Disney Talks Star Wars Hotel
by Cheryl Rosen /Updated April 20, 2017, at 11:00 a.m.
Talk about an immersive experience. How about a hotel/resort designed to look like a starship, inside Disney World’s new Star Wars Land?
Walt Disney World News Today reports that Disney has sent out a survey to gauge guests’ interest in a just such a hotel resort experience inside Disney World, most likely in Star Wars Land.
It includes artists’ renderings of the lobby, guest rooms and other areas that have the feel of the ships seen in the Star Wars movies. All that’s missing is Han Solo.
The survey says a two-night all-inclusive package at the luxury resort will include personal interactions with Star Wars characters, live performers, and flight and lightsaber training, and let guests volunteer for secret missions on the starship and throughout Star Wars Land.
As for regular hotel amenities, the package, likely priced at $900-$1,00 per person, will include all meals (buffet breakfast, lunch and “signature evening dinner shows”), featured entertainment, exclusive admission to Hollywood Studios and Star Wars Land, a pool and water garden, on-board cantina and “droid butlers.”
Not surprisingly, comments on the site by Disney and Star Wars fans were effusive. “I cannot express how much I hope this happens,” said one.
The price seemed no deterrent. “SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY !!!!!!!” said another. “I know I am in for this. $900 to $1000 is a great price. I love this idea,” said a third.
Travel agents had their own thoughts. Said Judy Fiorello at Cruise Planners, “I feel this would be such a fabulous idea. It would make it even more exclusive if only Disney agents could book it, much like the Palifotos OTW bungalows at Karisma resorts. It heightens the experience when it’s a true specialty. This would also strengthen the partnership between agents and Disney. Especially when so much of Disney is noncommissionable yet the agent is diligent with their work out of love for their client’s visit.”
Becky Millard Lukovic at Bella Travel Planning said “it’s a great idea and the price point is a good one. Disney has an abundance of mid-range properties and if all-inclusive, it’s in line with what I would expect for a premium product–and OMG a droid butler!!!”
“If you build it, they will come… and pay the prices,” said Disney specialist Anna Nelson Swenson at http://www.travelwithanna.net. “Anything Star Wars will be a hit. I hear from my clients all the time that more ‘boys things’ are needed at Walt Disney World (as opposed to princess), so another themed resort would be wonderful. All-inclusive is a great idea and much needed in the US!”
Still, though, lamented Renee Fifik, owner of On Your Way With Rene, “I see it being non-commissionable. As that is Disney’s Way.”
