As predicted, it's the end of the line for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the ill-fated Disney immersive experience. The three reasons why this failed, plus magical Steamboat Willie at the new Disneyland Hotel DVC tower and a tempting new menu for Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios.

As Predicted, Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser is Done

It was doomed to fail before it ever sailed, which we discussed at length most recently in Episodes 163 and 168

We now know the final voyage for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will take place Sept. 28-30, 2023.

While Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was one of our most creative projects Disney has ever implemented at Walt Disney World, there were a number of epic fails that have led to its demise.

·       Bad marketing that pandered to "influencers" and turned off their upscale target guest demographic

·       An immersive experience that wasn't truly immersive, a ban on mobile devices should have been number one

·       Guest accommodations that were not of the stature they should have been. This could have been remedied while staying on theme.

Disney is currently contacting guests who had booked voyages to sort out how they will manage this in the time remaining

All is not lost, however. We shared several ideas for what we believe are workable solutions for this space. So we will see how things evolve over the coming months.

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Classic Disney animation is at the heart of the theming for the upcoming Disney Vacation Club property at Disneyland Hotel (opening in September).

As part of this, the new Palette Pool, Palm Breeze Bar, and themed splash pad will incorporate elements from Steamboat Willie.

A large model of the Steamboat Willie boat will be captained by Mickey Mouse as it comes to life with fun water play features. From the boat’s cascading waterfall, misty fog effects rising from the boat’s funnels and the variety of pop jets and fountains, it promises to be an instant classic for your little ones.

Thanks to a little Disney magic, after dark the Steamboat Willie splash pad will transform from black and white to vivid colors with the help of some artistic lighting.

For us older kids, the artist-palette-shaped pool anchored by rainbow glow of multi-colored lounge areas will be a place to relax and unwind.

Drinks and snacks will be available at the Palm Breeze Bar. This outdoor venue will feature modern decor inspired by the imaginative artistry of Disney Legend, Mary Blair (who also worked on it’s a small world and the murals in the Grand Canyon Concourse at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort Hotel).

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Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios recently launched a new seasonal menu. Will this help to elevate this Signature Dining to a level that it has never really reached?

New starters include the Crab Louie, which features crispy olive bread, citrus blend, fried capers and Louie sauce. There's also Shrimp Cocktail topped with shaved fennel cucumbers and a traditional cocktail sauce.

For cheese lovers, the Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad combines shaved onions, Thai basil, gremolata, and a delicious citrus vinaigrette, while the Charcuterie Board features the Chef’s selection of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments.

An Escargot app is accompanied by roasted garlic béchamel and crispy prosciutto and the Roasted Bone Marrow is composed of braised beef, pickled mustard seeds and a fig bread crostini. 

The entrée menu includes a classic Filet Mignon with glazed carrots, potato pave, horseradish cream and a peppercorn sauce. The Lamb Shank comes with summer vegetables, harissa vinaigrette, and nasturtium chermoula.

 

The new Free-Range Chicken and Dumplings dish features a lemon-ricotta Gnudi, shishito cream, and a gooseberry jus. If pork is your thing, the recently added Grilled Pork comes with a lavender-sage polenta and local corn salsa, complete with a huckleberry barbecue sauce.

 

On the seafood side, the Sustainable Fish dish has a white bean ragout, derby summer vegetables, and roasted tomato emulsion. The Seafood Cioppino brings together shrimp, sea scallops, seasonal fish, mussels, a toasted baguette and aromatic tomato broth.

 

Finally, there's even a classic comfort dish in the Shepherd’s Pie. This combines roasted garlic mashed potatoes, mushrooms, peas, corn, and carrot Romesco and it's plant-based.

Disney notes that the Cobb Salad and Grapefruit Cake are both still on the menu.

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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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