience will continue with the launch of the Orient Express La Dolce Vita and the return of the legendary Orient Express to railways. www.orient-express.com