I called this back on a CoasterRadio Coastradamus prediction show, though I admit it was a pretty safe prediction even then. I think we all had a feeling that it may be unsustainable. I am a bit surprised, however, that they didn't just repurpose it into a more traditional themed hotel and drop the rates. Maybe that's still in the cards, who knows.
I really hope at some point we get a neutral post-mortem of Galactic Starcruiser from the inside sources.
It had so much potential as a concept, but right from the offset had a bunch of hurdles to provide the experience. All these interactive experiences are *very* labor intensive, and not just any labor, but improv actor intensive, so expensive and requiring a particular kind of talent. And if you want to have small groups of people interacting with staff on adventures, you've committed to a lot of money.
I was never entirely sure the venn diagram of people who want to spend that much money and want to interact this much was enough to keep the idea going. I know there are big spenders out there for both Disney and Star Wars, but my Live Role Playing game experience reminds me that a lot of people *don't* want interactive as much as a passive entertainment experience.
All that said, what I *was* sure is that all the marketing was underwhelming and Disney never got around or countered the initial media buzz that it was massively overpriced.
*Every* person that I've read about so far said it was a pretty amazing experience, so perhaps they *did* get the right audience in the door, so again, you wonder why the marketing couldn't keep people coming in. Was it the economy? If so, why not ride it out until now when things are springing back.
I was pretty shocked they didn't want to retool this and at least grind it out for a year or two more; seems like an early towel throw, and I think it's a big loss for the concept of these live experiences as a whole.
I called this back on a CoasterRadio Coastradamus prediction show, though I admit it was a pretty safe prediction even then. I think we all had a feeling that it may be unsustainable. I am a bit surprised, however, that they didn't just repurpose it into a more traditional themed hotel and drop the rates. Maybe that's still in the cards, who knows.
I wonder if the focus was more Luke, Han, Leah, original trilogy era, if things would’ve been different. Then tie it into what Filoni is doing.
I really hope at some point we get a neutral post-mortem of Galactic Starcruiser from the inside sources.
It had so much potential as a concept, but right from the offset had a bunch of hurdles to provide the experience. All these interactive experiences are *very* labor intensive, and not just any labor, but improv actor intensive, so expensive and requiring a particular kind of talent. And if you want to have small groups of people interacting with staff on adventures, you've committed to a lot of money.
I was never entirely sure the venn diagram of people who want to spend that much money and want to interact this much was enough to keep the idea going. I know there are big spenders out there for both Disney and Star Wars, but my Live Role Playing game experience reminds me that a lot of people *don't* want interactive as much as a passive entertainment experience.
All that said, what I *was* sure is that all the marketing was underwhelming and Disney never got around or countered the initial media buzz that it was massively overpriced.
*Every* person that I've read about so far said it was a pretty amazing experience, so perhaps they *did* get the right audience in the door, so again, you wonder why the marketing couldn't keep people coming in. Was it the economy? If so, why not ride it out until now when things are springing back.
I was pretty shocked they didn't want to retool this and at least grind it out for a year or two more; seems like an early towel throw, and I think it's a big loss for the concept of these live experiences as a whole.
You don't need to be a professional bean counter to know that $6,000 for a 2 night stay would be a tough sell.
I was hoping to the make it to hotel but looks like it might not be in the cards. Probably better for my budget anyway!