Two years after its final voyage, Walt Disney World’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is officially being transformed for a new purpose. According to the Orlando Business Journal, permits confirm that construction has begun to repurpose the former boutique hotel into offices for Walt Disney Imagineering.
Disney first announced in January that the site would shift to office use, following the Starcruiser’s short-lived run as a two-night immersive resort experience. The project is now underway under the name “Project H,” according to filings released by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
Details of “Project H”
The new permits reveal:
- Demolition and reconfiguration of existing hotel spaces, including updated restroom layouts.
- Plans to adapt building systems for office needs.
- No publicly available information yet on the investment cost, contractors, or project timeline.
Disney has not released additional statements regarding the conversion.
Site and Property Value
The 16-acre property at 201 S. Studio Drive, near Disney’s Hollywood Studios, currently includes:
- A 112,704-square-foot hotel
- A 9,478-square-foot warehouse
- A 700-square-foot office
The property’s market value has dropped about 20.6% year-over-year, from $48.2 million to $38.3 million, reflecting its closure and transition.
A Short-Lived Chapter in Star Wars History
The Galactic Starcruiser opened in March 2022, offering guests a roleplaying-style Star Wars adventure aboard the fictional starship Halcyon. Guests interacted with aliens, participated in missions, and enjoyed themed dining as part of a fully immersive storyline. Pricing ranged from $4,809 to $5,999 per trip depending on cabin type and party size.
Although the project earned praise for its creativity, the experience lasted just over a year before Disney closed it in 2023 for “business reasons.” Industry reports indicated Disney took a tax write-down on the property, limiting its immediate reuse.
This conversion comes as Disney prepares for what it has called an “unprecedented era of growth” at Walt Disney World. With nearly 70,000 employees in Orlando, Walt Disney World remains the region’s largest single-site employer and continues to be the top tourism driver, welcoming more than 50 million annual visitors in recent years. The company has committed to a $17 billion investment in Central Florida over the next decade, with multiple new attractions and expansions planned through 2026.
