The Galactic Starcruiser hotel at Walt Disney World Resort was undoubtedly one of Disney’s most ambitious and groundbreaking ventures. With its innovative concept and immersive offerings, this boutique hotel captured the hearts and imaginations of Star Wars fans from around the world. However, much to the dismay of enthusiasts, the doors of this extraordinary establishment were regrettably closed last year, leaving a void in the hearts of Star Wars lovers everywhere.
Now, months after the Halcyon Starcruiser’s final voyage, the experience is being revived in a huge way.
From the moment it was announced, the Galactic Starcruiser had enticed fans with the promise of an unparalleled journey into the Star Wars universe. Disney’s vision for the Galactic Starcruiser experience was to create an otherworldly immersive entertainment escape where guests could truly find themselves in the story and feel like they were part of an epic space adventure. The level of detail and craftsmanship Walt Disney Imagineering put into every aspect of the hotel was truly commendable, showcasing the Disney Parks commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.
One of the highlights of the Galactic Starcruiser was undoubtedly the interactive experiences it offered to each guest. Guests had the opportunity to embark on missions, interact with iconic Star Wars characters, and participate in thrilling adventures on the ship and at the Galaxys Edge theme park. Whether it was learning the ways of the Force from a Jedi Master or engaging in a lightsaber battle, every moment was filled with excitement and wonder.
Now, despite the ride being closed, fans will once again be able to experience these phenomenons.
A new fan event called Halcy-Con is coming to the Orlando Florida area this year. The website describes it as “a new fan experience,” saying:
“Make no mistake, this is no traditional convention event. Halcy-Con will be a boutique playground of various fun and informative activities, all created and hosted BY Galactic Starcruiser superfans FOR Galactic Starcruiser superfans. And just like a cruise aboard Galactic Starcruiser, this special fan celebration is designed for less than 500 attendees, so be sure to purchase your event badges right away! Gather your crew, bring your characters back to life once more and we’ll see you at Halcy-Con 2024, a Galactic Starcruiser superfans celebration!”
Just four hours after tickets went on sale, Halcy-Con sold out.
Halcy-Con 2024, a fan-created two-day Galactic Starcruiser superfan celebration being held in Orlando in October, sold out in just four hours today. The event is by fans, for fans and not affiliated with Disney or Lucasfilm. pic.twitter.com/RQ3OnjtqH3
Walt Disney World Resort is thrilled to “Celebrate Soulfully” during Black History Month in February with vibrant art, soul stirring music, savory soul food and a limited-edition pin, embracing the richness of Black heritage.
Through the talents of wonderful Cast Members and collaborations with a myriad of Black-owned businesses, guests can “Celebrate Soulfully” across the resort throughout the year, but especially during Black History Month. Explore some ways to honor Black culture, heritage and contributions at Walt Disney World Resort this February.
Ring in the Celebration with Michael James Scott as the Honorary Parade Grand Marshal
Broadway performer and Orlando native Michael James Scott, well known for his portrayal of Genie in the hit Broadway musical, “Aladdin,” will be the honorary grand marshal for the “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” at Magic Kingdom Park on Feb. 6. His appearance helps kick off our month-long celebration of Black heritage and culture. Guests can catch Michael James Scott along the parade route all the way down to Main Street, U.S.A., around 3 p.m. ET.*
Collect the New Princess Tiana Tiara Pin
With the theme of dreams coming true, and just in time for Black History Month, a new Princess Tiana tiara pin is available at locations around Disney theme parks and soon on shopDisney.com. The limited-release pin was designed by Brittany L. Smith, a senior production designer with Walt Disney Imagineering. The pin is inspired by Brittany’s interpretation of the tiara-topped water tower featured in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Smith is also a designer for Tiana’s Audio-Animatronics character in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opens at Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park this year.
Celebrate the Arts at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Guests can check out the artistic designs of three Black artists participating in EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which is a grand celebration of artistic expression in all forms. The three Black artists are taking part on various days through Feb. 19.
Ryan Riller (Feb. 12-19)
Yesenia Moises (Feb.13-19)
Larissa Marantz (Feb. 14-19)
Also, guests can’t miss the performances by the following Black artists lighting up the stage at America Gardens Theatre during the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series on select nights during the festival:**
Steven Taylor (“The Lion King” – Jan. 26, 28 and 29, Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6)
Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King” – Jan. 27, 30 and 31, Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8)
Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” – Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18 and 19)
Explore Artistic Expressions at Disney Springs Art Walk
Guests can head over to Disney Springs for food, music, shopping– and some colorful artwork by several Black artists. Guests should take a stroll past the Disney Springs Art Walk where they will find murals painted by Black artists such as Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones and Nardstar.
