South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser to open March 1
Guardian of Galaxy ride also to debut in 2022
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the immersive experience planned for Walt Disney World, will open to the public March 1, the resort announced in a virtual news conference Thursday morning. And the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride that’s under construction at Epcot will debut in 2022.
These are the most specific dates yet given for the attractions. Previously, Disney had narrowed the window for Starcruiser to merely “spring” of next year, and Cosmic Rewind’s debut had been publicly adrift since the thrill ride was announced in 2017.
The announcements come as Disney World prepares to launch its 50th anniversary celebration into high gear Friday.
Galactic Starcruiser, sometimes referred to as “Star Wars hotel” by fans, will put visitors in the setting of a space vessel, where they will choose roles and make decisions that affect their two-night stay. Starcruiser is under construction near Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.
Cosmic Rewind is going up on the former site of Epcot’s Universe of Energy and in a new big bright-blue building in a former backstage area. On Wednesday, members of the media were allowed to stand briefly on the floor of the facility, which is filled with black rails and featured a purple vortex-looking scene. (No photography was allowed.)
Thursday’s news conference also included the announcement of MagicBand+, which will create more interactivity with theme park attractions, including the recently installed Disney Fab 50 Character Collection. It will become available next year. No purchase price was given.
The bulk of the virtual event recapped previously announced additions and coming-soon attractions, including Magic Kingdom’s “Disney Enchanted” and Epcot’s “Harmonious” and its Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
ride. Each of those officially debuts Friday as the resort begins its celebration, scheduled to last 18 months.
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