STAR WARS: GALACTIC STARCRUISER Official Information & Questions Thread

[GADisneyDad14]

For those guests who have completed a voyage and had a resort stay before the GS.

Did you disclose to the resort prior to GS that you were going to the GS so you could get late check out? Or did they already know? I've booked a single night stay using DVC at AKL.

I asked at check in mentioning we were moving to the Starcruiser and they quickly confirmed 12 check out would be fine. They acted like it was a given, didn’t need to check or make any calls to confirm. This was at a hotel though, not DVC, so not entirely sure if the same applies.

 

[mousedroid]

Not sure if this has been addressed yet or not, but are there any discounts at the gift shop, or for drinks, onboard the GSC for Disney Visa Card holders? I'm guessing no, but can anyone confirm?

Also, we are probably going to be leaving pretty early on our last day because SW airlines moved up our flight home but 90 minutes. Does anyone know what time the disembarkation pop-up store opens?

Thanks!

 

[sophy1996]

Not sure if this has been addressed yet or not, but are there any discounts at the gift shop, or for drinks, onboard the GSC for Disney Visa Card holders? I'm guessing no, but can anyone confirm?

Also, we are probably going to be leaving pretty early on our last day because SW airlines moved up our flight home but 90 minutes. Does anyone know what time the disembarkation pop-up store opens?

Thanks!

The CSL gift shop did offer a Disney Visa discount (though I think some items were excluded). That was a nice surprise!

 

[mousedroid]

Excellent!

 

[Tiggerette]

For those guests who have completed a voyage and had a resort stay before the GS.

Did you disclose to the resort prior to GS that you were going to the GS so you could get late check out? Or did they already know? I've booked a single night stay using DVC at AKL.

I stayed at AKL kidani prior to my GS cruise, on DVC points. The 12 noon checkout was automatic for GS guests going directly to the terminal whether by their own transit or other transit. I thanked them at check-in for it, because it really helped changing into costume and going directly to the "space cruise."

On checkout day, housekeeping knocked insistently at 9am and I politely let them know I was checking out by noon as previously arranged. The housekeeper didn't believe this (in a polite way as well), and went to check with a supervisor. In about a half hour I got a phone call from housekeeping saying that "my noon checkout was approved." They made it sound as if it was a special exception, which it is for DVC, but I didn't personally ask for a noon checkout. This was a pre-arranged setup for GS passengers. Then about 10-15 minutes later the manager calls to inform me I have a noon checkout, and if there was anything else I needed. I didn't mention that a staff notice about the GS noon checkout would be useful... mainly cause I wasn't sure how long the noon checkout setup for passengers is going to last. It's REALLY helpful, but it's one of those kinds of perks I don't count on. I hope it stays though, if I do GS again I would definitely consider staying on resort property before launch.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I also had a housekeeping knock before noon (I explained we had a late checkout and never saw her again), but not the multiple calls/interactions like PP. I had another interaction earlier that morning with a desk CM where there was some confusion if it was 12 or 12:30 (one CM was adamant it was 12:30). Having had a few late checkouts in the past, I chalked it up to typical Disney - the communication chain is fraught with opportunities for failure and/or things being missed/lost and Disney just isn’t that good at it. That’s not an excuse as it absolutely shouldn’t be that way and they should do better, but my experience (and stories like PP) doesn't surprise me all that much if I’m being honest.

 

[Bluemystique]

For those guests who have completed a voyage and had a resort stay before the GS.

Did you disclose to the resort prior to GS that you were going to the GS so you could get late check out? Or did they already know? I've booked a single night stay using DVC at AKL.

Nope, we didn’t say a thing to front desk. We did straight to room online check in so they left a message on the phone about it. We were rope dropping MK the next morning so didn’t have the run in with housekeeping others did lol.

 

[JFox]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I'll mention it at our arrival to inquire if it is still an option.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

We were at Saratoga so we took luggage up to the main building and went to Disney Springs. If I do it again I’ll go back to Saratoga.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Actually now that @Bluemystique mentioned it it triggered my memory, we also had a VM on our room phone about having late check out as a Starcruiser guest.

 

[Anthony Vito]

For those who stayed at WDW prior to the cruise, did you stay afterwards as well and go back to a WDW hotel (same or different one)? We're starting to bounce around the idea of going in August before, after, or in the middle of a trip we have booked. If we do that, it's going to turn into a 9-10 night trip most likely - so we're going to have quite a bit more luggage than would be normal for a GSC 2-night trip and more than we'd normally have for a WDW trip (I imagine we'll end up with nearly a suitcase of just the clothing we'll only wear during the GSC 2 days). I'm wondering if you're going back to the same hotel whether they'd hold your luggage for you for those 2 days. We haven't flown since pre-pandemic, but would probably try to fly again this summer. I'm worried about having that much luggage.