Check out the African Art exhibit in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
A new African art installation is coming to the Pizzafari gate at Disney’s Animal Kingdom beginning February 1. Featured artwork from internationally renowned Nigerian-American artist Victor Ekpuk explores historical narratives and contemporary African diaspora.
Be Inspired by the work of Floyd Norman, Disney’s First Black Animator
Floyd Norman, Disney’s first credited Black animator, helped animate characters Kaa and Shere Khan from “The Jungle Book.” At Conservation Station’s Animation Experience in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests will receive step-by-step guidance on how to illustrate their own version of the popular Disney Animation and Pixar Animation Studios characters that Norman helped to animate as well as others such as Bruce from “Finding Nemo;” Tick-Tock from “Peter Pan;” or Scar from “The Lion King.”
Indulge in “Cooking with Soul” Cuisine
Across Walt Disney World resorts, guests can expect to see “Cooking with Soul” items on restaurant menus. They will find classic comfort food prepared by a diverse group of Walt Disney World chefs.
Mini Red Velvet Cake: Red velvet cake with cream cheese buttercream(New);
Available at:
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Tiana’s Petit Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece(New)
Available at:
Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)
Shrimp and Grits: Roasted corn and goat cheese, peri-peri shrimp, and green tomato-apple chutney(Currently Available)
Available at:
Tiffins Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Griot and Pikliz: Epis-marinated fried pork shoulder, fried green plantain, and pikliz (New)
Available at:
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Disney Springs (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Check out the Foodie Guide for the full list of Cooking with Soul items found across Walt Disney World.
Make Magical Memories with Ariel, Tiana and Asha
Throughout February and beyond guests can interact with a variety of popular and diverse characters such as Tiana at Magic Kingdom, Ariel from the live-action story at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Asha at EPCOT.
With every beat, every flavor and every smile, guests are sure to enjoy “Celebrating Soulfully” at Walt Disney World Resort!
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping across the world, and millions of people were forced to stay in their homes. Businesses were forced to shut their doors, including Disney theme parks. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida was only closed for about four months. Disneyland Resort, in Anaheim, California, on the other hand, was closed for more than a year.
When the theme parks finally reopened, things were very different. The parks had strict capacity limits, masks were required at all times, and there were no buffet-style restaurants or character dining. There were also no character meet and greets. It was a vastly different Disney experience than the one guests had been used to.
It’s been just about four years since the world, as we knew it, changed drastically. However, things at Disney have largely returned to the way they were before the pandemic. The parks seem to be more crowded than ever, character meet and greets are drawing large crowds, and dining is almost completely back to normal.
With one glaring exception.
Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was known for one really great character dining experience — 1900 Park Fare. 1900 Park Fare was a character dining experience that was open for breakfast and dinner. Guests enjoying breakfast were able to see characters like Mary Poppins, Pooh, Tigger, Alice, and the Mad Hatter.
Dinner was Cinderella-themed, so guests would be able to interact with Cinderella and Prince Charming. The highlight, though, was definitely Lady Tremaine (Cinderella’s wicked stepmother), and Cinderella’s stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella.
1900 Park Fare has been closed for almost four years, having never reopened after the pandemic. But that will reportedly soon change!
The cast members we spoke to confirmed that 1900 Park Fare will reopen THIS YEAR! The cast members also confirmed that, when the restaurant finally does reopen, it will have the character dining that guests have grown to love.
At this time, we do not have an official opening date. Construction can still be heard happening behind closed doors, but it is exciting to know that the delicious dining spot will be back soon and better than ever!
Families can plan a spectacular escape this spring with this special offer at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. The longer Guests stay, the more they save!
Guests can save up to 30% on select rooms for stays of 5 or more nights or 25% on select rooms for stays of 4 nights for travel most nights between April 12 to June 12, 2024. Or save up to 10% on Villas for stays most nights from June 13 to July 31, 2024.
Plus, when Guests book through February 7, stays of 4 or more nights include a $150 Resort credit!
A familiar restaurant along Disney’s BoardWalk will be permanently closing this week.
Big River Grille & Brewing Works at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will close permanently at the end of the day (10:00 pm) on Sunday, January 21, 2024. The restaurant, which has operated in the space since 1996, offered American grille favorites along with popular beers. Disney has not announced a replacement for the space.
