The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Hotel has officially launched at Galaxy’s Edge.  There has been a ridiculous amount of reviews posted throughout the internet since the first launch.  My family and I were lucky enough to stay on the Halcyon and take part in the experience.  Instead of giving a review that probably won’t change your opinion of going staying on the Starcruiser, I am sharing some recommendations for those who are planning to go to Galaxy’s Edge in the near future.

If you are planning on staying at another Disney Resort prior to your stay on the Starcruiser be prepared to take all your luggage with you.  Since the Starcruiser isn’t technically a Disney Resort there is not a luggage transfer option that Disney offers when switching to other resorts.  Some families schedule their stay at the Starcruiser after spending a couple of days at the parks so it was a little bit of a struggle getting all their luggage and merchandise from the parks from the Resort they stayed at to the Starcruiser.

If you do not have your own transportation available then you can request a taxi voucher to transport you to the Starcruiser.  Make sure to verify with the front desk about transportation early in your stay because just like other Disney Parks events that just open most of the cast don’t have a lot of information to help you.  The feeling out process is still there with all the cast members outside Galaxy’s Edge.

The food served on the Halcyon is definitely unique.  The menu style is similar to the food at Galaxy’s Edge where the food is presented to look like it is out of this world.  I enjoyed the food but for my wife and one daughter who have food allergies they couldn’t eat most of the food on the menu.  The crew was very accommodating for my wife and daughter but they didn’t have anything crazy. Overall the food is nothing crazy but if you are a very picky eater you will need to bring snacks with you to eat because my wife and daughters were hungry most of the time during our stay.

From the minute you check-in to check-out your itinerary is booked.  While on the Halcyon you are immersed in a story that will require you to do a certain task to advance through the story.  There was very little time during the day to relax and check out the ship.  That time comes after dinner on the first and second night.  Unlike a cruise where you have the luxury to do what you want and enjoy the scenery, this is the total opposite.  The story and task make the time go by fast so make sure you soak up everything during your stay.

There is a pop-up store outside on the third morning, but it doesn’t have the exclusive merchandise you can get on the ship.  There is plenty of merchandise to choose from the exclusive lightsaber hilt and cosplay apparel to generic merchandise like shirts and patches.  Some guests definitely went all-in on the merchandise but for myself and my family we just settled for a couple shirts and a patch.

There is a Photopass option that you can purchase for $99.  This was one of the most missed opportunities by a lot of the guests. I highly recommend purchasing this option before you check in so you don’t have to carry around your phone or camera to take pictures.  There were so many guests walking around with their phones and cameras more concerned about getting that perfect picture or video than enjoying their time on the ship.  I have learned over the years visiting the parks it is better to purchase the Photopass for our trips than have to use our camera or phone for pictures.  The photos end up turning out better and we as a family can really enjoy our time.

You can check out more of what Galaxy’s Edge and Disney Parks have to offer here.