Also, for those that did a split trip, any thoughts on where in the trip (beginning/middle/end) you thought my be best for the GSC portion? We might end up just basing it off of price, but otherwise I'm currently thinking the beginning of the trip but have no idea if that's a good thought or not.

 

[Ecomommy09]

I've loved all of your reviews. I really hope this is still a thing in a few years when my little is bigger

 

[sophy1996]

For those who stayed at WDW prior to the cruise, did you stay afterwards as well and go back to a WDW hotel (same or different one)? We're starting to bounce around the idea of going in August before, after, or in the middle of a trip we have booked. If we do that, it's going to turn into a 9-10 night trip most likely - so we're going to have quite a bit more luggage than would be normal for a GSC 2-night trip and more than we'd normally have for a WDW trip (I imagine we'll end up with nearly a suitcase of just the clothing we'll only wear during the GSC 2 days). I'm wondering if you're going back to the same hotel whether they'd hold your luggage for you for those 2 days. We haven't flown since pre-pandemic, but would probably try to fly again this summer. I'm worried about having that much luggage.

Also, for those that did a split trip, any thoughts on where in the trip (beginning/middle/end) you thought my be best for the GSC portion? We might end up just basing it off of price, but otherwise I'm currently thinking the beginning of the trip but have no idea if that's a good thought or not.

We did it in the middle, which worked out well for us. We arrived, had a leisurely non-park day meeting with family who lives in FL, had a leisurely morning the next day, then headed over to the Starcruiser. Afterward, we had three days at the parks before heading home. The last Starcruiser/first park day we didn't get much done, though, because we were pretty wiped out from the Starcruiser!

I was glad we were relatively rested before doing the Starcruiser. It was 9 hours of activities the first day and 15 hours the second day.

I hear you on the luggage. We usually travel with carry-ons and personal items only (even for a week), and this trip we had the usual carry-ons and personal item, plus a large suitcase each! And some extra merchandise leaving the Starcruiser that we had to ship home from FedEx.

One of the nice things about the Starcruiser is that they take your luggage right from the vehicle and take it directly to your room. It was already here waiting for us when we reached our room! And then when leaving, you put it out in the hallway the last morning and they take it back to the entrance for you, hold it until you leave, and put it in your vehicle for you.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I sort of hate that I’m a sucker for Disney souvenir glasses, but these looked too cool to pass up.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Sitting here looking through our trip photos. DW and I joked the whole ship was designed for iPhone lighting… every photo/set looks so darn good.

We tried to keep a balance of living in the moment and not always having our phones in our hand for pics, but definitely glad we took some time to take various photos of our journey at times.

One of my few regrets, in retrospect, was not getting the photo package.

 

[shosh1530]

Also, for those that did a split trip, any thoughts on where in the trip (beginning/middle/end) you thought my be best for the GSC portion? We might end up just basing it off of price, but otherwise I'm currently thinking the beginning of the trip but have no idea if that's a good thought or not.

No answers from me as we have not been yet, but I'm debating the same thing. I asked this a bit earlier in the thread and a few folks said later in the trip was good to have it to look forward to. I also worry having it at the very start of a trip in case of any travel delays.

I'm also debating whether it would be crazy/too overwhelming to combine with a full WDW trip. We've only ever been to Disneyland not WDW, so it feels like a lot (both physically and cost-wise) to try and do it all. But we also live on the other side of the country and probably wouldn't do two trips within a few years of each other.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

For those who stayed at WDW prior to the cruise, did you stay afterwards as well and go back to a WDW hotel (same or different one)? We're starting to bounce around the idea of going in August before, after, or in the middle of a trip we have booked. If we do that, it's going to turn into a 9-10 night trip most likely - so we're going to have quite a bit more luggage than would be normal for a GSC 2-night trip and more than we'd normally have for a WDW trip (I imagine we'll end up with nearly a suitcase of just the clothing we'll only wear during the GSC 2 days). I'm wondering if you're going back to the same hotel whether they'd hold your luggage for you for those 2 days. We haven't flown since pre-pandemic, but would probably try to fly again this summer. I'm worried about having that much luggage.

Also, for those that did a split trip, any thoughts on where in the trip (beginning/middle/end) you thought my be best for the GSC portion? We might end up just basing it off of price, but otherwise I'm currently thinking the beginning of the trip but have no idea if that's a good thought or not.

We did one night before at one resort, then Starcruiser, then five nights at a another resort, so eight nights total, four people. Granted this time of year you also have to pack for double ends of the weather (first night the low was 37, last night it was 70) so that didn’t help, but with costumes and leaving room for goodies, we ended up with a ton of bags - way heavier than we normally travel. (We drove, for reference, but same could be said if we had flown)

One thing we did not do well was strategically pack - we had things we needed on the Starcruiser in every bag so had to bring it all on board. In retrospect, I wish we had really mapped out/planned out exact outfits/clothing needs and consolidated our baggage based on trip portion so we could be more efficient. All the bags took up space in the room and we could have, with a little effort, managed it better. I would have been fine leaving unneeded bags with clothes (no toiletries) in our vehicle during the voyage.

