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Credit: DisneyIt’s been almost two full years since Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser permanently closed at Walt Disney World, but only now has Disney finally taken a small but symbolic step: covering up one of the directional road signs that pointed to the shuttered experience.
The update might not seem like much—a simple decal covering the words “Galactic Starcruiser”—but for many fans, it’s yet another reminder of one of Disney’s most ambitious (and controversial) projects fading further into the past.
The Sign That Refused to Disappear
Located just off the road that once led guests to the exclusive “Halcyon” starcruiser terminal, the sign in question stood untouched since the hotel’s closure in September 2023. It sat there like a relic of an experiment that soared into the Disney galaxy and fizzled out just as quickly. Now, the hotel name has been blotted out with a blue decal. That’s it. No fanfare. No announcement. Just… gone.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the only sign still lingering around the area. Two others nearby continue to point drivers toward the nonexistent destination. One is a standalone sign that directs only to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which could be easily taken down.
The other is an overhead sign listing it alongside destinations like EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs. So while one sign has been dealt with, the ghost of the Galactic Starcruiser isn’t fully gone just yet.
A Short-Lived Journey Through Hyperspace
For those who might have missed it, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was far from a typical hotel. It was designed to be a two-night, fully immersive roleplaying adventure that let guests live out their own Star Wars storyline.
Guests became passengers on the Halcyon, interacting with characters, making alliances, and even going on missions that tied into a day trip to Batuu (aka Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios).
It officially opened in March 2022 and was one of the most ambitious undertakings Disney had ever attempted—both creatively and financially. Unfortunately, that high level of ambition came with an equally high price tag. Most voyages started around $4,800 for two people, with costs climbing even higher for families.
Despite solid initial reviews and passionate fans who loved the idea, it became clear within a year that the concept just wasn’t sustainable for the long term. The hotel closed permanently in September 2023.
What Happens to the Building Now?
The space that once housed this galactic getaway won’t be left to gather dust. Disney has repurposed the facility for internal use. The building is being transformed into offices for Walt Disney Imagineering—the creative powerhouse behind many of Disney’s attractions and resorts.
So, while the public won’t be stepping aboard the Halcyon again, the location is still very much in use. Just… no more lightsabers or Resistance missions. No more secret meetings in the engineering room. And definitely no more themed food and character encounters.
Why Covering the Sign Matters
It might seem silly to some—a sticker on a sign. But for many Disney fans, this is yet another sign (no pun intended) of a closed chapter. The Galactic Starcruiser represented a very specific moment in time for Disney Parks. It was part of a push toward immersive storytelling, one that merged hotel stays with live-action theater, tech-driven experiences, and a strong IP.
But its closure also sparked bigger conversations about Disney’s direction. Was the price point too high for even the most die-hard fans? Did the experience ask too much of guests in terms of time and engagement? Was there ever a large enough audience for a Star Wars live-action LARP (Live Action Role Play) hotel?
Whatever the reasons behind its demise, the slow removal of signage shows just how cautiously Disney is moving on from what was once a flagship project.
A Lasting Impact—or a Cautionary Tale?
While many fans mourn what could’ve been, others see Galactic Starcruiser as a cautionary tale. It was a project born of bold creativity, but it may have misunderstood its market. Its short run means it likely won’t become a nostalgic cornerstone of Disney’s history like the Great Movie Ride or Maelstrom, but for those who did experience it, it remains one of the most unique offerings the parks have ever had.
Some fans still share their “voyage” memories online, complete with photos, videos, and detailed breakdowns of the story paths they chose. For them, it was worth every penny. But for the majority of potential guests, the cost and commitment kept it forever out of reach.
One Sign Down… How Many More to Go?
So here we are in July 2025, nearly two years post-closure, and Disney is just now starting to clean up the remnants. There’s no word yet on when—or if—the other signs will be removed or altered. But if the past is any indication, it may be a while.
For now, the covered sign stands as a quiet footnote to a bold project that aimed for the stars but couldn’t quite stick the landing. Whether it’s remembered as a visionary idea ahead of its time or a costly misstep, one thing’s certain: it’ll be talked about for years.
And now, at least one less road sign will be there to remind you of it.