I definitely preferred to plan the Starcruiser for the first part of the trip. It was the star of our show, so we wanted to be fresh, focused, and ready. Part 2 of our trip was all pool/relax and a little park time.

I’m sure a trip can be crafted successfully any number of ways, but the above worked well for us. Hope that helps!

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

For those wondering about what to do before and after your GS journey, I found this video highly informative. Sorry, it is 75 minutes long, and there are not chapters indicated in the description, but Dan of the Dan-o Channel and Sara from Princess & Scoundrel discuss the trip they took with her family, him, and a handful of other friends. Dan stayed for a couple days afterwards and felt like he really needed it, to do something fun while coming down from the dopamine high (his description) of being constantly stimulated and excited and active for 44 hours. Sara agreed because she went straight home with her husband and two kids (2yo and 7yo) and it was a huge downer*. So maybe a low-key day or two still in the Disney bubble before going home might be nice.
Sara also gives some helpful info and insights about the pros and cons of having a child in your party who a) needs a stroller and/or b) does not read yet. The youngest kids get to be part of a Loth Cat Crew and have their own, modified Lightsaber Training session.

*Her description basically reminded me of "Post-Bridal Depression," the big come down and adjustment one might have to do after spending 6-18 months planning a giant one-day affair, going over detail after detail, and then it's just done and over and normal, pedestrian Real Life resumes. In other words, how some of us feel after normal Disney trips, but pressurized and compressed into a heightened 3 days instead of like a week.

 

[Bluemystique]

For those who stayed at WDW prior to the cruise, did you stay afterwards as well and go back to a WDW hotel (same or different one)? We're starting to bounce around the idea of going in August before, after, or in the middle of a trip we have booked. If we do that, it's going to turn into a 9-10 night trip most likely - so we're going to have quite a bit more luggage than would be normal for a GSC 2-night trip and more than we'd normally have for a WDW trip (I imagine we'll end up with nearly a suitcase of just the clothing we'll only wear during the GSC 2 days). I'm wondering if you're going back to the same hotel whether they'd hold your luggage for you for those 2 days. We haven't flown since pre-pandemic, but would probably try to fly again this summer. I'm worried about having that much luggage.

Also, for those that did a split trip, any thoughts on where in the trip (beginning/middle/end) you thought my be best for the GSC portion? We might end up just basing it off of price, but otherwise I'm currently thinking the beginning of the trip but have no idea if that's a good thought or not.

Our trip was a bit shorter than what some people planned because the kids were only off for a 4-day stretch. First night was Poly, then GS then AKL. We would have loved to be able to turn it into a longer trip but you know, life happens. You may want to ask the hotel you're staying at if they can hold your luggage that long; I'm not that experienced in it myself. As for us, we drove our own car, so our baggage situation was like this: small suitcase (packed for Poly AM and AKL AM clothes), large suitcase (all Starcruiser gear, ie costumes and casual wear), 3-4 reusable bags/diaper bag for common items (bathroom gear, jackets, sunscreen, stuffed animals and blankies) for all 3 resorts, plus lightsaber bag and droid bag. First night at Poly we took small suitcase and reusable/diaper bags into the hotel room and left large suitcase and lightsaber and droid bags in our car. Packed everything up the next day right before check out and used the valet for GS. At GS we took out large suitcase, reusable/diaper bags and lightsaber/droid bags and left small suitcase and Poly and MK souvenirs (yes, already bought stuff after 1 day lol) in the car. After GS, packed everything up for a day at Epcot until AKL room was ready, and once AKL was ready, only took out the same stuff as for Poly on first night.

As for timing wise, you should be fine if GS is on day 2 or later but give yourself a buffer of 1 relaxing day after GS before any hardcore park days. Other factors you may want to take into consideration include: you'll have LL for RotR and Smuggler's Run so would you rather have your Batuu excursion on crowded park days (weekends) or weekdays? Will there be any obligations, religious or otherwise, during your trip? (DH and DS11 regret having meatless meals on GS on a Friday during Lent because they felt like they were missing out.) How many souvenirs do you plan on buying before or during GS to haul around while transferring for split stays or will you try shipping them home? Some resorts may have laundry options too, so would you stay somewhere where you could do laundry and cut down how much clothes to bring? I'm sure there are other things to consider, but definitely look at a weather report the week before the trip to get an idea of what temperatures/precipitation to account for. August will be hot and humid and might have showers.

 

[JFox]

My balance isn't due until 04/24. I was planning to use gift cards purchased at Target.

I logged into MDE to make a payment and there is a note, "You may pay using up to one Disney Gift Card, one Disney Rewards Redemption Card and one credit card." Does this mean ever or just applies if I wanted to pay the balance on a single day?

My plan was to make several $1000 payments fro.m a single GC for the next few weeks. I'm guessing I could make the first one and then any future payments must be with a CC. I'm not using a Redemption card